The Waipahihi Botanical Garden is a wonderful area of greenery which has been a labour of love for the many volunteers who have contributed to its beauty. Located at a somewhat high elevation on an attractive hill setting, this botanical reserve offers sensational panoramic views across Lake Taupo and the mountains in the distance.
The Waipahihi Garden, a free reserve, had its inception in 1966 and is today filled with innumerable plants and trees native to the area. A noteworthy fact is that the reserve was developed and is exquisitely maintained through the efforts of devoted volunteers. The society of the reserve features a membership of about 400, of whom about 30 spend two to three hours each week in maintaining the expansive gardens.
The Waipahihi Botanical Reserve features 35 hectares of lovely gardens; aspects of particular interest are the exquisite alpine garden, lemonwood walk and the 2,000 azaleas, rhododendrons and camellias which bloom in an expanse of colour in the spring. Since the garden contains many trees native to the area, numerous varieties of native birds may be seen in its verdant area. Of these the kowhai tree is a favourite source for nectar of the tui, a common New Zealand songbird.
New Zealand is a nation of breathtaking and varied natural beauty, containing rolling green pastures, imposing rocky mountains, lovely fiords, picturesque lakes, sandy beaches and many fast-flowing rivers. As one might expect New Zealand is a delightful country for sightseeing as it boasts some of the most exquisite natural scenery on the face of the earth.
Apart from enjoying the spectacular scenery there is much to see and do in New Zealand. Some of them are climbing, diving, four wheel driving, hiking, trekking, going on nature tours, sailing and surfing amongst many others.
With all of these attractions on offer, there is no doubt that any visit to New Zealand will be enjoyable and rejuvenating. Many visitors from across the world arrive in New Zealand, drawn by its magical beauty and pristine natural features.
The visitor seeking New Zealand hotels will be pleased by the Millennium & Copthorne Hotels NZ, which include Taupo hotels amongst its collection of quality accommodations.
