441 Pukekauri Road, R.D.2, WAIHI 3682, COROMANDEL, NEW ZEALAND
Tel: +64 (0)7 863 8267 Fax: +64 (0)7 863 8231 Email: info@waterlily.co.nz

Beautiful Private Gardens Open to Visit

In the mid 1940's a Waihi farm was subdivided. Fifteen diverse acres containing natural flowing waterways were planted in exotic and native trees. A lake was created to reflect their beauty. Waterlilies and marginal plants were introduced to the streams, ponds and lake. And the trees that began as seedlings matured into stately garden watchmen. For nearly 60 years the Waihi Waterlily Gardens have evolved and enchanted.

Beautifully mature trees, rolling topography, and a lake fed by a gently meandering stream set the framework for the Waihi Waterlily Gardens. The ponds, more than twenty in all, are rich with splashes of yellow, red, white, blue, pink, peach and cream; waterlilies delicate on the surface. Broad, rolling areas of lush green grass are segmented by clusters of ponds, giant trees and natural waterways. There's a 'wow' factor round every bend. Canopied by giant oaks, liriodendrons, maples, liquid ambers, meta sequoias and swamp cyprus', water is transported over a ford and down a tall step before heading through a trail of native New Zealand flora; including rimu, kahikatea, lancewood, miro and kauri. After exiting the bush, past cascading water, past the ginko trees and the copper beech, the gardens open to an expansive two acre lake, overlooked by a weeping willow, and surrounded by giant flora.

The Waihi Waterlily Gardens are open to visit daily, from Labour Weekend (October) until Easter (March/April), Our licenced garden cafe, with extensive outdoor and indoor dining caters for individuals, couples, families, and groups. Luxury garden cottages, privately located for accommodation guests only, are a 2007 addition to the gardens, through which self contained, bed and breakfast or fully catered cottage stays are offered, so visitors can enjoy the enchanting environment of the Waihi Waterlily Gardens day and night.