Discover the Taranaki Wellness Escape at the Taranaki Garden Festival, featuring inspiring wellness experiences, beautiful gardens and time to relax and recharge. Sponsored by Hosted by SAT 31 OCT 7am - 7pm BUY TICKETS A Day to Reset, Restore and Reconnect Set amongst the lush natural surrounds and beautiful architecture of Green School New Zealand, Taranaki Wellness Escape is a boutique one-day gathering bringing together some of Aotearoa’s leading facilitators for a thoughtfully curated day designed to help you slow down, reconnect and recharge. Beginning with a karakia welcome, guests will then move through a curated programme of wellness sessions and experiences designed to nourish both body and mind in a calm and inspiring setting. Guests personalise their day by choosing from a range of wellness sessions and experiences, creating a schedule that suits their own pace while making the most of the festival’s additional onsite offerings throughout the day. Included Sessions Yin Yoga Vinyasa Yoga Sound Healing Breathwork Meditation Additional Experiences : Massage, Live Music, Nourishing Food & Drink, Wellness Activations, Green School Tours Intimate by design and limited in capacity, Taranaki Wellness Escape offers a premium wellness experience unlike anything else. Whether you’re looking to reset, reconnect or simply carve out a day for yourself, this is your invitation to pause and be immersed in a truly special experience in one of Taranaki’s most breathtaking settings. Meet Our Facilitators Iris Bellve Iris Bellve is a Reiki Master, Sound Therapist, Tarot Reader and Yogic Guide who believes in a woven tapestry of ancient practices, honoured and made accessible for the modern world. Whether through movement, healing or spiritual guidance, Iris blends intuition, intention, and accessible language, so all people feel welcomed to apply her offerings to their everyday life. Deeply inspired by the Temperance tarot card, Iris is an ambassador for walking the middle path, adopting grey thinking, openness, and avoiding extremes to find inner peace. The result is a yin yoga experience with both depth and simplicity. Jock Barns-Graham Jock is a passionate wellness facilitator with extensive experience guiding individuals and groups toward presence, alignment, and transformation. Drawing on yoga, breathwork, life coaching, and a deep connection to ritual, ceremony, and nature, he creates immersive experiences that support healing, self-expression, and personal growth. He co-founded the four-day Revive wellness festival, has led retreats at renowned wellness centres, and built an on-demand wellness platform with over 65 guided sessions. His work also includes immersive silent-headset experiences that blend modern technology with ancient wellness practices. Jock brings professionalism, authenticity, and embodied leadership to every space he holds, creating meaningful experiences that inspire connection and lasting wellbeing. Taane Mete Taane Mete is a Rongoā Māori healer, yoga, HIIT Pilates Pulse and breathwork teacher, choreographer, and retreat leader at Aro-Ha Wellness Retreat. With over 44 years of movement experience, he blends ancient wisdom, mātauranga Māori, and contemporary practice to support creativity, healing, and wellbeing. Affiliated with Ngāti Kahungunu and Ngāti Koroki-Kahukura, Taane's work is deeply rooted in his cultural identity. A graduate of the New Zealand School of Dance and former Co-Director of Okareka Dance Company, he creates transformative experiences that honour tradition while inspiring personal growth, connection, and authentic self-expression. Robbie Keck Robbie has been practising yoga for over 15 years and teaching full-time for the past six. His dynamic Vinyasa classes blend creative flow, strength, and mindfulness, inspired by teachers including Anneriek Favelle, Shiva Rea, and Mark Stephens. Passionate about yoga philosophy, Robbie also teaches Yin, Kundalini, Meditation, and Mantra, leading retreats and teacher trainings across Australia and New Zealand. He has completed advanced training in Vinyasa, Hatha, Yin, Shiva, and Goddess practices, with a particular focus on Indian mythology and philosophy. Robbie currently teaches in Taranaki at Oakura, New Plymouth, and Sanctuary Hill Retreat. Bhavani Alanis I'm Bhavani, and I love creating simple, accessible ways for people to feel more at home in their bodies. My work blends yoga, somatics, embodiment, and a good dose of curiosity and play. I don't believe movement needs to be complicated or perfect to be meaningful. Sometimes the gentlest practices are the ones that stay with us the longest. I enjoy creating spaces where people can slow down, notice what they're feeling, move in ways that make sense for them, and discover that feeling well can begin with the smallest moments of presence, ease, and kindness toward themselves. Sam Parker Sam is the kaitiaki of Nuku Yoga, a community yoga offering based in the heart of New Plymouth. Vinyasa and trauma-informed yoga shape the way she teaches. She will hold you gently through a dynamic and strong practice. Te reo Māori and yogic philosophy are woven gently through each class, living lineages she is still growing into, shared with humility and care. Sam believes in a wonderfully imperfect and curious practice. One where movement facilitates presence, not performance, and where showing up as you are is genuinely enough. Ram Davies Ram Davies is deeply passionate about the power of sound and the way it can support transformation, presence, and connection. Through sound journeys, sound healing, and years of personal exploration, he has developed a gentle and accessible approach that welcomes people exactly as they are. He loves creating experiences where people can slow down, listen, and discover the profound effect that vibration and sound can have on body, mind, and spirit. At the heart of his work is a simple belief: that sound can help us remember our natural capacity for ease, awareness, and wellbeing. Chardin Chardin studied Oenology and Viticulture in New Zealand and France before devoting himself to an immersive path of meditation, yoga, mantra, healing, and the inner sciences. Through decades of dedicated study, practice, retreat, and initiation, his journey began in the Theravāda Buddhist tradition before continuing into the Himalayan Tradition, where he completed 500-hour teacher training and received initiation into the Sri Vidya lineage. He has also been initiated in Paramahansa’s Kriya Yoga, Bhakti, alchemy, Reiki, and subtle energy healing, and leads international yoga and plant medicine retreats that bring together contemplative practice, ceremony, and inner transformation. In his Himalayan Raja Yoga (Vishoka Meditation) session, Chardin guides participants through traditional practices inspired by Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, cultivating stillness, clarity, and self-awareness for both beginners and experienced practitioners. Proudly presented by © 2026 Taranaki Garden Festival | Privacy Policy Website by Smokeylemon STAY CONNECTED Be the first to hear about the latest news and exclusive offers. Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. * SIGN UP BUY TICKETS Home Gardens Events Info General Info FAQS Sponsors Contact General Info FAQS Sponsors Contact Map news Garden Fest Menu Close TICKETS Search

