These beautiful and tranquil gardens are set directly on the edge of the inner Tauranga harbour. With water-lilly ponds, mature trees from around the world, flower gardens and natural wetlands the gardens are a delight all year round. And with many varieties of birds wandering free and in aviaries scattered throughout the gardens, this special corner of New Zealand is truely unique. The gardens are a great family day out and place to unwind.

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The Gardens

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The Bird Gardens are on the outskirts of katikati and were created in 1976 when local visionary Chris Parker set to work landscaping a little over ten acres of land running down to the harbours edge.
With his English background, botanical knowledge and the sites natural attributes of fresh water springs, ponds and wetlands he transformed this once bare land into a beautiful and special garden.
Sealed paths meander through spectacular golden Swamp Cypress, water trickles its way to the sea through an elaborate series of ponds. 

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Most of the original plantings remain to this day and year round colour is provided by the giant camellias and magnolias brightening the winter hues, azaleas and lilies form the spring and summer palettes with shades of green, red, yellow and orange from the trees.

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Site information

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The gardens have approximately 1.5kms of paths. These are tar sealed on slopes or in possible damp areas. The paths are 1.4 metres wide so our Golf carts can negotiate them. The garden and aviary tour is a 45 - 60 minute walk  The paths have directional arrows which lead to and from the lawn below the cafe. There are also secondary paths for the more adventurous. These for example lead down from the wedding lawn into the dell. The Moa and wetland walks which are a real highlight.