A garden shaped by generations
Step away from the bustle of the city and discover the peaceful gardens of The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga. Set within a one-hectare heritage property, these grounds reflect generations of planting, care and the changing lives of the people who have called this place home.
Mature trees, sheltered lawns and winding paths provide a setting in which to explore the connections between gardening, history and everyday life. Native plants grow alongside introduced species associated with the mission and Maxwell family eras, creating a garden with a distinctive character and a rich story to tell.
Take time to enjoy the birdsong, look closely at the planting and appreciate the historic buildings framed by the gardens.
Discover the garden with your group
We welcome garden clubs, societies and other groups for specialised garden tours by prior arrangement. Our guides share stories of the people who developed and cared for the grounds, introducing features that reveal how the garden has evolved over time.
Please contact us to discuss your group’s interests and itinerary. A garden visit can also be combined with a tour of the historic House and Library.
For a relaxed addition to your outing, ask about a Devonshire Tea before or after your tour. These are available during spring and summer for pre-booked groups of 20 or more, subject to availability.
Enjoy the changing seasons
Spring in The Elms Garden brings a veritable delight of blooms, from the collection of 11 Camelias to the many Daffodil 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 Rose. 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 Kūmara.
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.
Plan your visit
Our current opening hours are 11 am–3 pm, Tuesday to Saturday. We are closed on Sundays and Mondays.
Please see our Plan Your Visit page for current admission prices and general visitor information. Specialised group garden tours require advance booking; contact us to discuss availability and pricing.
You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the grounds. There is no café on site, and food and drink are not permitted inside the historic buildings. Toilets are available.
The grounds include shell and stone paths, lawns and uneven surfaces. Please contact us before your visit to discuss wheelchair access, walking aids or other mobility requirements so we can help you plan a suitable route.
Limited parking is available on Mission Street, with a two-hour time limit. Public parking is also available on Cliff Road. If your group is arriving by coach, please discuss arrival arrangements with us when booking.
Arrange a group garden tour
To discuss a visit, please complete the enquiry form below or contact our team.
Phone: 07 577 9772
Email: reception@theelms.org.nz
We look forward to welcoming your group to the gardens of The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga.
