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.

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.

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.

Plant Fair | Longbush Cottage

Wairarapa Autumn Plant Fair 2026

SKU: GRD-PF

Dates: Saturday 28 March 2026

Gates open: 09:00 am — 3:00 pm

Where:

Longbush Cottage, 1023 Longbush Road, RD4, Masterton

Parkvale Gardens, 349 Moreton Road, Parkvale, Carterton

Tickets: $20 per person · Children under 14 free with an adult

Plants for Sale: A variety of plants will be available for purchase on the day 🌱

Buy Tickets

Plan Your Visit • FAQs

About the Fair

A Celebration of Gardening

The Wairarapa Autumn Plant Fair, proudly presented by Longbush Cottage and Parkvale Gardens, invites you to explore two stunning gardens, meet passionate local growers, and discover plants perfectly suited to Wairarapa's climate.

Autumn is the perfect time to dig into your garden plans. With cooler days and ideal planting conditions, it's time to sow, plant, and prepare for growth.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting out, the fair offers something for everyone. From rare finds to gardening tips, it's a day to connect with nature and fellow plant lovers.

Join us for a day of discovery, inspiration, and community spirit at the Wairarapa Autumn Plant Fair.

Tickets

General Admission: $20 per person
Children (under 14): Free with a paying adult
At the gate: Card & cash accepted (subject to capacity)
Online: Recommended to avoid queues

Event Opening Hours

09:00 am – 3:00 pm, last entry 2:30 pm
Come rain or shine — dress for autumn conditions.
Plants will be available for purchase throughout the event.

Plan Your Visit

Location

📍 Longbush Cottage, 1023 Longbush Road, RD4, Masterton

📍 Parkvale Gardens, 349 Moreton Road, Parkvale, Carterton

🗺️ Click for directions between both gardens

Parking

On-site parking is signposted on arrival. Please follow the team’s directions.

Accessibility

Garden paths are a mix of lawn and gravel.
Accessible parking near the entrance (ask on arrival).

Food & Drink

Great food and coffee from local vendors.
Longbush Cottage has a licenced bar offering a selection of beverages.

✅ Ready to Plan Your Visit?

Use the form below to check availability and book your spot. Tickets are valid for any day or time.

autumn-plant-fair

Booking Date
Booking Options
Conact Information
Checkout

Please select both the visit Date & Time

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Last Name

Email

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Post Code

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FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I buy tickets at the gate?

Yes, tickets are $20 at the gate (Cash or Eftpos), or book online to skip the queue.

Is there parking?

Yes, ample parking is available at both garden locations.

Can I pay for plants by card?

Yes, we accept both cash and card payments. Please note that some vendors may have a minimum card payment amount, and may not accept all card types, specifically EFTPOS cards with no Chip & PIN functionality.

Do I need to book in advance?

Online booking is recommended but walk-ups are welcome. Booking helps us plan for crowd management and vendor arrangements.

What if it rains?

The event goes ahead rain or shine—bring your gumboots!

Are dogs allowed?

For the safety of the plants and guests, please leave dogs at home.

What time should I arrive?

The gardens open at 9am. We recommend arriving early to avoid crowds and have more time to explore.

Can I visit both gardens?

Yes! A single ticket ($20) gives you access to both Longbush Cottage and Parkvale Gardens throughout the day.

Is there a licenced bar?

Yes, Longbush Cottage has a licenced bar offering a selection of beverages.

Is food available?

Yes, both gardens have food vendors offering a variety of refreshments and meals.

When booking tickets you can also pre-order food from select vendors to enjoy during your visit.

Can I bring a picnic?

Outside food isn't permitted, but there are food vendors at both locations offering refreshments and meals.

Are there facilities available?

Both gardens have restroom facilities and seating areas. Bring sunscreen and a hat for outdoor comfort.

Are children welcome?

Yes, children are welcome! It's a great opportunity for families to explore beautiful gardens and learn about plants.

Is there an age restriction?

Children under 14 are free with a paying adult. All ages are welcome to enjoy the gardens and plant fair.

Accessibility

Both gardens are a mixture of gravel and grass pathways, many are wheelchair accessible, and assistance is available for those who need it. Please contact us in advance for any specific requirements.

Accessible parking is available near the entrance at both locations. Please ask on arrival for assistance.

We strive to make the event enjoyable for everyone. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact us at info@longbushcottage.co.nz.

Contact

Have a specific question? Email us at info@longbushcottage.co.nz
or join the discussion on our Facebook event page:

Autumn Plant Fair 2026

Wairarapa Autumn Plant Fair 2026

About the Fair

Tickets

Event Opening Hours

Plan Your Visit

✅ Ready to Plan Your Visit?

Adult Ticket Meta

Child Ticket Meta

Grazing Platter

Bottle of Bubbles

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Contact