A Celebration Of Sustainable Living And Local Ingenuity

Scoop.co.nz

Wednesday, 13 August 2025, 6:58 pm

Taranaki’s most inspiring sustainability showcase is back. The Taranaki Sustainable Trails 2025 programme has officially launched today, inviting locals and visitors to explore 42 unique properties and over 50 events across the region to plan your Trails adventure.

From thriving farms and edible backyards to innovative builds, school and community gardens, this year’s Trails celebrate the creativity and commitment of everyday changemakers. Each property or event offers a glimpse into practical solutions for living sustainably and regeneratively.

The 2025 programme reflects the array of highly knowledgeable, curious and innovative community and business members alike who are making moves to live, build and farm with the environment in mind.

“I enjoyed sharing my mission with visitors and helping to share knowledge and learn, and inspire/be inspired by those that attend” – 2024 Backyard host.

Visitors can expect hands-on workshops, free and koha talks, guided tours, seasonal tastings, and conversations that spark new ideas and connections.

Whether you're a seasoned trail-goer or a first-time explorer, this year’s lineup promises something for everyone. Tickets for events are now available online, with early booking encouraged due to limited availability.

“The Blue Petal tour was fantastic, the host superbly knowledgeable and friendly . A real treat seeing what can be accomplished in our Taranaki climate. So inspirational.” – 2024 Sustainable Trails attendee

The Sustainable Trails is proud to work alongside at the same time as the Centuria Garden Festival and the Taranaki Arts Trail, be sure to include these properties in your Taranaki Trails adventure.

Sustainable Trails programme highlights:

  • 42 properties across Taranaki, including backyards, school and community gardens, farms and builds.

  • 50+ events from talks from architects and builders through to hands-on workshops for garden cocktail

  • Opportunities to connect with local hosts, learn practical skills, and support regenerative initiatives

  • Affordable and educational opportunities for the whole whānau

  • Printed Trail booklets available at key community hubs with all information and booking available online.

Where to purchase Backyard Bundle cards and find booklets:

Booklets are available across Taranaki, including café’s, garden centres, libraries and local businesses. The following community hubs will have booklets and also sell our Bundle Cards (5 backyards for $12) that come with a packet of seeds.

New Plymouth, Waitara & Ōākura

  • EnviroHub, 28 Brooklands Park Drive, New Plymouth

  • Crazy Pumpkin, 1 Katere Road, Waiwhakaiho, New Plymouth

  • Crazy Pumpkin,195 Courtenay Street, New Plymouth

  • Binn Inn, 61 McLean Street, Waitara

  • Dawn, 1143 South Road, Ōākura

Stratford

  • Crazy Pumpkin, 156 Broadway, Stratford

Hāwera

  • The Gathering Café, 121 High Street, Hāwera

  • Landscape Essentials, 15 Albert Street

For full programme details and ticket bookings, visit www.sustainablebackyards.org.nz