more than a garden visit

The Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail is an annual event run by Sustainable Taranaki that celebrates local efforts in sustainability and inspires everyday people in the community to make increasingly sustainable lifestyle changes.  

The Trail involves individuals, families, and community organisations generously opening their ‘backyards' to the public to inspire us with their creativity, innovation, and dedication to living a more sustainable lifestyle. From solar panels and eco-homes to bio-intensive vegetable production and bees, the Trail offers a wide range of examples of what everyday people can do to reduce their impact on the environment and get involved in their community.

It’s an opportunity for you to connect with people in the community who are enthusiastic about growing their own food, looking after the land, saving money and sharing resources, Collectively, they contribute to a more resilient Taranaki, New Zealand and the world.

sponsors, partnerships & associations

The Trail is a program of Sustainable Taranaki, which works with and supports our community on a local level, empowering people through education and advocacy. Our mission is to provide advice and support in an accessible and non-judgmental manner and identify and initiate responses to gaps and opportunities that help move people from awareness to action. Current programs include the hands-on Let’s Compost Workshops, Zero-Waste Events, Te Ara Taiao, the Community Gardens Program, and Recycling and Educational Tours at The Junction – Zero Waste Hub.  

Our warm thanks to the Taranaki Arts Festival Trust and the Centuria Garden Festival for partnering with the Sustainable Backyards Trail again this year.

This collaboration allows us to have a wider reach throughout Taranaki and beyond, inspiring more people to take steps towards sustainable lifestyles in their homes and backyards. 

We also acknowledge the Taranaki Arts Trail which runs at the same time to feature artists and their incredible work from all around our region. Many of the artist's properties are gorgeous and sustainable as well.

Last, but definitely not least is our generous sponsors. The Trail couldn’t exist without the support of each year of local businesses and organisations who recognise the value of what we’re doing.