The Manawatū region has long been an area well known for its gardens. Early colonial settlement, multi-generational family properties, and favourable soils and climate have all contributed to the evolution of many stunning gardens in the area. This is the first of a number of day trips we propose taking, over the next 12 months, to visit some of these gardens. On this day we visit two very different properties. Caroline Van der Haas and her partner Eddy moved to their Aokautere property, tucked in between Palmerston North city and the Manawatū Gorge, nearly 40 years ago. The 100yo homestead was dilapidated and surrounded by grazing sheep. In the years since, they have not only developed the beautiful gardens and restored the homestead, but built up a home interiors business and recently opened ‘Design & Desire’, a space displaying a fabulous collection of light fittings, furnishings and furniture, on the property. They’ll introduce us to what the locals know simply as ‘Caroline’s Garden’ and we’ll enjoy lunch here as well. Our second destination is a 120yo property, these days hidden away amongst the modern buildings of the Massey University campus. Historic ‘Wharerata’ has very strong connections to Hawke’s Bay. In 1900 Arthur Russell, brother of Andrew Russell of ‘Tunanui’ and a prominent sheep farmer at Ashhurst, and his wife Ethel (nee Williams from Te Aute) commissioned architect C.T. Natusch of Napier to design them a house for their retirement in Palmerston North. Upon Mrs Russell’s death in 1951, the property was taken over by the neighbouring Massey Agricultural College and has been maintained by the university ever since. The university heritage staff will host us and tell us all about the property, show us around the restored homestead and we’ll enjoy a cuppa with them before looking around the beautifully maintained garden.
This promises to be a wonderful day looking at two very different properties – some of the less explored jewels of Manawatū.