Awaiti, meaning 'little stream' in Maori, was named in the early 1980s after the meandering brook on the homestead property.

Once bare paddocks are now home to 6 acres of tranquil paradise, thanks to the hardwork and devotion of Jeanette and Allan Gates.

River stones were used to line the waterways and erect the stately hand crafted stone walls; mass planting of trees and shrubs for all seasons has completed the perfect secret garden.

Awaiti gardens are unseen from the road, giving visitors a wonderful surprise when they arrive - complemented with doves and fantail pigeons flying gracefully above.

Awaiti, a labour of love for the Gates family, is run as a family business with help from their daughter Katrina Jordan.

Awaiti boasts an exquisite giftshop, art gallery and the Homestead Tearooms, which enhance the visitor experience.

Border plantings separate the garden into individual yet flowing compartments with generous curving pathways which, cleverly beckon the vsitor to see what lies ahead.

Admission

• September 1 to May 31.
• June to August (appointment only).
• Thursday to Sunday 10am - 4pm and Public Holidays.
• Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday (appointment only)
• Closed Christmas day.

Entry Fee: Adults $7.50, children under 12 years old $3.50. ( Please note, large groups need to make prior arrangements with us)

   

Highlights

• Spring: Rhododendrons, Azaleas, Daffodils, Camellias and more
• Summer: Roses, Dallies, Perennials, Annuals, Water lilies
• Autumn: Maples, Chestnuts, Silver birches , Ash and Weeping beech
• Formal: Gardens well laid out and defined by Buxus hedging
• Water: Large number of Water Lilies and beautiful lake with promenade, water wheel and cottage.