Last updated July 2026
Kimbolton lies about 45 minutes’ drive north of Palmerston North in the rolling sheep-and-cattle country of the upper Manawatū. The small settlement serves local farms yet draws visitors primarily for Cross Hills Gardens, a notable private garden featuring one of the world’s finest rhododendron and azalea collections. The drive itself passes through quiet rural landscapes with the Ruahine Range providing an eastern backdrop. Beyond the gardens, the area offers peaceful back roads and a glimpse of high-country farming life.
Practical Information
| Location | Kimbolton, approximately 45 km / 45 minutes north of Palmerston North via SH54 and Kimbolton Road |
| Standout attraction | Cross Hills Gardens, 339 Rangiwahia Road, open 365 days a year |
| Annual highlight | Cross Hills Garden Country Fair, held in November |
| Other features | Kimbolton village; nearby Cheltenham; rolling farmland and Ruahine Range views |
| Cost | Cross Hills Gardens entry fee applies; village access free |
| Food | Pre-booked group catering at Cross Hills; small pub in Cheltenham; otherwise bring a picnic |
| Best for | Garden lovers, scenic rural drives, cyclists seeking quiet roads |
About Kimbolton
Kimbolton sits in the upper Manawatū’s rural high country and recorded a population of 234 in the 2023 census. The settlement supports surrounding sheep-and-cattle farms while serving as a gateway for visitors exploring the area’s gardens and landscapes.
Cross Hills Gardens covers 7 hectares and includes extensive rhododendron and azalea plantings along with other rare trees and shrubs. The gardens remain open every day of the year, with a plant centre operating seasonally and catering available for pre-booked groups.
The annual Cross Hills Garden Country Fair takes place in November and features more than 200 stalls set within the gardens. Outside peak garden season, the surrounding roads provide scenic drives through farmland with views toward the Ruahine Range.
Cheltenham, the next settlement to the south, offers a small local pub. The quiet back roads also suit cyclists looking for low-traffic routes through typical Manawatū farming country.
Cross Hills Gardens
Cross Hills Gardens at 339 Rangiwahia Road showcases one of the world’s finest collections of rhododendrons and azaleas within a 7-hectare park-like setting. Visitors can explore the grounds year-round, though spring brings the most vibrant displays of colour. The on-site plant centre reopens seasonally, and the November Country Fair draws large crowds with its market stalls and garden setting.
Rural Drives and Nearby Villages
The route north from Palmerston North through Kiwitea and into the upper Manawatū passes classic rolling farmland. Side roads offer opportunities for relaxed exploration by car or bicycle. Cheltenham village provides a convenient stop with its local pub, while the Ruahine Range forms a consistent scenic backdrop to the east.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors praise Cross Hills Gardens for its extensive rhododendron and azalea collections and the peaceful park-like atmosphere. Many highlight the November Country Fair as a major draw, noting the variety of stalls and the garden setting.
Practical advice includes checking plant centre hours in advance, allowing a couple of hours for a garden visit, booking group catering if required, and combining the trip with a stop at the Cheltenham pub or a picnic in the grounds.
Where to Learn More
Cross Hills Gardens: official site with garden details, opening information and Country Fair updates.
Manawatū NZ: regional tourism information covering Kimbolton and surrounding rural attractions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Kimbolton from Palmerston North?
Approximately 45 km, a 45-minute drive north via SH54 and Kimbolton Road.
What is the main attraction in Kimbolton?
Cross Hills Gardens, a 7-hectare private garden renowned for its rhododendron and azalea collections and open every day.
When is the Cross Hills Garden Country Fair?
The annual fair is held in November, featuring over 200 stalls within the gardens.
Is there food available at Cross Hills Gardens?
Catering is available for pre-booked groups only. Visitors are otherwise encouraged to bring a picnic.
Are the gardens open year-round?
Yes, Cross Hills Gardens welcomes visitors 365 days a year.
What else is there to do near Kimbolton?
Enjoy scenic rural drives, quiet cycling roads, views of the Ruahine Range, and a stop at the pub in nearby Cheltenham.
Is Kimbolton suitable for a day trip?
Yes, the combination of gardens, farmland scenery and short drive makes it an easy and rewarding outing from Palmerston North.
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