Tea in My Garden

Join us for a delightful morning in nature! Explore four unique Waitaha (Canterbury) gardens, meet the gardeners, and enjoy a guided tour through their beautiful grounds.

SATURDAY 6 DECEMBER 202510.30am - 12pm

Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House

Step into the lush and vibrant past at Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House, an enchanting sanctuary where you'll find an intriguing blend of history and garden beauty. Explore the house, wander the gardens, and connect with the legacy Kate Sheppard cultivated.
Price: $35 ($45 Non-member) - includes Museum entry.Address: 83 Clyde Road, Christchurch

FRIDAY 13 FEBRUARY 202610.30am - 12pm
Blue House Amberley

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

Jenny Cooper: Photo credit: Anna McLeod Photography

FRIDAY 13 MARCH 202610.30am - 12pm
Flaxmere

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

FRIDAY 10 APRIL 2026 10.30am - 12.30pm
Ōhinetahi

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

You will note we offer two ticket types: General Admission and CHS Member. A CHS Membership can save you up to 30% off workshops and courses AND provides great discounts at local retailers as well as FREE attendance at our Monthly Meeting, Garden Life.

To become a Member sign up on our website. Membership starts from as little as $30 per year.

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.