Whitford
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Although the country settlement of Whitford has seen many changes since the first European settlers arrived in 1843 it has still managed to retain a rustic charm. You will find yourself in "serious" horse country here with a very active pony club, stables and stud farms gracing the landscape.
The village is a service centre for the surrounding farms and life-style properties, while supporting a cafe, restaurant, service station, florist, speciality gift shops and, depending on the weather, the third Saturday of the month sees the "Whitford Market" bursts into life. The Whitford Country Club offers a picturesque 18 hole golf course where visitors are very welcome, the "Whitford Bird Garden" is a must to visit, as is one of New Zealand's best known private gardens "Ayrlies".
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"Ayrlies" Garden.
Pony Club Grounds
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| Whitford Bird Garden |
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The Whitford Bird Garden has been in existence for 17 years.however it has only opened to the public in recent months. It is owned by renowned New Zealand, wildlife, artist Blake Twigden who has combined his love for nature and his knowledge of plants and birdlife in the construction of this spectacular, and stunningly colourful piece of utopia.
Within the garden is, a walk-in free flight aviary showcasing some of the most exotic birds you will ever see in New Zealand, a heated pool that is home to tropical fish from the Amazon, not to mention the 100s of native, subtropical and tropical plants that have now matured and form the backbone of this garden.
Blake has been a successful artist for many years and has exhibited widely in New Zealand, Australia, and London Take the chance to view his work before you leave the gardens by visiting his small on-site gallery.
Visitor Information
Address:
100 Trig Road, Whitford,
You can visit the Bird Garden
by arrangement, call Blake on
530 8807
Admission:
$15 per person - or
$10 per person for groups of 4 or more
Phone Contact: 09 530 8807
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| Market Day |
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The "Whitford Market" promotes local food, wine and art, and is held the third Saturday of each month (depending on the weather), outdoors in Wharf Road.
Hours: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Come along and enjoy the variety of products on offer, than enjoy a cafe or restaurnat lunch before browsing the delightful speciality shops.
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| Ayrlies Garden |
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Situated in gently rolling country, Ayrlies is one of New Zealand's best known gardens.
The site is windy and is coastal clay. It had its beginnings in 1964, when the foresight of Bev McConnell saw past the bare land. The garden is now 12 acres of rolling terrain, some step and with steps.
It is characterised by sweeping lawns, informal but detailed plantings, and by ponds and waterways. A strong but sensitive use of colour is a hallmark of Arylies seen best in the Lurid Border where 'hot' colours are used to great effect and in other areas where old roses, clematis and perennials are combined in romantic profusion.
Visitor Information:
No dogs or children under 12 years
Address :125 Potts Road, Whitford
Openings Hours: Daily by appointment only, between the hours of 9:30am - 4:00pm.
| Admission: |
$15.00 pp
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| Contact: |
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Ayrlies Phone
Cottage
Fax Number |
09 530 8706
09 5308551
09 530 8451
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| Whitford History |
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In pre-European times, Maori used the waterways in the area as transportation routes to access various settlements and resources. Behind the township, the wharf on Turanga Creek, was once a bustling hive of activity. A regular passenger boat service and mail delivery from Auckland operated from 1848 to 1927 until improved roading put an end to this more leisurely mode of transport and commerce.
Opposite the hall, on the corner of Wharf and Whitford Roads, is the village's former general store built in 1910. Since ceasing business as a store in 1965, the building has had a chequered career having been, at various times, a private residence, an art and craft shop, saddlery and, since 1986, a licensed restaurant.
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