Japanese Tea Ceremony A traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony is an art, a spiritual ritual, and a symbol of culture. It is believed that this ceremony maintains a peaceful mind, washes away stress and fatigue. The Japanese Tea House in Taranaki was authentically designed, built and landscaped in the customary style. All materials and tradesmen, including the gardener were brought out from Japan by the owner Mr Masashi Iwata during its construction in 2009. Participate in this unique experience of a Japanese Tea Ceremony prepared respectfully by the skilled Tea Master. DATE & TIME Daily at 11am & 5pm VENUE Japanese Tea House 59 Dorset Avenue, Westown, New Plymouth 4310, New Zealand admission $15pp (10 people per session) TICKETS sponsored by Japanese Tea Ceremony

6. Bee Valley Flower Farm Five years ago, there was barely a bee in sight - today this rural flower farm is alive with bumblebees and seasonal abundance. Christina’s working garden showcases cut flowers and foliage in generous, naturalistic plantings, set against sweeping views from mountain to sea. The PYO garden offers layers of colour, creativity, and a sense of occasion - evolving into a destination for private events and workshops. A place to wander, linger, and return to. BACK TO GARDENS TICKETS ADDRESS 112 Ackworth Road, Lepperton 4373, New Zealand OPENING TIMES 9am–5pm GARDENER Christina Hannam contact petalstaranaki@gmail.com 0275624874 Related Events The Bloom Table Botanical Candle Making Workshop Christmas Wreath Making Butterflies & Moths Bee Valley Flower Farm Tours NZ Bumblebee Conservation Trust

Blooms & Brews For the first time at the Garden Festival, we bring you Blooms and Brews! Spend a leisurely afternoon exploring Rural Haven, Leppers Garden and Te Kukumara, three stunning festival gardens. Then round off your day with fine ale and delicious food at New Plymouth’s award-winning Shining Peak Brewery. A garden tour with a fizz – the perfect way to experience the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival! DATE & TIME Sat 31 Oct at 1pm-6pm 5 hours VENUE Shining Peak Brewing 59 Gill Street, New Plymouth Central, New Plymouth 4310, New Zealand admission $85pp (max. 20 people) TICKETS sponsored by Blooms & Brews

