Paloma Gardens and Moto 71

Paloma Gardens at Fordell, 15 minutes from Whanganui, is Clive and Nicki Higgie's five star New Zealand Gardens Trust property: 130 palm species, exotics from three continents, the hand dug Longway labyrinth and an arboretum begun in the mid 1970s. For automotive visitors the destination is Moto 71, the indoor motorcycle gallery Clive opened in May 2021 as his 'retirement project'.

The purpose built showroom now holds more than 50 classic machines spanning the late 1920s to the 2000s, named for Clive's first bike, a 1971 Norton Commando. It is bikes only by design: no memorabilia and no clutter, so the machines themselves are the display. The connoisseur's coup: all three production transverse six cylinder motorcycles ever made, the Honda CBX, Benelli Sei and Kawasaki Z1300, under one roof.

Once a year Paloma hosts Italian Day on the second Sunday in January, drawing Italian motorcycles and cars to the property. The next one is Sunday 10 January 2027.

Entry is NZ$10 by honesty box for garden and gallery together, cash preferred. The garden runs on daylight; for the bikes specifically, a call ahead makes sure the gallery is open when you are.

A garden visit with a serious motorcycle payoff; ring ahead for the gallery.

Look out for:

• Moto 71's more than 50 classic motorcycles, late 1920s to the 2000s, in a purpose built indoor showroom.

• The transverse six trio: Honda CBX, Benelli Sei and Kawasaki Z1300, the only three production sixes of their kind ever made.

• The 1971 Norton Commando lineage behind the gallery's name.

• The five star garden itself: 130 palm species, the Longway labyrinth and the arboretum.

• The Red House B&B if you want to stay among it all.

Best way to experience it: call +64 6 342 7857 to make sure Moto 71 is open, walk the garden first, and carry NZ$10 cash per person for the honesty box.

• Open every day, 9am to 6:30pm or sunset, whichever comes first; the garden needs no appointment, but call ahead for Moto 71 specifically.

• Entry NZ$10 per person (16 plus) covering garden and gallery, honesty box, cash preferred; a mobile payment number is posted in the car park.

• On Pohutukawa Lane at Fordell, 15 minutes from Whanganui; rural roads, on site parking.

• Garden paths are uneven in places; wear proper shoes.

• The Red House B&B takes overnight guests (two night minimum).

Last updated: 7 September 2026