Full of history and timeless charm. Come and take a self-guided tour of this national treasure. Step back in time and discover the memories and stories of our historic homestead and garden estate, the heart of Gordonton’s history.
Also located at the Estate is Woodlands Garden Grove Cafe & Bar. Privately owned and operated, the café looks out onto an old-fashioned cricket oval.
Woodland’s Homestead is a category 1 Historic Place, Heritage New Zealand. Come and see why our gardens are rated as a 5-star Garden of National Significance by the New Zealand Garden Trust. The gardens are home to New Zealand's largest Eucalyptus, the finest Liriodendron in the Waikato, an American Ash and a Juniperus Chinensis.
View our map and calendar below to help guide you through the Estate and find out what happens in the garden when the seasons change.
Estate MapEstate Calendar
Visiting Hours
Gardens: Monday to Sunday - 9am to 3.30pm (donations appreciated)
Homestead: Monday to Sunday - 10am to 3.30pm ($3 entry)
Cafe: Weekdays - 9am to 3.00pm | Weekends - 9am to 4pm
Welcoming Guests Through Our Doors Since 1872
Woodlands Estate was established as a 98,000 acre estate purchased from The Crown by The Piako Swamp Company for 2/6 (25 cents) an acre. The Homestead, restored to its former glory, was initially built as a Manager's residence between 1875 and 1881. It is primarily made of Kauri and still features some original weatherboards and roof iron.
Thank You
Woodlands Estate is looked after by a not-for-profit trust, with the gardens being well-maintained by the Waikato District Council.
The overall historic and aesthetic value of the homestead and gardens has been maintained thanks to generous donations and voluntary time. The Trust extends its gratitude for the generous support of the community over the years.
Estate Calendar
Summer
Spring
Autumn
Winter
January
MARKETS ON WOODLANDS OVALVisit us on the 2nd Sunday of each month and wander the many market stalls on the cricket oval in front of the cafe. Check our facebook page for updates and cancellations.
ANTIQUE & COLLECTABLE FAIR
Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st January 2024 in the Wisteria Room, $3 entry. A wonderful collections or antiques and collectables for you to buy.
SUMMER AT THE ESTATE
Enjoy a stroll around the picturesque gardens and relax and enjoy tasty treats at Woodlands Garden Grove Cafe.
IN THE GARDEN
FLOWERING:
Roses, Hydrangea, Neepta (Catnip), Lavender, Liriope (both Purple & White), Epimedium, Clivia, Hosta, Dicentra, Delphinium, Wisteria (front of Homestead), Sambucuas.
IN FRUIT:
Ornamental Pear
February
IT'S WEDDING SEASONWhile the Homestead is open daily, it may be closed weekend afternoons for wedding preparations.
MARKETS ON WOODLANDS OVAL
Visit us on the 2nd Sunday of each month and wander the many market stalls on the cricket oval in front of the cafe. Check our facebook page for updates and cancellations.
IN THE GARDEN
FLOWERING:
Roses, Hydrangea, Nepta (Catnip), Lavender, Lirriope (both Purple & White), Epimedium, Clivia’s, Hosta’s, Dicentra, Delphinium, Wisteria (front of Homestead), Achillea, Indigofera (looks like Wisteria)
IN FRUIT:
Clivia will be setting the red seed heads, these look stunning against their gloss green leaves.
Sambucus Niagra will in fruit, look for the dark purple berries held in clusters on the branches, birds love these berries
March
MARKETS ON WOODLANDS OVALVisit us on the 2nd Sunday of each month and wander the many market stalls on the cricket oval in front of the cafe. Check our facebook page for updates and cancellations.
IN THE GARDEN
FLOWERING:
Roses, Hydrangea, Ligustrum. Our annual beds will get changed over ready for the winter around the 3rd week of March
IN FRUIT:
Crab Apple, Pear, Quince
April
OUTINGS @ WOODLANDSWednesday & Thursday 17th & 18th April 2024
10am to 3pm
$3pp or $10 per family up to 6 children)
Autumn-themed school holiday activities are available in the gardens and Homestead. Email the team for more details: [email protected]
IN THE GARDEN
FLOWERING:
Oak leaf Hydrangea’s, Roses
May
Book a table for Mum this Mothers Day at Woodlands Garden Grove Cafewww.woodlandsgardengrove.co.nz
IN THE GARDEN
FLOWERING:
Autumn Leaf Colour
IN BUD:
Magnolia and Camellia
June
TEA ON TUESDAYS $35.00ppThe Homestead is hosting Devonshire Tea's in the Kauri Room on Tuesdays. Contact our office for booking details: [email protected]
IN THE GARDEN
FLOWERING:
Magnolia and Camellia
July
OUTINGS @ WOODLANDSTuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 4th, 5th, 6th July 2023
Matariki themed school holiday activities in the Homestead and Gardens. Email the office for more details. [email protected]
TEA ON TUESDAYS $35.0pp
The Homestead is hosting Devonshire Tea's in the Kauri Room on Tuesdays. Contact our office for booking details: [email protected]
MYSTERY AT THE ESTATE - 7th July 2023 - $42pp
Who's ready to solve a murder mystery!? Confinement Escape Rooms have created a new game, you have one hour to explore the Homestead, hunt down clues, solve puzzles and work out who committed the crime.
