New Zealand Ora Garden of Wellbeing. Taupo. New Zealand.
S 38° 41.240 E 176° 04.070
60H E 418927 N 5717507
The Ora Garden of Wellbeing was designed to reflect the geothermal landscape of the Central North Island and features 1000 native plants selected for their culinary appeal, cultural significance and traditional Maori medicinal properties.
Waymark Code: WM6N82
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 06/24/2009
Views: 6
The New Zealand Ora Garden of Wellbeing was reconstructed outside the Taupo Museum after winning Gold at London's famous Chelsea Flower Show in 2004. This remarkable entry in the Chelsea Flower Show has returned home and has been recreated permanently in Taupo to showcase central North Island flora.
A significant feature of the garden is the moko waiwera, or hot-water lizard. A friendly guardian of the garden, it carries water from the silica terraces to the ngawha (mineral pool). The garden also features large tree ferns, ponga sculptures, a cave, a scenic painting of Mount Tarawera and a soundtrack of Maori flute and native birdsong.
Ora - the Garden of Wellbeing, explores the relationship between nature and Maori and has that X factor - a spiritual dimension. Living tree fern sculptures, hewn and carved by artist Lyonel Grant, are part of the Ora magic. So too, is the superbly crafted Moko Waiwera (hot water lizard) sculpture (created by Lyonel with the assistance of Lord of the Rings greensman Brian Massey) which forms a striking centrepiece to the garden.
Ora's remarkable replica silica terraces, created in the Weta Workshop in Wellington, were inspired by the Orakei Korako geothermal area nestled in a hidden valley north of Taupo. The lush ferns and and cabbage trees, together with hundreds of other native plants creates the feel of this unique New Zealand thermal area.
The garden has been recreated inside a new courtyard which is accessed from inside the museum.
The Ora Garden is open every day at the Taupo Museum from 10.30am to 4.30pm, except Good Friday and Christmas Day.
Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri: From: 10:30 AM To: 4:30 PM
Hours of Operation: Sat, Sun: From: 10:30 AM To: 4:30 PM
Cost of entry: Not Listed
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