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South Canterbury and North Otago will take centre stage this month as the New Zealand Gardens Trust brings its 2026 conference to the region, highlighting the role of garden tourism in driving regional visitation.
The four-day event, running April 9–12 and based in Timaru, will see delegates from across New Zealand visit a curated selection of private gardens, public spaces and heritage landscapes across Canterbury and North Otago.
The programme includes visits to sites such as Ashburton Domain, Timaru Botanic Gardens and Ōamaru Public Gardens, alongside private gardens and high-country properties, showcasing a mix of heritage and contemporary land stewardship.
Chair Hamish Saxton says garden tourism continues to attract both domestic and international visitors, particularly during autumn and spring, supporting seasonal travel into regional areas.
He says events such as the conference help raise the profile of regional destinations while delivering economic benefits to local communities.
The conference will also feature speakers from across horticulture, tourism and digital storytelling, exploring how visitor engagement with landscapes is evolvin
