Garden

       - Wilderness Charm!                                     

The one acre grounds are such a unique Akaroa feature overlooking the harbour and Grehan Valley, which show the results of dedicated horticultural green fingers of years gone by.

George and Mariane Nalder who had emigrated some 10 years before from England, established the original garden and named it “The Wilderness”. They were keen gardeners and ornithologists and saw great potential in situating their home on a five-acre block on the sunny side of the Grehan Valley. They created a beautiful garden with many roses, camellias and magnolias which still exist today and a magnificent Bunya Bunya tree (monkey puzzle family) which has been protected as a notable Akaroa landmark.  A huge fruit bearing olive tree shading the driveway stands along side the prominent Bunya Bunya Pine.

A Pohutikawa tree, splendid in size alone and exhibiting its age with a wonderful display of aerial roots stands at the end of the driveway. Magnificent Dogwoods and an enormous Magnolia add to an established yet organised garden setting around the house.

A level front lawn surrounded by stone walls, terraced gardens including a variety of sweet scented lavenders, gives the area a spacious and comfortable feeling of an additional living room directly off the front verandah. Dozens of roses and plants, old and new have been lovingly planted in newly created garden areas.

The original servants' quarters, unrestored and situated at the top of the east side of the property are surrounded by native bush including a giant kanuka tree which has been described as the largest ever seen!

A small stream runs from the bush, under the rustic bridge into a fern     lined valley including the distinctive New Zealand silver fern.              

We invite you to join with us by enjoying our property and understanding our environmental approach as it applies to our garden. We therefore encourage our guests to meander along the pathways perhaps finding a private area to sit and enjoy the peaceful serenity     that this special Akaroa garden has to offer.