Description
Tea in my Garden
Join us for a delightful morning in nature! Explore four unique Waitaha gardens, meet the gardeners, and enjoy a guided tour through their beautiful grounds.
December | February | March | April
Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House
Saturday 6 December 202510.30am – 12pm
Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House takes its name from the Okeover Stream (Waiutuutu Stream) that gently traces its northern boundary, a historical waterway threading through the age-old travel routes of Waitaha, Ngāti Māmoe, and Ngāi Tahu. This enchanting feature symbolises the flow of revolutionary ideas championed by Kate and tens of thousands of New Zealanders standing strong for women’s suffrage. Beyond her suffragist achievements, Kate was a dedicated vegetarian who nurtured a thriving edible garden—a tangible testament to her beliefs and lifestyle. The rustle of her greens echoed her vision for a more enlightened, compassionate world. Imagine her, sleeves rolled up, hands immersed in rich soil, cultivating both plants and seeds of change. This villa was Kate’s family home from 1888 to 1902. Today, it stands as a museum, offering a captivating glimpse into her world. Our visit includes museum entry. Step back in time, wander the gardens, enjoy morning tea, and be inspired by the life and legacy of an NZ icon who cultivated change from her doorstep.
Price: $35 ($45 Non-member) – includes Museum entry.Address: 83 Clyde Road, Christchurch
Blue House Amberley
Friday 13 February 202610.30am – 12pm
Escape to over an acre of lush, densely planted wonder in North Canterbury’s summer-dry haven. Wander along wide grass paths through intimate shade gardens, tussock and prairie borders, Mediterranean-style gravel zones, a no-mow meadow, vineyard, productive vegetable patch, and charming creek-side nooks—all thoughtfully designed with strong planting schemes and expert maintenance. This vibrant garden, crafted from a bare paddock since 2013, showcases extraordinary growth in its sandy loam soil—thanks to Jenny Cooper’s innovative summer-dry approach and unwavering passion.
Price: $30 ($40 Non-member). Address: 35 Willowside Place, Amberley
Flaxmere
Friday 13 March 202610.30am – 12pm
Created over 50 years ago on a North Canterbury sheep farm, Penny Vino’s Flaxmere, is a celebrated country garden set against the Southern Alps. In March, late-summer colour lingers while autumn begins to show, making it a spectacular time to visit. Five ponds, stone walls, and timber bridges bring tranquillity and birdlife, while expansive plantings range from natives to roses, rhododendrons and woodlands. A new dry garden, planted in 2024, adds fresh seasonal interest. Flaxmere welcomes visitors from around the world to enjoy its ever-changing beauty.
Price: $30 ($40 Non-member) Address: 263 Stockgrove Road, Waipara
Ōhinetahi
Friday 10 April 2026 10.30am – 12.30pm
Celebrated for over 1.25 hectares of garden, Ōhinetahi is also home to two galleries, sculpture and woodland trails, and a significant 19th century homestead. Sir Miles Warren, his sister Pauline and her husband John bought the property. After restoring the ramshackle house, the garden was established. It was gifted to the nation in 2012 and is now run by the Ōhinetahi Charitable Trust. A place of magical beauty with a profound sense of peace and tranquility.
Price: $65 ($80 Non-member) Includes home-made morning tea served inside the beautiful home of Sir Miles Warren. Address: 31 Governors Bay Teddington Road, Allandale
Costs & Payment
This is an all weather event so please be prepared for your Garden Tour with appropriate (sensible gardeners) clothing!
Meet at the garden, or carpool with friends. Includes morning tea.
Members save $10 when booking all four tours.
Become a Member of the CHS and receive up to 30% off all our courses and workshops
Please note, our events are aimed at adults. If you are under 18 or wish to bring along tamariki please contact us before booking so we can check. Nga mihi, CHS team
