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RAPAURA Watergardens
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RAPAURA Watergardens

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RAPAURA Watergardens
4.5
About
A mature property, which has evolved over more than 45 years, Rapaura Watergardens offers something for everyone; native trees, ferns, seasonal flora, lily ponds, meandering walks over lush green lawns, bridges and streams, garden sculptures by an award winning artist and a relaxing bush walk to a cascading waterfall, ‘The Seven Stairs to Heaven’.
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1 within 5 kms
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0.1 km$$ - $$$ • Cafe • International • New Zealand
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2 within 10 kms
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See what travellers are saying
  • Patricia C
    Houston, Texas124 contributions
    Hidden Gem
    Rapaura Gardens is a lovely place to visit. It's a bit off the beaten track but well worth the effort to find it. The gardens are serene and absolutely beautiful with great tracks to explore and just enjoy the beauty of the place. I definitely recommend a visit if you are on the North Island heading toward the Coromadel or Hobbiton. It is well worth the stop.
    Visited November 2022
    Written 30 December 2022
  • Henry
    5 contributions
    Serenity and natural beauty.
    Gorgeous gardens with art tucked away for eyes to discover, as well as a walk through the bush to waterfalls. The hosts are super friendly and helpful. We have been to many gardens in the US, but nothing to match the peacefulness and serenity of Rapaura. Allow 45 minutes minimum.
    Visited January 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 11 January 2023
  • Sally Straughan
    12 contributions
    Serenity at best!
    We stayed in the main house which is beautifully equipped and immaculate in presentation. There are multiple decks on all sides of the house which overlook the property where you can listen to the water rushing past and all the amazing birdsong. The walk around the property to the lakes and the waterfall are just amazing and plenty of really friendly ducks to accompany you. The kitchen is very well equipped too. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for some peace and quiet.
    Visited September 2023
    Travelled with friends
    Written 23 September 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
289 reviews
Excellent
210
Very good
54
Average
15
Poor
3
Terrible
7
Sally Straughan
12 contributions
Serenity at best!
Sep 2023 • Friends
We stayed in the main house which is beautifully equipped and immaculate in presentation. There are multiple decks on all sides of the house which overlook the property where you can listen to the water rushing past and all the amazing birdsong. The walk around the property to the lakes and the waterfall are just amazing and plenty of really friendly ducks to accompany you. The kitchen is very well equipped too. We really enjoyed our stay and would definitely recommend to anyone looking for some peace and quiet.
Written 23 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kelly W
4 contributions
Stunning and serene accomodation in the most beautiful gardens!
Mar 2023
Stunning and serene environment, both indoors and out! We had the pleasure of a 3-night stay at The Lodge. The accommodation was beautiful with every comfort provided, including breakfast accommodating dietary needs. Super comfy beds, couches and armchairs, well-appointed kitchens and large bathroom, pleasant surprises everywhere from the music station to the aromatherapy station to the cats-eye Chinese solitaire table! The wrap-around balcony areas and multiple indoor seating areas were all delightful, surrounded by stunning artwork inside and nature's artwork outside. The watergardens themselves were simply beautiful and perfectly maintained, with a flock of friendly ducks to greet us! The walk up to the waterfalls is gorgeous and a very pretty fall at the top. One of the most peaceful and pleasant gardens we've visited. We even rearranged our plans so we could spend a full uninterrupted day at the Lodge and gardens. It truly is a place to 'be', not just to visit or sleep. Hosts Sarah and Sasha were charming and went out of their way to make us feel welcome and comfortable. Thank you both for sharing your precious part of the world with us!
Written 11 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Henry
5 contributions
Serenity and natural beauty.
Jan 2023 • Friends
Gorgeous gardens with art tucked away for eyes to discover, as well as a walk through the bush to waterfalls. The hosts are super friendly and helpful. We have been to many gardens in the US, but nothing to match the peacefulness and serenity of Rapaura. Allow 45 minutes minimum.
Written 11 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Patricia C
Houston, TX124 contributions
Hidden Gem
Nov 2022
Rapaura Gardens is a lovely place to visit. It's a bit off the beaten track but well worth the effort to find it. The gardens are serene and absolutely beautiful with great tracks to explore and just enjoy the beauty of the place. I definitely recommend a visit if you are on the North Island heading toward the Coromadel or Hobbiton. It is well worth the stop.
Written 30 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Killian M
3 contributions
Zen Garden and Waterfall
Dec 2022 • Couples
This place was a perfect location after a drive. The zen garden was beautiful and the waterfall was a great site. Feeding the ducks was entertaining as well
Written 30 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Emma W
Queenstown84 contributions
Not to be missed experience!!!
Sep 2022
A beautiful, spiritual garden with a mix of natural stream and forest blended effortlessly with man made lily ponds and statues , different tracks and routes to explore with a new view or soundscape at every step. Just stunning.
Written 10 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
nonnanz
Tauranga, New Zealand43 contributions
Worth a Short Side Trip
Mar 2022
Travelling via Thames to Coromandel we made the short detour to this lovely spot.Shade parking.Honesty box on this day.Easy bush walks along side streams and many interesting plants ,trees, fauna and decorative pieces.A fairly easy walk up to the waterfall does involve steps.
BBQ tables and toilet facilities provided.Well pausing to visit this gem.
Written 18 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
famadven
Wellington, New Zealand325 contributions
Peace and tranquility guaranteed
Apr 2022
This was lovely. A real slice of paradise. We talked with the owner and her son which was just lovely. We did both walks and then had a picnic on-site. A real find and we just loved it.
Written 16 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
music657
Auckland Central, New Zealand18 contributions
Nature's beauty
Aug 2020
Raupaura Watergardens is a unique place as the walks are tranquil through shady paths past numerous little water works cleverly designed. The walk up to the waterfall is well built. The red Monet bridge is gorgeous and you can sit and contemplate the small lake and see the ducks. The whole area is creative - we've been here 3 times over many years and we've stayed in the accommodation twice as it is such a special place. Great cafe too.
Written 13 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mariana J
Auckland Central, New Zealand6 contributions
Amazing place and service
Mar 2021
I highly recommend this easy walk with awesome waterfall view. The man we got our tickets from was incredibly friendly and welcoming and even gave us some food for the ducks.

We also went to the restaurant, the soup of the day was so delicious we had to order another.

Highly recommend the full experience including stopping at their cafe :)
Written 22 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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RAPAURA WATERGARDENS: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about RAPAURA Watergardens