For further details or to book, contact [email protected]
IN THE GARDEN
FLOWERING:
Winter garden beds, Camellia and Magnolia
Hellebore’s also known as “The Winter Rose” are all in flower around the garden
IN BUD:
Rhododendron and Azalea
August
TEA ON TUESDAYS $35.00ppThe Homestead is hosting Devonshire Tea's in the Kauri Room on Tuesdays. Contact our office for booking details: [email protected]
MYSTERY AT THE ESTATE - 4th August 2023 - $42pp
Who's ready to solve a murder mystery!? Confinement Escape Rooms have created a new game, you have one hour to explore the Homestead, hunt down clues, solve puzzles and work out who committed the crime.
For further details or to book, contact [email protected]
IN THE GARDEN
FLOWERING
Rhododendron and Azalea starting to flower. Magnolia Stellat starting to flower
IN BUD
Daffodils start to appear
September
MYSTERY AT THE ESTATE - 1st September 2023 - $42ppWho's ready to solve a murder mystery!? Confinement Escape Rooms have created a new game, you have one hour to explore the Homestead, hunt down clues, solve puzzles and work out who committed the crime.
For further details or to book, contact [email protected]
ANTIQUE & COLLECTABLE FAIR 2023
2nd & 3rd September 2023
Doors Open 10am
$3 entry fee
FATHER DAYS SCAVENGAR HUNT 2023
Sunday 3rd September
$45 per team of 4-6
Bring Dad out for a day of fun, book a table at Woodlands Garden Grove Cafe to celebrate your scavenger hunt success!
www.woodlandsgardengrove.co.nz
IN THE GARDEN - CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON
Make sure you visit the Estate this month and enjoy the blossoms.
FLOWERING:
Quince is nearing it’s end, Cherry blossom, Daffodil, Rhododendron, Azalea
Magnolia are all in flower. Cercis is flowering, as you walk towards the hydrangea loop look to the right and they frame the path with their dark trunks and small purple flowers.
Also the stunning American Sassafrog is in bloom, look for the yellow flowers this tree is sited by the Woodlands sign as you enter the car park area.
October
PIONEER FUNDAYS - modified4th, 5th, 6th October 2023
Due to the weather we are unable to have our main attractions. The Estate is open to be explored, how many animals can you find in our garden I-Spy game? Entry is free to all over these 3 days.
MARKETS ON WOODLANDS OVAL
Our first market of the season, visit us on the 2nd Sunday, (8th October) and wander the many market stalls on the cricket oval in front of the cafe. Check our facebook page for updates and cancellations.
IN THE GARDEN
FLOWERING:
Sassafras, Azalea, Wisteria (Monet Bridge), rhododendrons are in full bloom, the huge iris displays around the garden are starting to flower, bluebells in the Oaks are popping their heads up and showing their blue flowers
IN BUD:
Roses, our new annual bedding is plonked out around the 3rd week of October. If you look carefully as you walk around the gardens, you will see the Hosta’s pushing up from their winter dormancy.
The Melianthus in the perennial bed will be in bloom, look for it’s stunning silvery grey foliage and huge brick red tubular flower, very structural plant.
November
MARKETS ON WOODLANDS OVALVisit us on the 2nd Sunday of each month and wander the many market stalls on the cricket oval in front of the cafe. Check our facebook page for updates and cancellations.
CHRISTMAS IN THE HOMESTEAD Opening Sunday 19th November 2023
$3 Entry
Free entry for school aged children
(please note the Homestead may be closed weekend afternoons due to weddings.)
Visit the homestead during November & December and celebrate Christmas with us. Enjoy rooms decorated by our Christmas Elves.
IN THE GARDEN
FLOWERING:
Tulip tree, Liriodendron, Lime Tree, Roses Escallonia. Azalea finishing
The perennial bed on your right as you head to the drive way bridge will be starting to get busy with flowers and bud. Clivia are now in full bloom
IN FRUIT:
Quince trees will be starting to show signs of their fruit swelling.
December
MARKETS ON WOODLANDS OVALVisit us on the 2nd Sunday of each month and wander the many market stalls on the cricket oval in front of the cafe. Check our facebook page for updates and cancellations.
CHRISTMAS IN THE HOMESTEAD
$3 Entry
Free entry for school aged children
(please note the Homestead may be closed weekend afternoons due to weddings.)
Visit the homestead during November & December and celebrate Christmas with us. Enjoy rooms decorated by our Christmas Elves.
Contact [email protected] for more details
The Estate will be closed for the Christmas/New Year period. Closed 24th December 2023, Reopening January 3rd 2024
IN THE GARDEN:
FLOWERING:
Roses, Hydrangea, Kalmia, Escallanoia, Sambucus (Elderberry)
IN FRUIT:
Quince will be in fruit