Hurunui Garden Festival
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 Greta Valley and Hanmer Springs.
Overnight camping during the Hurunui Garden Festival is welcome at the properties listed below. It is $15 per night which is paid to the property owner in cash to be put towards our tertiary scholarship fund.
To stay up to date with all of the news, head to www.hurunuigardenfestival.com. We look forward to seeing you 30th October – 2nd November.
Certified Self Contained Motorcaravan Parking
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
Rules for parking:
- Please ring ahead and book in with the property owner
- Overnight fees are $15 on top of your garden entry and is paid to the property owner
- Please pay cash
- Must be self contained
- Must take all rubbish with you
- Please check to see if a property is dog friendly 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 – Thursday 30th October – Sunday 2nd November 2025.
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.