More than gardens
What else is on at the 2026 Garden Safari?
The 17 gardens on the tour are the main event, but they aren't the only reason to come. Along the route, you'll find lunch stops raising money for local causes, plants and artwork to take home, guided tours, live music, and expert advice.
Make the most of the 39th New World Kerikeri Rotary Garden Safari. Here is what to look out for as you go throughout the weekend.
Be sure to have your ticket with you at all times.
These events are not open to the public, only to Garden Safari ticket holders.
At a glance
Food & refreshments
Gardens 3, 4 and 5
Guided tours
Garden 3
Live music
Garden 4 on Saturday (+$20)
Weed & pest advice
Gardens 6 and 18
Raffle & prize draw
Garden 16
Art for sale
Garden 11
Plants for sale
Gardens 6 and 18
Toilets
Gardens 3, 4, and 10
Bring cash. for food and plant stalls. EFTPOS is not available.
Food & refreshments
Garden 3: Te Waimate Mission
This is a lunch stop. Food and refreshments are on sale in support of the Northland Tui Marching team, so refuel here and help the team out.
Garden 4: The Flute Farm
Hospice Mid-Northland will be providing food throughout the day.
Be sure to pick up a copy of the Fond Food Memories recipe book: every cake and biscuit on sale is a recipe from the book.
Garden 5: Arvida Te Puna Waiora
Call into the Clubhouse for complimentary light refreshments, tea and coffee, and pick up a map of the village garden tour. Three show homes are also open to view.
Tours, music & advice
Garden 3: Guided garden tours at Te Waimate Mission
Free 15-minute guided tours of the grounds run at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm on both days. The gardens blend two centuries of gardening history, including two Bunya Bunya trees, the oldest in the north.
The Mission House itself is open from 10am to 5pm. Entry to the house is separate from your Safari ticket: adults $10, under 18s and Heritage New Zealand members free.
Garden 4: Garden Safari Concert at the Flute Farm
Garden owner Clare Ellis is a professional musician, and the garden has its own outdoor stage. The Garden Safari Concert starts at 1.30pm on Saturday.
Garden 10: Weed & pest advice
Northland Regional Council has a stand here on both days. Bring your questions about noxious weeds or rodent problems and find out what is growing in your garden and how to control it.
And more . . .
Plants for your patch
At Garden 6, plants will be available for sale in support of Hospice.
At Garden 18, ferns and cuttings from the potting shed will be on sale both days. The owners, former commercial growers, will be on hand to talk about growing and propagation.
Remember to buy rather than borrow! Do not take cuttings from any of the gardens.
Art to discover
At the rear of Balinese-inspired Garden 11, you'll find photographic art inspired by New Zealand's subtropical landscape, along with pieces that turn nature's discarded treasures into art. Photo cards are also available, with a portion of the proceeds going to Bald Angels Charitable Trust.
Be sure to also watch for original art on display at Garden 9.
Free Flexibin draw
Waste Management Northland has donated two Flexibins for green waste to two lucky Safari visitors.
To enter, leave your name and phone number at the raffle table at Garden 16. Winners will be contacted in the week after the Safari.
A little extra for ticket holders
Keep your Safari ticket handy for these local offers.
20% off
Redwoods Garden Centre
1526 Springbank Road
Thursday 29 October-Sunday 1 November 2026. Exclusions apply.
10% off
Plough & Feather
Kerikeri Basin - Open from midday
31 October-1 November 2026. Show your ticket. Discounts apply to ticket holder onlly.
Make a day of it. Or two.
You need two days to see everything, and you can start at any garden. If you want to catch the concert, a guided tour or the hot food, plan your route around those times. Tickets are $35 and cover both days.
Toilets are available at Gardens 3, 4 and 10, plus the public toilets marked on your Safari map. Use your printed garden guide to plan your route.