Rapaura Watergardens Honored as National Significance Garden

Rapaura Watergardens, located in Thames, has been awarded the prestigious Garden of National Significance status by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. This recognition places Rapaura among an elite group of gardens in Waikato, only eight of which have received such acclaim. The owners expressed their overwhelming gratitude for this honor, describing it as a testament to decades of dedication and hard work.

Co-owner Sasha Sank reflected on the achievement, noting that it represents the culmination of over 65 years of effort. “To be given the award, it’s just wonderful,” he told the Waikato Times. “It’s an appreciation of all the hard work that has gone into the gardens right from its conception in the early 1960s.” Originally envisioned as a “labour of love,” the gardens opened to the public in the early 1970s.

The New Zealand Gardens Trust highlighted several factors that contributed to Rapaura’s recognition. “It really is a blend between what a man-made garden is, but I like to say softened by nature,” Sank explained. He elaborated on the harmonious coexistence of human creativity and the natural environment, which includes around 100- to 120-year-old native regenerating bush and impressive old trees, including a kauri estimated to be at least a century old.

Features and Attractions of Rapaura Watergardens

Rapaura Watergardens offers a diverse array of attractions for visitors. The gardens include native trees, ferns, rhododendrons, orchids, irises, and bog plants, while a stunning display of hydrangeas adds vibrant colors during the summer months. The gardens boast 14 ponds, which feature a magnificent variety of water lilies in full bloom during the season. Award-winning sculptures are strategically placed throughout the area, enhancing the visual experience.

In addition to its natural beauty, Rapaura supports local wildlife, including Monarch and Red Admiral butterflies, by cultivating swan plants and nettles. Visitors can enjoy meandering walks across lawns, bridges, and streams, all leading to a cascading waterfall. The gardens also feature a mandala vegetable garden that showcases garlic and other vegetables, complemented by colorful flowers against a backdrop of orange cannas. Chickens and ducks roam freely in an adjoining area, adding to the garden’s charm.

The New Zealand Gardens Trust noted that while Rapaura is best appreciated in spring and summer, it offers attractions year-round. The gardens also provide boutique accommodation, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil retreat in nature.

The recognition of Rapaura Watergardens as a Garden of National Significance is a significant milestone for the owners and the local community, affirming the value of preserving natural beauty and promoting sustainable gardening practices.