The Barden Party Naumai Park marks 100 years with a Bardinspired garden party – and everyone’s invited. The Barden Party brings Heracles to Hāwera, an original folk musical that reimagines the Greek hero’s story, exploring his fraught relationship with Hera, Queen of the Gods, and his own inner battles. Performed by the award-winning New Zealand theatre company, these two free shows blend myth, live music and a 1940s Hollywood aesthetic. Set in South Taranaki District Council’s lush native reserve, established in 1926, enjoy the celebrations among the trees with Greek gods, not goblins. DATE & TIME Sat 31 Oct & Sun 1 Nov at 2pm 2 hours VENUE Rod Syme Magnolia Dell - Naumai Park Gladstone Street, Hāwera 4610, New Zealand admission FREE EVENT TICKETS sponsored by The Barden Party

Christmas Wreath Making Celebrate the season by creating a lush festive wreath using fresh and dried foliage, flowers, fruit, and natural treasures. A cosy, joy-filled workshop with expert guidance, festive treats, and plenty of Christmas sparkle. Includes all materials, garden entry, farm tour, and your choice of cake with tea or coffee. DATE & TIME Sat 7 Nov at 2pm-4pm 2 hours VENUE Bee Valley Flower Farm 112 Ackworth Road, Lepperton 4373, New Zealand admission $135pp (max. 8 people per session) TICKETS sponsored by Christmas Wreath Making

Butterflies & Moths A Workshop with the Moths and Butterflies of NZ Trust Butterflies are often called “flowers that fly,” bring beauty and life to gardens like Bee Valley Flower Farm. Beyond their charm, they pollinate plants and signal healthy ecosystems. Creating a butterfly-friendly space means planting nectar and host plants, avoiding sprays, and adding shelter. Jacqui Knight, founding trustee of the Moths and Butterflies of New Zealand Trust,will share practical tips, surprising insights, and simple steps you can take to transform your own garden into a haven for butterflies. DATE & TIME Sat 31 Oct & Sun 1 Nov at 11am & 2pm VENUE Bee Valley Flower Farm 112 Ackworth Road, Lepperton 4373, New Zealand admission Garden entry free only TICKETS sponsored by Butterflies & Moths

Explore the Taranaki Garden Festival map to find participating gardens, venues, attractions and plan your journey around the festival with ease. Map

26. Te Henui Cemetery Pretty, vibrant, charming and unexpected with huge plant diversity. Visit the city’s oldest cemetery featuring 6ha of massplanted graves and an abundance of mature trees. Five-star TripAdvisor rating. Open all hours to pedestrians, vehicle access locked at 8pm. BACK TO GARDENS TICKETS ADDRESS Watson St & Lemon St, Strandon, New Plymouth 4312, New Zealand OPENING TIMES Open all day GARDENER NPDC contact enquiries@npdc.govt.nz 06 759 6060 Related Events Te Henui Cemetery Guided Walk

Edible Plants for the Beginners Garden with Katy Roach Walk and talk with Katy as she takes you for a tour through the garden while discussing key factors in plant selection, placement, maintenance and harvest. Katy shares her delight in growing and harvesting organic fruit and vegetables which are proudly incorporated into her culinary endeavours and preserves. She works with the mantra “Keep it simple and practical, and make it happen.” DATE & TIME Sat 31 Oct, Sun 1 Nov, Thu 5 Nov & Sat 7 Nov at 1pm VENUE Kahikatea 61 Branch Road, Highlands Park, New Plymouth 4312, New Zealand admission Garden entry fee only TICKETS sponsored by Edible Plants for the Beginners Garden

18. Oak Valley Massed plantings of trees, shrubs and roses give immediate impact to this level country garden, which has been developed over the past 27 years. The various garden rooms and wedding garden make this a perfect picnic spot for visitors. Other features include a jetty by the lake, a renovated chapel, and classic cars on display. BACK TO GARDENS TICKETS ADDRESS 248 Junction Road, Mangorei 4371, New Zealand OPENING TIMES 9am-4pm GARDENER Paul & Pat Ekdahl contact patekdahl@gmail.com 06 758 1501 / 027 442 0325 Related Events

Nadia Lim Nadia Lim is a celebrated New Zealand chef, bestselling cookbook author, and co-founder of My Food Bag. A MasterChef NZ winner and trained dietitian, she’s known for her fresh, healthy approach to food. Nadia has inspired Kiwi households through her television shows, recipes, and books, and will be hosting a Q&A followed by a book signing at this special event, where guests can purchase and have her latest cookbook personally signed. DATE & TIME Thu 5 Nov at 6pm VENUE Mitre 10 Mega 5 Vickers Road, Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth 4312, New Zealand admission $50pp (incl. light refreshment and canapés) TICKETS sponsored by Nadia Lim