When is Longbush Cottage open?

Longbush Cottage is open to visitors Wednesday to Monday, 10:00am – 4:00pm. We're closed on Tuesdays for garden maintenance, though tour groups can be accommodated by special arrangement. Special closures: Christmas Day, Boxing Day, and New Year's Day. Public holidays: generally open 10am – 4pm. On event days, entry is for ticket holders only.

Do I need to book in advance?

Yes, bookings are essential. We don't accept walk-ins as it helps us manage the garden experience and ensure we can provide the best service to all visitors.

What does entry cost?

$15 per adult for garden entry. Children under 14 are free when accompanied by a paying adult.

Where is Longbush Cottage located?

1023 Longbush Road, RD 4, Masterton 5884, Wairarapa, New Zealand. We're just 15 minutes from State Highway 2 at Carterton, making us an ideal stop between Wellington and Napier. From Greytown or Martinborough, we're 15-20 minutes away.

Garden Visitors (Self-Guided)

Book a self-guided visit for one, two, or a small group—perfect for spontaneous wanderings or relaxed days out exploring the 1.1 hectare cottage garden at your own pace.

Enhance your visit with a personalized guided tour led by our Chief Gardener, Luke Gardner. Tours include garden commentary, Q&A, and seasonal insights, typically lasting about an hour.

We welcome groups of up to 50 people for hosted visits with commentary, Q&A, and seasonal insights. Morning tea, afternoon tea, and catered lunch options are available. Perfect for garden clubs, tour operators, and community groups.

The gardens and bar are available for exclusive hire for special functions, small weddings, creative retreats, or corporate events. Contact us to discuss your requirements and availability.

What makes Longbush Cottage special?

1.1 hectare of gardens including a large pond; flat ground with gravel paths and few steps; on-site parking for multiple tour-group vans with adjacent parking for coaches; morning and afternoon teas including a slice; curated catered lunches onsite; The Emporium shop with take-home treasures; toilet facilities; accessible parking and paths to view the gardens; accommodation options available locally.

Are children welcome?

Absolutely! Children are very welcome and it's a wonderful opportunity for families to explore beautiful gardens and learn about plants. Children under 14 enter free with a paying adult.

For the safety and comfort of our plants, wildlife, and guests, we ask that you leave pet dogs at home. Assistance dogs are always welcome—please notify staff on arrival so we can assist you.

Is the garden wheelchair accessible?

Many areas of the garden are accessible. We feature wide gravel paths, though there are some grass and uneven areas. Vantage points are available for those who can't navigate all paths. Accessible parking is available by the cottage. On event days, drive to the gate for assistance. The restroom is semi-accessible (small step) near the Potting Shed/Emporium. Seating benches are located throughout the garden, and guided tours can be arranged to accommodate specific accessibility needs.

Do you have specific accessibility support?

We strive to make the garden enjoyable for everyone. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us before your visit. Email: info@longbushcottage.co.nz or Phone: +64 21 254 6481

Yes, ample on-site parking is available for cars and multiple tour-group vans. Adjacent parking can accommodate coaches. Accessible parking is located near the cottage entrance—please ask on arrival for assistance, especially on event days.

We offer morning and afternoon teas (from $10) including a slice, and curated catered lunches (from $25) on-site. Pre-booking for morning teas and lunch is essential. We collaborate with Anderson Street Kitchen for exceptional food experiences.

What collaborations do you have?

We work with exceptional local businesses: Anderson Street Kitchen for sumptuous food; access to several local private gardens can be arranged; tourism partners include Destination Wairarapa, Tourism NZ, and many other Wairarapa businesses; local accommodation options available including Summit Lodge, Gladstone, and Wairarapa Escapes.

What can I buy at the Emporium?

Inside the Emporium, shelves and tables are filled with carefully chosen pieces: garden-inspired textiles (cushions, aprons, accessories); cards and stationery; ceramics and kitchen treasures (floral mugs, bowls, utensils); seeds and plants; curiosities and keepsakes; seasonal plant sales (tulips in pots during the Tulip Festival, roses and perennials from our nursery). We're also adding a handpicked collection of gardening and lifestyle books.

Can I see glasshouses at Longbush Cottage?

Yes! Longbush Cottage proudly serves as the national distributor of LAMS glasshouses in New Zealand. You can see French-crafted LAMS glasshouses in our gardens, blending classic charm with modern durability. Whether seeking the perfect environment to nurture your seedlings and plants or additional space to savour your garden throughout the year, LAMS presents tailored solutions. Learn more at glasshouses.nz

Tell me about the garden

Longbush Cottage is a 1.1 hectare modern cottage garden located in beautiful central Wairarapa, inspired by 20th-century arts and crafts gardens. The garden blends indigenous and exotic plants to create a distinctly New Zealand flavour. The structure is formal with straight lines and vistas, while the planting is relaxed and sometimes playfully wild. There's always something to discover, with extensive displays of daffodils, tulips, irises, peonies, roses, dahlias, early and late perennials, natives, and many more throughout September to May. We're proud to hold a 4-star rating from the New Zealand Gardens Trust.

