
Paloma Gardens
An extraordinary oasis featuring diverse garden environments and a stunning motorbike collection, born from a life's passion.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy blooming flora

Paloma Gardens
Best Time
Enjoy blooming flora

Highlights
Must-see attractions
An extraordinary oasis featuring diverse garden environments and a stunning motorbike collection, born from a life's passion.
"An amazing hidden gem not far from Whanganui or Bulls. Stunning collection of motorcycles and the gardens are absolutely breathtaking and brilliant."

Allocate Ample Time
Set aside 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the extensive gardens and motorbike collection .
Honesty Box Entry
Entry is $10 per person via an honesty box. Be prepared with cash .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Diverse Garden Environments
Throughout the gardens
Wander through a world-class collection of garden styles, from bamboo and orchids to cacti and palms.

Motorbike Collection
Dedicated display area
Admire the owners' passion project: a stunning and extensive collection of motorbikes.

Quirky and Imaginative Decor
Scattered throughout
Discover colorful buildings, teapots, ceramics, and unique artistic touches that add to the charm.

Garden of Death
Specific section
A unique and inspiring area offering a different perspective on garden design and plant life.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Paloma Gardens
Entry and Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Ample Time
Set aside 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the extensive gardens and motorbike collection.
Honesty Box Entry
Entry is $10 per person via an honesty box. Be prepared with cash.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied paths, so comfortable footwear is a must :athletic_shoe:.
Embrace the Quirky
The gardens are filled with imaginative decorations and unique features – enjoy the delightful surprises! :sparkles:
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Ample Time
Set aside 2-3 hours to truly appreciate the extensive gardens and motorbike collection.
Honesty Box Entry
Entry is $10 per person via an honesty box. Be prepared with cash.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on varied paths, so comfortable footwear is a must :athletic_shoe:.
Embrace the Quirky
The gardens are filled with imaginative decorations and unique features – enjoy the delightful surprises! :sparkles:
Check Weather Conditions
Some areas can get overgrown after rain, so drier periods are ideal for exploration.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Paloma Gardens is widely praised as a world-class, hidden gem offering an incredible variety of garden environments and a unique motorbike collection. Visitors are awestruck by the owners' life's work and legacy, calling it an 'oasis' and 'Eden.' While some areas can appear a bit overgrown, this adds to its natural charm, and the overall experience is described as quirky, colorful, imaginative, and fun.
"An absolutely fantastic place for anybody to visit, not just garden & motorbike enthusiasts. The variety of garden environments the owners have created is world class, so put aside a few hours to explore and admire. The owners large collection of motorbikes is also obviously a labour of love."
Phil Simms
"The most amazing oasis amongst the surrounding farmland, an incredible life's work and legacy waiting to be enjoyed by generations to come!"
Simon Hurley
"Such a beautiful place, I cannot wait to return and explore further! I only wish I knew about this slice of paradise sooner! I will definitely be back and hopefully to stay! I am in awe of what this couple have been able to achieve together over the years, absolutely amazing! Literal Eden! The variety is also amazing, I would love to know the story of how they were all collected and acquired!"
Liz Miller
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Paloma Gardens is located in Fordell, New Zealand, not far from Whanganui or Bulls. It's accessible by car, with ample space for parking. The journey offers scenic views of the surrounding farmland.
While described as a 'hidden gem,' it's generally well-signposted. Using GPS or a navigation app is recommended for a smooth arrival.
The nearest towns are Whanganui and Bulls, making it a convenient stop if you're traveling in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
Absolutely! It's a perfect destination for a day trip from Whanganui or surrounding areas, offering a unique escape.
Driving is the most practical way to reach Paloma Gardens, allowing you to explore at your own pace and easily access the parking facilities.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to Paloma Gardens is $10 per person, collected via an honesty box system. It's a small price for such an extensive and unique experience.
No advance booking is required. You can pay your entry fee at the honesty box upon arrival.
While specific hours aren't always listed, visitors generally access the gardens during daylight hours. It's best to plan your visit during the day to fully experience the beauty.
Visiting during daylight hours is recommended. Mornings can be lovely for cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, while afternoons allow for a more leisurely exploration.
Information on discounts is not widely available. The $10 entry fee is considered very reasonable for the extensive collection and unique experience offered.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
You can explore diverse garden environments, admire a large motorbike collection, discover quirky decor, and visit the unique 'garden of death'.
It's recommended to allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore and appreciate everything Paloma Gardens has to offer.
Reviews suggest the gardens are a 'life's work and legacy'. While generally beautiful, some areas might appear a bit overgrown, especially after wet weather, adding to its natural charm.
The gardens feature a wide variety, including bamboo, orchids, cacti, palms, and rare fruits, reflecting the owners' passion for collecting.
Yes, it's a highly photogenic location with its diverse flora, quirky art, and unique garden sections.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no on-site food facilities. Visitors are advised to bring their own snacks and drinks or plan to eat before or after their visit.
While not explicitly stated, picnicking is generally welcomed in garden settings. It's advisable to check with the owners or be mindful of preserving the garden's beauty if you choose to picnic.
You'll find dining options in the nearby towns of Whanganui and Bulls. These towns offer a range of cafes and restaurants to suit different tastes.
Currently, there are no facilities for purchasing refreshments within Paloma Gardens. It's best to come prepared.
Exploring the cafes and eateries in Whanganui or Bulls will provide a good selection of local dining experiences after your visit.
📸 📸 Photography
Absolutely! With its vibrant flora, quirky decorations, and unique garden designs, Paloma Gardens is a photographer's dream.
Look for colorful buildings, diverse plant collections, the 'garden of death,' and the impressive motorbike display for unique shots.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with the owners or local regulations before flying a drone on the property.
Generally, personal photography is encouraged. However, it's always good practice to be respectful of the property and other visitors.
Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon) can provide beautiful lighting. However, the diverse and colorful nature of the gardens makes it photogenic throughout the day.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
📸 Photographers and Art Lovers
🌿 Garden Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Appeal of Paloma Gardens
The 'garden of death,' mentioned by Reddit users, offers a unique and thought-provoking element, showcasing a different approach to garden design and plant selection. This imaginative spirit extends to the owners' passion for collecting, most notably their impressive motorbike collection, which is a significant draw for many visitors. It's this blend of natural beauty, artistic flair, and personal passion that makes Paloma Gardens a truly memorable destination.
Many visitors express a desire to return, highlighting the depth and richness of the experience. The gardens are a labor of love, a legacy being built for future generations to enjoy. The community-backed sentiment is that Paloma Gardens is a must-visit for anyone seeking a unique and inspiring outing in the Manawatū-Whanganui region.
Exploring the 'Garden of Death' and Beyond
Beyond this specific area, the gardens are celebrated for their incredible diversity. Reviewers mention everything from delicate orchids and towering palms to hardy cacti and expansive bamboo forests. This variety isn't just about different plant types; it's about creating distinct micro-environments within the larger garden space, offering a journey through different landscapes with every turn of the path.
This commitment to variety and unique design elements, coupled with the owners' personal collections like the motorbikes, creates an experience that appeals to a broad audience, not just avid gardeners. It’s this blend of the natural, the artistic, and the personal that makes Paloma Gardens a standout attraction.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit