GARDENS AND CAFE
Development of The Waterlily Gardens began in the 1940's thanks to retired farmers, Tom and Mabel Gordon, and celebrated 60 years of opening to the public in 2011, The gardens were first open to the public for four Tuesdays in February 1951. Now open seven days a week, with an on-site café and cottage accommodation, The Waterlily Gardens are an iconic part of Waihi.
The gardens host an abundance of hardy water lilies in the lake and ponds, lush trees, native forest walks, waterfalls and formal lawns.
The Café focus' on locally-sourced, quality food, well made coffee and boutique teas hand blended in New Zealand.
THE GARDENS
Park up and wander through the gate, onto the formal lawns, past the café, Giant Oaks, liriodendrons, maples, liquid ambers, meta sequoias and swamp Cyprus.
Here you can find the small lake, abundant with hardy water lilies, local sculptures and a backdrop of ornamental cherry trees.
Over the stream, through some casually arranged ponds awash with colour. before heading through a path of native New Zealand flora. After exiting the bush, past cascading water, past the ginko trees and the copper beech, the gardens open to an expansive two-acre lake, overlooked by a weeping willow, and surrounded by giant flora.
Sit and relax, or play under the trees then amble back up to the café, on the other side of the stream.
PONDS AND LAKES
Twenty stream-fed ponds, including the 0.8ha lake, are home to 70 varieties of water lily – including hardy, tropical types – and lotus plants
THE LOTUS CAFE
Serving a selection of Boutique teas, barista coffee and some delicious cakes & savoury dishes, made freshly on site. Why not book in for in High Tea or Cream Tea.
Our Café is currently open during the Spring, Autumn and Summer on a Saturday and Sunday, and by appointment for large groups during the week.
So make sure you book ahead if your group is planning on coming during the week. Contact us for more information
NATIVE BUSH WALK
The bush area is filled with rimu, kahikatea, lancewood, miro, kauri, punga, ferns and many more flora and fauna. Finches and Fantails flit through, following you on your journey. Tui's call from the high branches. The tranquil setting is like something out of a fairy tale. If you are bringing children, make sure they keep a look out for the fairy garden.
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Group Tours
Pre-booked group tours, and afternoon tea, are available for large groups.
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Your guide will lead you through the delightful gardens, talking you through how we tend to the water lilies and surrounding fauna and flora, any projects we are currently working on and also the compelling sculptures found through-out the property.
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Afterward you will be treated to a delicious light lunch, with our boutique teas and freshly made coffee.
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Booking for this is essential, contact us for more information