Te Kāinga Marire is a unique plant sanctuary rated a Garden of International Significance. Te Kāinga Marire’s (translated ‘peaceful encampment’) point of difference lies in the natural plant associations that evoke a feeling of the real New Zealand. This native plant paradise was developed in 1972 from clay wasteland. Keen outdoor adventurers, the owners wanted a bird-friendly garden designed around the ecological groups they had observed in the wild. New Zealand native grasses, climbers, herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees have been carefully nurtured around rustic fences, a wetland, a colonial bush hut and cool fern-filled whare. Tui, fantail, grey warbler and silver eye now live in the garden and surrounding dell.  

This garden featured in the BBC series Around the World in 80 Gardens, which first screened in 2008. In 2021, Te Kāinga Marire received a Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Award for enduring commitment to environmental protection and improvement, and inspiring others to act.