In 2023, the Totara, Kauri, Rewa and Nikau Garden Tours will be on Saturday 25th of November.
This is a unique opportunity to view a variety of residential gardens on the Island. The guided tours will enable you to visit charming cottage gardens, to see spectacular coastal panoramas and experience the hidden native flora and birdlife. The ticket includes tour transportation, a scrumptious Morning Tea and a charming Devonshire Afternoon Tea.
The Garden Tour is a major fundraiser for the Great Barrier Island Community Health Trust to purchase equipment for use on the Island. The event involves many 100's of hours of community volunteer time and energy and the participant feedback has been outstanding. It has become a very popular event and national and international celebrities who have participated in the past tours, quote that it is 'a must-do event' for every keen gardener.
A previous special guest Russell Fransham comments,
"Thank you so much for persuading me to come over for the garden tour. I had the most wonderful weekend on the Barrier.. my first time on the island.
The gardens I saw were such a treat, all different and all very personal expressions of their creators’ lives. The passion, creativity and commitment were so inspiring. Its very clear that Great Barrier people know they are part of something very special. I came away feeling so welcomed into island life and so many of the people I met felt like old friends by the time I flew home.
I'm still on a high and I’ll be back for more."
Get Started!Each tour is crafted so you will experience a range of gardens, facets of lifestyle on remote Great Barrier Island, and realise how the gardeners interact with nature and the maritime climate.
The Tours are graded into different levels of fitness and capability to ensure your overall enjoyment. We welcome back those of you who have participated in previous tours and know you will be delighted with a new tour choice. The Health Trust has a database of which tours you have been on in the past. Please contact Robyn by email.
On Saturday, 25th of November 2023 the tour options will be:
For the adventurous and fit only, requires the ability to clamber into and out of boats, or up and down steep stairs. Not a garden tour in the traditional sense but includes residences and bush in the western and southern end of the island. Strong walking shoes are advised (tramping boots not necessary).
Cost: $105 per person
Northern Great Barrier Island. Reserved as a special treat for returning Garden Tour participants. Again for the adventurous and fit only.
Cost: $105 per person
Moderate fitness level, requires the ability to walk up hills/multiple stairs with ease. The gardens are similar in variety and geographical situation to the Nikau Tour.
Cost: $85 per person
Good basic fitness, requires walking some distances but on relatively flat terrain. Six wonderful gardens ranging from those with extensive vistas to tranquil quiet spaces. Geographically involves central and southern Great Barrier Island.
Cost: $85 per person
You are invited to bring your own lunch. Refreshments will be available.
But for those of you who wish to – you can order one of our famous 'Paper Bag Lunches' for $15.00. It consists of a salad sandwich, a large delicious home baked slice, and a piece of fruit. Your pre-ordered paid lunch can be collected when you register on the morning of the Tours.
Great Barrier Island is renowned for its small cottage artisans. At some of the gardens there will be items for sale. Should you wish to purchase, we recommend that you bring cash.
If you have any other queries, please contact Robyn by email.
But wait, there's more!
While you are on Great Barrier Island, perhaps take the opportunity to explore the stunning skies of our Dark Sky Sanctuary with the Good Heavens team. Deb and Hilde have discounted their Look Up and Get Lost Group Experience especially for Garden Tour participants and in addition, they will donate $20 of every tour booked to Aotea Health. You can expect a magical night-time journey of 1.5-2 hours.
While you lean back under a warm blanket in a comfy moon chair, your local guide will show you around constellations, stars and deep sky objects. Listen to ancient myths and fascinating stories that will help you orientate in the night sky in years to come. Look through a telescope, deep into space and wonder at the magnificence of this nocturnal environment. Small groups, scenic locations and local Great Barrier Island guides ensure a personalised experience. Be captivated by this magical world like our ancestors were throughout the ages.
You can book via their Look Up and Get Lost – Group Stargazing Experience page using promocode GARDENTOUR23 The promocode is valid for the weekend before and after the Garden Tour, too.
We are excited to announce that on the Friday night to mark the opening of the Spectacular by Nature Garden Tour Weekend there will be a special welcome dinner.
Would you like to join us? You will be able to hear wonderful speaker and eat fabulous food.
Tickets must be pre-purchased when booking at $50pp. Unfortunately there are limited spaces available. All proceeds again go to the Great Barrier Island Community Health Trust Equipment Fund.
The 'Spectacular by Nature' Garden Tour meets at the Health Centre in Claris before 9:00am.
For those without transport, a bus transfer service - Tryphena to and from the Health Centre - is available for $10pp each way. Please contact Sue by email or phone at (09) 4290 474 with details of your accommodation to arrange pick-up points.
The Community Heritage and Art Village will be open throughout the weekend. The Museum is very popular and a 'must see'.
The annual Stonewall Village ROSE SHOW, on Sunday the 26th of November (10am Market Day, 11am Judging) in Tryphena, is lots of fun and a chance to share an island community event.
Please book transportation very early to avoid disappointment.
If you wish to hire a car for the weekend please click below.