Te Popo Gardens

Te Popo Gardens

Lorri says she is not really a people person. She invites you to meet her garden. Her husband Bruce is a chartered accountant.



Te Popo is her labour, her creation and the work of her husband Bruce. For thirteen years, Lorri has been the composer; nurturing and planning the Te Popo lullaby. A peaceful place to stay.

The garden is 5 acres set amongst 35 acres of woodland. It was recognised by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of National Significance in 2005.

  Lorri explains the garden began with Graeme and Janet Marshall. Every tree and shrub was planted for the nectar or seeds that feed the birds that inspired Janet’s internationally renowned bird art.

Flynn, the wire-haired Fox terrier, willingly takes garden tours. Lorri says he will wait for you or even come and get you if he thinks you are lost. He bounces through the bluebells on his tip toes.

In the canopy, pine needles net the wind, providing a whispering backdrop to waves of birdsong.

The eye falls to brilliant carpets of Bluebells and blue Ajuga. Pathways draw you through, and past, and over. The swing bridge tests your sense of space again, pegged above the narrow ravine. Not satisfied with the high ceilings and low floors, Lorri is working on an amphitheatre of terraces where the best seats look down into magnolias.

Eucalyptus scents the air. Juxtaposition of colour, texture and form relate, surprise and please the senses.

Tariff $175 double; $125 single, breakfast included. 

Evening meals $45 per head 

Discounted rates apply to low season bookings (May - Sept) and multiple nights