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Kaponga
1.3 km
1 hour
50 metres
Safety notice: Conditions change; check DOC/local council/weather before walking.
If you find yourself wandering through the lush, green heart of Taranaki’s dairy country, there is a hidden gem in Kaponga that demands a spot on your itinerary. Hollard Gardens isn't just your standard walking track; it is a living, breathing piece of New Zealand history. Spanning a gentle 1.3km loop, this walk is an absolute "must-do" for anyone who appreciates the artistry of nature, the rewards of a lifelong passion project, and the simple joy of a peaceful stroll under a canopy of exotic and native trees.
Whether you are a local looking for a fresh Sunday morning leg-stretch or a tourist exploring the "Mountain Province," Hollard Gardens offers an intimate experience that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The beauty of the Hollard Gardens Walks lies in its accessibility and its variety. Covering a distance of just 1.3km, the main loop is an easy, low-impact journey that takes about an hour to fully appreciate—though you could easily spend much longer if you stop to read the plant labels or take photos of every bloom. With a negligible elevation gain of only 50 metres, it is perfectly suited for all fitness levels.
As you step onto the path, you’ll immediately notice the high standard of maintenance. The tracks are well-formed and designed to be wheelchair and buggy friendly, making this one of the most inclusive walks in the region. You aren't just walking through a garden; you’re walking through a story. The path guides you through two distinct eras: the "Old Garden" and the "New Garden."
The Old Garden, established in 1927, feels like a secret sanctuary. Here, the paths wind through mature, established plantings where the air feels cooler and the light filters through a dense canopy of heritage trees. It has an "English woodland" charm, but with a distinct Kiwi twist. As you transition into the New Garden, developed from 1981 onwards, the landscape opens up. The vistas are wider, the layout is more modern, and on a clear day, you’ll be treated to stunning framed views of the majestic Mounga (Mount) Taranaki standing sentinel in the distance.
The terrain is a pleasant mix of gentle bushwalks and soft, manicured grassy areas. It’s the kind of place where you can let the kids run ahead a little bit without worry, as the loop is easy to follow and the environment feels safe and welcoming.
Plenty of free parking is available at the carpark located at 1686 Upper Manaia Road, Kaponga. Campervans are welcome to park overnight for free.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae
Endemic New Zealand honeyeater with distinctive white throat tuft and iridescent plumage. Known for its complex and beautiful song.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
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Loop
What makes Hollard Gardens truly special is the legacy of its founders, Bernie and Rose Hollard. Bernie was a legendary plantsman, and his influence is visible in every corner of the property.
Hollard Gardens is located at 1686 Upper Manaia Road, Kaponga, right in the thick of Taranaki’s beautiful rural landscape.
The drive itself is a classic Taranaki experience—rolling green hills, black-and-white cows, and the mountain looming larger as you get closer. There is plenty of free parking available at the main carpark.
A fantastic bonus for those travelling in motorhomes: campervans are welcome to park overnight for free at the carpark. This makes it a wonderful, quiet base for exploring the southern side of the Egmont National Park or the nearby town of Stratford.
As you walk, keep your ears open. The gardens are a haven for native birdlife, thanks to the sheer diversity of flowering plants and seed-bearing trees that Bernie planted over the decades.
The best time for birdwatching is usually early morning or late afternoon when the garden is at its quietest and the birds are most active in their search for food.
Hollard Gardens is a "four seasons" destination, with each month bringing a new personality to the landscape.
Weather considerations: Being in the shadow of Mount Taranaki, the weather can change quickly. Even if it looks clear, a light rain jacket is always a good idea. The area can also experience some wind, though the established trees in the Old Garden provide excellent shelter.
The story of Hollard Gardens is a quintessential New Zealand tale of grit and passion. Bernie Hollard began transforming this patch of Taranaki bush and paddock in 1927. He was a pioneer in his field, and his dedication to horticulture was so great that the gardens were eventually gifted to the Queen Elizabeth II National Trust in the 1980s. Today, they are managed by the Taranaki Regional Council, ensuring Bernie’s legacy remains open for everyone to enjoy.
Kaponga itself is a small, friendly dairy-farming village. The area is deeply connected to the land, and the gardens serve as a bridge between the wild beauty of the nearby Egmont National Park and the productive farmland that surrounds it. For the local Māori, the relationship with the land and the Mounga is sacred, and you can feel that sense of respect for nature throughout the meticulously cared-for grounds.
Once you’ve finished your loop and perhaps had a cheeky snooze on the lawn, you might be looking for a caffeine hit or a bite to eat.
Hollard Gardens is more than just a 1.3km walk; it’s an invitation to slow down, breathe in the fresh Taranaki air, and appreciate the incredible things that can happen when humans and nature work together for nearly a century. Whether you're a serious gardener or just someone who needs a peaceful escape, this loop will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.
Zosterops lateralis
Small bird with distinctive white eye-ring. Commonly seen in flocks, feeding on insects, fruit, and nectar.
Best time: Year-round
Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae
New Zealand wood pigeon, a large native bird with iridescent green and purple plumage. Important for seed dispersal of native trees.
Best time: Year-round
Gerygone igata
Small greyish songbird also known as Riroriro. Has a distinctive trembling song often heard before seen.
Best time: Year-round