Hurunui Garden Festival
Welcome to the seventh annual Hurunui Garden Festival, we are looking forward to seeing you in our 19 gorgeous gardens and two historic homesteads within the extraordinary Hurunui region.
We showcase a range of stunning North Canterbury gardens and homesteads, each as diverse as their owners.
From the intimate and whimsical, to the grand and formal, we can show you sweeping views, lush over spilling herbaceous borders, naturalist planting, dry gardens, grand avenues, cosy seating areas, cool shade gardens… there is something to inspire every gardener.
Our gardeners may be amateurs… but there is no lack of passion and knowledge in this festival and you have the opportunity to meet them all at their properties.
Our gardens and homesteads range from Amberley in the south, through the Waipara Gorge with its striking limestone formations, to the beautifully rolling hills and productive farmland of Hawarden, Waikari, Culverden, Rotherham then through to Cheviot, Greta Valley and Hanmer Springs.
On this website are all the details of each garden, plus the many events, workshops and tours, food outlets, accommodation options plus much more. We look forward to seeing you 31st October – 3rd November.
It’s easy to visit the gardens
The gardens are arranged into geographical clusters, making it easy for you to plan your visit to multiple gardens. Each has its own detailed map, showing you the location of the gardens, along with useful information, such as the locations of public toilets, accommodation, petrol and diesel stations, and food outlets. Learn more about our gardens below by clicking on their respective cluster below.
Overnight parking will be avavbile at some of the gardens for visitors in motorhomes who wish to overnight at the gardens:
- Karetu Downs - 1731 Ram Paddock Road, Waipara Gorge
- Saddlewood - 342 Allandale Road, Hawarden
- Newstead - 285 Lake Sumner Road, Hawarden
- Waihui - 395 Sandersons Road, Rotherham
- Loch Leven Garden & Nursery - 714 Rotherham Road South, Rotherham
- The Top Cottage - 287 Lowry Peaks Road, Culverden
- Coldstream - 197 Culverden Road, Culverden
Parking details
- If overnighting – please ring or ask the owner in advance and pre-book to ensure there is enough space.
- Please pay cash to the property owner at the gate. (Garden owners can advise cost)
- Must be self-contained and take all rubbish with you.
- Must follow and abide by all health and safety rules (most are working farms)
- Please check to see if the property allows dogs or not.
- Dogs need to be treated for sheep measles (Drontal worm tablet or similar)
- Welcome to stay for the duration of the festival only.
Please Note: Everyone is welcome at all of the properties but some may not be able to cope with larger vehicles up the driveway, or overnight due to space or not having a flat area. Properties that accommodate you overnight will have the icon in the guidebook.