The unique and historic Elms Gardens is nestled on 2.5 Acres in the heart of Tauranga City. First developed over 180 years ago, the benefits of generations of nurturing the collection, design and planting have created an enchanting garden.
As one of the oldest gardens in New Zealand, the Elm’s thoughtful integration of Indigenous and heritage species alongside those introduced by the early missionary gardeners adds to its charm. Established trees, and New Zealand’s oldest oak tree, provide the perfect habitat for Native plants and a vibrant birdlife. People from all over the world enjoy the garden’s distinctive features, spectacular setting and history.
The Elms is proud to be recognised by the New Zealand Gardens Trust 5 Star National Garden of Significance certificate. The Heritage Garden Pavilion, symbolising the evolving relationship between Māori and Pakeha, was highly commended in the NZ Timber Design Awards 2023.
We offer specialised garden tours for individuals and groups. Pre-bookings are essential. To discuss a custom garden tour contact: reception@theelms.org.nz
Entry: Cost
Open hours and information
- Open 7 days a week (closed on Christmas and Boxing Day)
- Gates open: Winter 11 am to 3 pm and Summer 10 am to 4 pm daily
- There is no café on site. You are welcome to bring a picnic. Devonshire Teas are available for group bookings.
- Our heritage status requires we have aggregate paths. Only the grass lawn areas are wheelchair accessible at present. The grounds and building visits can take 1 hour.
- Bus and car parking is available out the front on Mission St.
- Toilets are available.
Seasonal Garden Highlights
Spring in The Elms Garden brings a veritable delight of blooms, from the collection of 11 Camelias to the numerous bulbs and Hellebores flowering with the added delight of the Pear and Cherry blossom surrounding the Chapel. Spring at the Elms also makes way for the Red Pōhutakawa tree display.
Summer sees the many Hollyhocks blooming in unison, considerately planted amongst the vast collection (69) rose bushes, including the Tudor and Clendon Roses. The bold Hydrangea selection adds swathes of colour to the view down each corridor of the garden. With native King ferns providing a cool green background to a hot summer afternoon in the garden
Autumn offers a background of rich golden colours from the Maple, Ginko and many notable original trees including the flowering Kohekohe tree at The Elms, truly a delight to behold and provides many photo opportunities. Autumn is also the time for harvesting Heirloom Pears, Walnuts, Sweet Chestnuts to the collection of Heritage Kūmera.
Winter sunshine is enhanced by the fall of tree foliage in the garden allowing perfect conditions for the likes of the Orchids, Daphnes and Magnolias in various locations in the garden.
No matter the season, there is always something on show at The Elms 5 Star National Garden.