To Whenua花园丨新西兰丨Elle（园艺师,景观设计师和艺术家）

private garden

To Whenua

717 River Road, Taumarunui 3991

Overview

To Whenua is located about 7 km from Taumarunui down on the Forgotten Highway and has been the home of Elle & John Anderson since 2016. The house and gardens are situated alongside the Whanganui River, offering special views across the paddocks to the river and bluff beyond.

The garden consists of approximately 14 acres of land on which Elle & John run dry stock, grow their vegetables, have a large chicken run and supply all their firewood. They run the property as sustainably as possible while following many organic principles. For them, the garden is as much part of the wider landscape it sits in.

At over 100 years old, the house has seen many additions & alterations since it was built. The garden and wider property have also seen many changes and improvements – one of the biggest being that only jet boats go past now, the river boats having long since ceased their journeys. In its early days, the house was serviced with goods via the river, until a decent road link was established to Taumarunui.

During the renovations of the gardens, several great features were discovered, and these have been given a new lease on life while adding other interesting features.

The garden consists of a mix of native and exotic plants, such as tree ferns, hydrangeas, rhododendrons, and many fruit trees, providing John & Elle with yearly fruit for bottling jam making.

Made up of several intimate spaces, from a bog garden to a Hosta garden, the garden is linked through walkways and private spaces to enjoy the sun or the gorgeous views of the Whanganui River. It is bordered by a stream across which several large purple and green beech trees can be seen. These trees appear to be from a vintage similar to the house’s age.

The Gardener

A gardener, landscape designer and artist, Elle, and her very supportive husband John, have spent the years since purchasing To Whenua reimagining the many previous owners’ long abandoned gardens and wider areas around the house. The garden presented many challenges and pesky weeds (such as Wandering Jew, Convolvulus, Montbretia, and Oxalis) to eradicate along the way. This means the replanting is done slowly to ensure these weeds are eradicated and to stop future tears and frustrations.

Garden Size

To Whenua consists of approximately 14 acres of land.

Other Facilities

Forgotten World Adventures runs self-driven Rail Cart tours along the decommissioned railway line of the Forgotten World Highway. Nestled within the deep hidden valleys of New Zealand’s Forgotten World has been described as the ultimate way to explore rural New Zealand. Travel along a decommissioned railway line, through tunnels, over bridges and rivers and to townships that time forgot. Forgotten World Adventures shares a history unique to New Zealand. It’s truly unforgettable.

Mounts Ruapehu, Ngauruhoe, and Tongariro

Tongariro National Park

Whanganui River

Timber Trail cycle trail

Info

Accommodation

Omaka Lodge has comfortable, quality accommodation 1 km away.

Price

We have an entry price to the garden, which includes a guided tour for $15.

Parking

Wheelchair Access

Unfortunately, To Whenua is not wheelchair or walker accessible. Visitors need to be sturdy on their feet and able to walk up/down steps and on gravel driveways and paths

Dogs allowed?

No dogs as we are a working farm with our dogs.

Picnics

You are welcome to bring a picnic, please take away your rubbish.

Children allowed?

The garden is unsuitable for young children due to a stream and pond.

Toilets?

No toilets available.

Seating

Seating is available throughout the garden.

Guided Tours

All visits include a guided tour.

717 River Road, Taumarunui 3991

Elle Anderson

021 044 2057

elle@elleanderson.co.nz

Garden Hours

We are open from 01 October until mid/late April (season/weather dependent). To visit us, please arrange an appointment via email or phone.

Price

We have an entry price to the garden, which includes a guided tour for $15.

Map

717 River Road, Taumarunui 3991

To Whenua is located about 7 km from Taumarunui down on the Forgotten Highway

Gallery

Click an image to enlarge