Running from nine to 12 April, the conference—Honouring the Past, Gifting to the Future—will be based in Timaru and with visitors from across New Zealand exploring a curated selection of gardens and landscapes across Canterbury and North Otago.
The Trust is also honoured to have Timaru local and Minister for the South Island, the Honourable James Meager joining us for the conference dinner.
The opening day begins in Canterbury with visits to well-known private gardens Frensham and Broadfield, before travelling south via a welcome lunch at Meadowbank and a stop at the Ashburton Domain.
The programme then focuses on South Canterbury and North Otago. In Timaru, delegates will visit the Botanic Gardens and Trevor Griffiths Rose Garden, alongside a visit to Craigmore Station, a historic high-country property where farming, landscape, and cultural heritage intersect.
Across North Otago, visits include Riverstone Kitchen garden, Brookfield Park, the Ōamaru Public Gardens, the Douglas Family Trust Arboretum, and Willow Park—showcasing a mix of heritage landscapes, private gardens, and contemporary approaches to land stewardship.
The final day includes visits in South Canterbury to community planting projects in Geraldine and the distinctive Capricorns garden, where art and landscape are closely integrated within a rural setting.
As well as Minister Meager, the conference features a line-up of speakers including garden designer Ross Palmer, alongside voices from botanic gardens, tourism, and digital storytelling, exploring how people connect with landscapes and how gardens can evolve into the future.
Chair of the Trust, Hamish Saxton, says the conference reflects both heritage and forward thinking.
“These landscapes carry layers of history—environmental, cultural, and personal—giving them a depth which resonates with us all today. Our conference recognises that legacy, while also looking ahead to how gardens can respond to change and continue to be fundamental to the wellbeing and heritage of future generations.”
Saxton adds that gardening remains one of the world’s most popular pastimes, with garden tourism attracting strong national and international interest.
“The quality of gardens in New Zealand is world class. Garden tourism is often best experienced in the regions, particularly in autumn and spring—supporting seasonal travel and bringing visitors into local communities.”
The event will bring both visitors and economic benefit to the region, while raising the profile of local gardens and landscapes.
The New Zealand Gardens Trust promotes Gardens of Significance across New Zealand, supporting conservation, education, and garden tourism.