Who are the gardeners?

Luke Gardner and Ben Quay purchased Longbush Cottage in 2015 as a weekend retreat from Wellington. Within weeks, it became clear this wasn't just a getaway; it was the beginning of a lifelong project. The property features a charming 1890s cottage originally built in Eketahuna and carefully relocated to Longbush in 1998. Luke Gardner, Chief Gardener, leads the garden's design and maintenance. His aim isn't perfection, but a vibrant atmosphere filled with colour and character that celebrates nature while offering peace and inspiration to visitors.

What is the New Zealand Gardens Trust?

The New Zealand Gardens Trust (NZGT) is an esteemed organization that brings together individuals with a deep passion for gardening. Members are dedicated to cultivating diverse ranges of plants and sharing the beauty and creativity of garden experiences, whether traditional or innovative in design. Longbush Cottage is proud to hold a 4-star rating from NZGT.

How do I contact Longbush Cottage?

Address: 1023 Longbush Road, RD 4, Masterton 5884, Wairarapa, New Zealand. Email: luke@longbushcottage.co.nz or info@longbushcottage.co.nz. Phone: +64 21 254 6481 (if we're in the garden, please leave a message and we'll ring back). For general inquiries, please use our contact form on the website. For urgent matters, please email or call directly.

What do I do in an emergency?

Emergency services: Dial 111 for fire, ambulance, or police. On-site assistance: Notify any team member immediately. A first aid kit is available at the Potting Shed/Emporium reception. Nearest AED (defibrillator): Located at Longbush Playgroup, approximately 2 minutes away.

Events at Longbush Cottage

Welcome

An easy evening in the garden

Free to attend, relaxed, and really good fun. We host Gathered at Longbush with Nathan and his Dovecote House Roaming Kitchen — hearty comfort food made fresh on-site, finished with his own house-made Wairarapa preserves and sauces.

It's a chance to slow down, eat well, and catch up with friends, family, and neighbours — outdoors, among the flowers, with no fuss and no bookings required.

A short drive from Martinborough, Carterton, and Greytown.

What to expect

Real Food, Made Fresh On-Site

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Dovecote House Kitchen

Nathan's kitchen-on-wheels with comfort food done properly, finished with house-made sauces and preserves.

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Licensed Garden Bar

Wine, beer, plus low and no alcohol options — all served in the garden.

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Open-Air Garden

Picnic tables, lawn space, and golden-hour views across the Wairarapa.

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Family Friendly

Supervised children are very welcome. Bring a rug and find your spot.

How it works

Easy as — arrive, eat, stay a while

Arrive

Find yourself a spot among the flowers — lawn, picnic tables, or bring your own rug.

Order

Head to the Dovecote House Roaming Kitchen and order your food directly from Nathan.

Drink

Grab a glass from our licensed garden bar — wine, beer, or something low-key.

Relax

Eat under the trees, watch the sun go down, and stay as long as you like.

Sample menu

Honest Food with Proper Flavour

Nathan's menu rotates with the seasons — here's a taste of what to expect:

About your host

Local food, local love

Nathan runs Dovecote House out of the Wairarapa — a small, passionate operation known for old-fashioned flavour and no-nonsense comfort food. As well as events and markets, Dovecote House makes a brilliant range of house-made chutneys, jams, and preserves. You might just find some in our Emporium.

Visit Dovecote House →

Dates & details

See the Next Gathered Evening

Gathered at Longbush runs monthly through the warmer months. All dates are listed on our Facebook Events — hit Interested so you don't miss them.

View on Facebook

If a date shifts for weather or other reasons, we'll update the Facebook event first.

House rules

Simple & smooth

No BYO alcohol — we run a licensed garden bar.
No pre-booking of food; order on the night.
Card facilities available on-site.
Supervised children are welcome.
Bring a rug if you like — lawn space is generous.

FAQ

Have Questions?

Is it free to attend?

Yes — Gathered is free to attend. You just pay for food and drinks on the night.

Do I need to book?

No booking needed — just show up. Order food directly from Nathan on the night.

Is there seating?

We have picnic tables and plenty of lawn space. Bring a rug if you'd like to spread out.

Is BYO allowed?

No BYO alcohol — we run a licensed garden bar with wine, beer, and low/no alcohol options.

Can I buy Nathan's preserves and sauces?

Yes — you'll find a selection of Dovecote House products in our Emporium, open during all Gathered evenings.

Where are you located?

Longbush Cottage, 1023 Longbush Road, RD4, Masterton. We're a short drive from Martinborough, Carterton, and Greytown.

Phone

+64 21 254 6481

Email

info@longbushcottage.co.nz

Address

1023 Longbush Road, RD4, Masterton, 5884

Questions?

Contact form →

Gathered at Longbush