OMAKA LODGE – Gardens

Omaka Lodge is set on over 10 acres of land amidst New Zealand’s Forgotten World. Some of our grounds are fenced off for sheep paddocks, but the majority is home to our stunningly beautiful landscaped gardens that have featured in NZ House & Garden magazine. A taste of what to expect is introduced by fifty-plus Liquidambar trees that line our 300-metre long sealed driveway. The garden consists of a variety of different areas, including The Champagne Lawn, The Knoll, The Dell, The Woodland Garden, The Wilderness, and The Second Husband Garden (find out why this is so named when you visit us!). There are plenty more unnamed parts of the garden, and all areas have their own unique character.

A substantial number of large mature trees surround Omaka Lodge, providing a structural backdrop to the gardens. Numerous varieties of Rhododendron, Camellia, Azalea and Maple abound, and there are plenty of other species, including a stunning blue Atlas Cedar (Cedrus atlantica ‘Glauca’) and, centre stage in the courtyard, a gorgeous yellow Gleditsia (Gleditsia ‘Golden Sunburst’) sits near a beautiful Kalmia (Kalmia latifolia). Filling the numerous garden beds are thousands of plant species, including Bergenia, Hosta, Euphorbia, Rose, Astelia, Hydrangea, Astrantia, Heuchera and Alstroemeria. Several plants – including Deutzia, Nandina, Star Jasmine and red Berberis – are clipped into spirals, pillars, balls or clouds. The wide variety of plants ensures year-round colour and interest in the gardens – from Hellebores in winter to Bluebells and Daffodils in spring, Jasmine and Lillies in summer, and the fiery red Maple and golden-orange Liquidambar leaves in autumn.

The grounds of Omaka Lodge are available for exploration by all guests staying in The Omaka Luxury Suite, our guest bedrooms and the Campervans @ Omaka sites. We also love to welcome groups or individuals for garden visits by appointment – and if our exploring gardens has whetted your appetite, there are three other country gardens close by that are available to view via appointment – see our sister website Forgotten World Gardens for further details. Please contact us to book your visit to the gardens at Omaka Lodge, a tranquil oasis amidst New Zealand’s Forgotten World.

Shown below are a selection of images of the gardens at Omaka Lodge. Select any image to view it in full screen.