Ngatea Water Gardens - peaceful, calming, quirky and fun

 My city of Auckland had been subjected to a fierce covid 19 lockdown of 107 days which decreed nobody, unless they had very special exemptions, could leave the city. It is amazing the psychological effect that has on you, even if you have no intention of leaving the city it is the thought that you can't that gets to you.  Anyway, finally on December 15 we were free to go. While thousands of Aucklanders headed off to their holiday homes or to visit relatives, I decided it would be fun to have a drive in the country but the question was where.  I had seen signs for the Ngatea Water Gardens on the many occasions I had traveled south but had never visited.  Today was the day.

I set off bright and early to make the 90km drive rejoicing in my freedom and in the beauty of the countryside. Arriving a couple of minutes before the gates to the gardens opened I was the first person in and had the pleasure of having the gardens to myself for the best part of an hour.

Set over 5 acres or 2 hectares the gardens are privately owned by Roger and Emma Blake who set about creating them in 1995 and they are clearly a real labour of love. The pristine gardens have been awarded a Garden of Distinction by the National Garden Register. As the name suggests water features are everywhere.  There is a waterfall, fountains,  a waterwheel and a large pond featuring water lilies and lotus, both in glorious bloom. I was in heaven.  

Be prepared to be pursued by hungry ducks who will nudge your legs for a treat, (the office sells bags of duck food for 50 cents).  Fortunately the ducks are harmless and don't peck. Peacocks strut around showing off and for the first time ever I saw tiny peacock chicks, so   cute. I love sheep so was more than happy to feed them (sheep food also available on your way in 50 cents a bag) They came running when they saw me and entertained me with a variety of baas - altos, tenors and even a soprano.  I had to tear myself away from them.

Peacock chick

Throughout the gardens there are quirky and humorous things to see, unexpected surprises, amusing signs and installations and puns.  You can't help smiling your way around. 

Look out for the quirky installations

Would you be keen to use this toilet?

But what was this I spied?  A can Museum set in a corner of the gardens. This amazing collection of 11,000 beer, soft drink and coffee cans from around the world is beautifully displayed and was an  unexpected find. It was interesting to browse through cans from my childhood and from places around the world but I was more focused on the gardens which I loved and didn't want to leave.

Arthur's Can Museum in the gardens

There are some ancient turtles in a pond near the exit, a picnic area, a castle which holds a surprise, children's play area, a cafe which wasn't open due to covid restrictions and, overlooking the gardens, a  function centre catering for up to 160 people.  It would be the perfect setting for a wedding.

On the recommendation of a staff member I went to a local cafe, The Glory Company, for coffee and very nice it is too.  As I was sitting alone at a table an old man asked if he could join me while he waited for his family.  We had the most wonderful conversation about his life, his garden, his collection of cars.  Eventually his family arrived and I left. I never learnt his name but sometimes these brief encounters give you a real lift and are one of the advantages of being solo. People generally don't ask to join a couple.

I drove back home delighted with my day,  glad I finally visited these beautiful gardens and enjoying the feeling of freedom.   I had a very easy drive heading back to Auckland but the traffic leaving Auckland was bumper to bumper for about 60 kilometres, just crawling. I felt kind of smug but fully understood everyone's desire for a change of scenery.

The Gardens have different opening hours depending on the seasons. Check their website:                  ngateawatergardens.co.nz

NOTE: All my reviews are personal opinions.  I am not and have never been paid to write them.