Bason Botanic Gardens — Attraction in Manawatū-Whanganui

Our garden visit was a joy and a delight: Bason Botanic Gardens is out past Westmere, not far from Kai Iwi Beach. Carefully designed and established (1970-80s) by a forward-thinking gentleman who felt that in the future, busy working people would need a place of serenity and relaxation; his vision has been achieved and continues. You can drive around the entire property, stopping for short walks or to look at particular gardens, or you can park near the entry and walk all around. Clearly signposted and very well maintained, with older and new plantings blending seamlessly. I particularly enjoyed the new fernery (it'll be magnificent in a couple of years) and the linked conservatories near the information room & gallery; I got some great planting ideas, too! There are some intriguing sculptures - not so many as to detract from the plants - and beautifully designed barbecues built from the same brick as the hothouses. Near the homestead, with cottage gardens a little past their best in autum, is a zig-zag wooden post fence, with a window shape framing the view over the farmland. Beautifully thought out and executed; we'd love to bring our grandkids to enjoy these gardens in the...

Great place to visit - almost any time of year.

The easy access site has ample parking, free toilets and little guidance from gardeners/carers or "staff" on the weekend.

The grounds have several set walls in park-like surroundings in addition to the Friendship Garden and the Conservatory. The mixed contour landscape might make driving rather than walking more feasible for timid pedestrians. The landscape features are interesting in addition to the trees, bushes and extensive range of "flowers", succulents and a wide range of different 'gardens'. Clearly the exact plants, and condition of the plants, reflect the season in which you visit (and so its great to visit more than 'just the once '). The rhododendron are...

Situated 15 minutes from the Whanganui city center, Bason Botanical Gardens (off Rapanui Rd) is a small piece of paradise, and a definite must see if you are in or near Whanganui. Entrance to the gardens is free and there is ample and accessible parking all over the park. There is a wide variety of native and exotic plant life to enjoy, along with some interesting sculptures, scattered throughout the gardens (of which there are 8 different areas). This place is ideal for a nice relaxing picnic with the family (several gas barbeques are available to use at no charge) or a scenic walk away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. I highly recommend a visit to anyone who is in the area, you will not be...