"Celebrating Rhododendrons, Gardens, Friendship and Horticultural Excellence".
Discover spectacular gardens, spring colour and horticultural inspiration at the New Zealand Rhododendron Festival 2026, taking place from 29 October to 1 November.
Experience three unforgettable days filled with stunning gardens, inspiring workshops, international guest speaker John Anderson from England, breathtaking scenery, great hospitality, and the opportunity to connect with fellow gardening enthusiasts from around New Zealand and beyond..
Hosted by the New Zealand Rhododendron Association, the festival brings together gardening enthusiasts from around New Zealand and beyond for a programme of garden tours, workshops, guest speakers, practical tips and great hospitality.
Whether you're a passionate rhododendron grower, keen gardener, or simply love visiting beautiful gardens, this is an event not to be missed.
This year’s programme explores some of Christchurch, Waikirikiri Selwyn's and Canterbury’s beautiful gardens, where visitors will discover a collection of distinctive private country gardens.
Showcasing everything from rhododendrons, roses and woodland borders to productive gardens, heritage homesteads, native plantings and sweeping rural views.
International guest speaker John Anderson VMM, Keeper of the Gardens at Windsor Great Park in England, will share insights from some of Britain’s celebrated garden collections.
Whether you're a passionate rhododendron grower, keen gardener or simply love discovering beautiful gardens, this is a special opportunity to experience Canterbury in full spring colour.
When: Thursday 29 October – Sunday 1 November 2026
Where: Christchurch, Canterbury and Waikirikiri Selwyn
Bookings: Registration required
View the full programme and register through the New Zealand Rhododendron Association.
6.00pm–9.00pm
Kick off the festival with canapés, drinks and a relaxed opportunity to reconnect and meet fellow attendees.
Official Opening & Guest Speaker – Juliet Nicholas
Award-winning garden photographer Juliet Nicholas will share practical tips for capturing flowers, gardens and landscapes throughout the festival.
Mona Vale
Explore one of Christchurch’s iconic heritage gardens, renowned for roses, rhododendrons, mature trees and its riverside setting.
Ōhinetahi Gardens
Discover Sir Miles Warren’s internationally significant garden overlooking Governors Bay, with formal garden rooms, sculpture, woodland and rhododendrons. Juliet Nicholas will provide hands-on photography guidance.
Orton Bradley Park
Explore the Canterbury Rhododendron Society’s collection against a spectacular harbour backdrop.
Demonstration: Joe Cartman – Seed Collection & Germination
Lunch at Orton Bradley Park
Broadfield Garden
A 6-Star Garden of International Significance featuring 16 garden rooms, woodland and native plantings, formal gardens and an outstanding collection of New Zealand rhododendron hybrids.
International Guest Speaker – John Anderson VMM
Keeper of the Gardens, Windsor Great Park, England
The History of Windsor Woodland Gardens – A Haven for Rhododendrons
John will share insights from his remarkable horticultural career and the celebrated rhododendron landscapes of Windsor Great Park.
Salward
A beautiful and productive country garden created by Sally and Warren Dobbs over 22 years.
The Back Paddock
Formal structure meets relaxed planting, with a knot garden, beech rondel, oak avenue and Pinot Noir vines.
Knockdolian
A mature country garden featuring woodland borders, rhododendrons, roses and native plantings.
Lunch at Knockdolian
Waianiwa Homestead
A historic homestead garden with roses, camellias, rhododendrons and sweeping rural views.
Afternoon Tea & Pimms
Join Director Wolfgang Bopp for an escorted garden walk followed by a special dinner with John Anderson and Wolfgang Bopp.
Additional booking required.
Stoneycrop Garden
A contemporary garden featuring rhododendrons, azaleas, maples, camellias, roses and perennial displays.
Demonstration: Brian Coker – Rhododendron Grafting & Propagation
Sally Jenkins & Graham Kerr
An informal country garden featuring rhododendrons, peonies and extensive native planting.
RhodoDirect Nursery & Display Gardens
Explore more than 600 named rhododendrons and enjoy behind-the-scenes access to a specialist working nursery.
Festival Farewell Lunch
Buses depart at 1.30pm for the airport and festival accommodation.
