The art of gardening

Sculpture meets nature in Kaipara

On the Kaipara Coast Highway, a 45-minute drive from Auckland, is a garden centre that is much more than tables of plants in pots. Yes, you can buy shrubs, annuals, seeds, and compost, and the plants are so beautiful that anyone with even a hint of green fingers will find it hard not to linger, but other delights hide behind a quite ordinary door.

Kaipara Coast Plant Centre & Sculpture Gardens’ David and Geraldine Bayly expanded the garden centre first in 1994 by starting to plant trees, then developing the rest of the site to include most sorts of garden.

Along the 1km path, you will discover a vegetable patch and fruit trees, neatly trimmed hedges, a hydrangea avenue, colourful formal gardens, native plantings and ponds, forest, and lawns.

Those who fancy something more challenging, and even more natural, can follow the Don’s Conservation Track loop past kauri and kahikatea trees and a waterfall; and there’s an adventure playground, too.

All of that would be plenty on its own, but there are also 40 sculptures scattered through the gardens.

Why go?

Because art and nature are such a winning combination. The sculptures – by artists from around the country – are big and small, vivid and subtle, realistic and weird, interactive and ‘‘don’t touch’’, silent and with soundtracks. Many are for sale.

Apart from a few permanent pieces, the display changes every spring, so visitors have every reason to return. At the most recent exhibition you could see an elephant’s backside, an elegantly rusty po¯hutukawa, stainless steel stylised fish, a corridor of wishes, and an eerie-sounding boardwalk, plus much more.

Insider tip

Visit the toilets, to see the novel, themed hand-washing facilities.

Under the traffic light system, the plant centre does not require proof of vaccine, but visitors must wear face coverings and be mindful of social distancing. The Coffee Stop is open for contactless orders.

On the way/nearby

Nearby is Omeru Scenic Reserve, which as an easy walk through the bush with pretty waterfalls to a well-preserved pa¯ site.

Helensville is 15km down the road, where there is a lovely walk along the river to the excellent little museum. The separate Railway Station Museum (only open at alert level 1) has meticulous models, and alongside is the popular Ginger Crunch Cafe.

In the basement of the War Memorial Hall, Art Centre Helensville features local artists’

work.

How much?

Adults $15, children (5-16) $7.50, seniors/students $12, families $35.

Best time to go

When you need a healing dose of art and nature. Open 9am-5pm daily, with last admissions at 4pm. Visit kaiparacoastplantcentre.com