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, built in the 1870's for the first manager Henry Reynolds and his family.
Visit our 5-star Garden of National Significance gardens which are the home to some of New Zealand's largest trees, Eucalyptus, Plantanus Acerfolia (London Plane), the finest Liriodendron (Tulip tree) in the Waikato, and a variety of Camelia, Azealia and Rhododendron species.
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: donations appreciated
Monday to Sunday - 9am to 3.30pm
Homestead: $3 entry (may be closed for a private function)
Monday to Sunday - 10am to 3.00pm
Cafe:
Weekdays - 9am to 3.00pm
Weekends - 9am to 4pm
Welcoming Guests Through Our Doors Since 1872
Woodlands Estate is a beautifully preserved 19th-century homestead and garden located in the heart of Gordonton. Once a working farm and now a vibrant community space, it has evolved into a much-loved Waikato destination — blending heritage, hospitality, and horticulture in a way that’s welcoming to all.
Whether you're walking the gardens, celebrating a wedding, enjoying a meal at the café, or simply letting the kids run on the lawn, there’s something for everyone here. The Homestead offers a glimpse into the past, the gardens provide space to wander and reflect, and our café serves up local flavour with relaxed charm. With seasonal events, garden tours, and peaceful open spaces, Woodlands is a place to visit, revisit, and share.
We’re proud to be community-run and not-for-profit, which means every visit, donation, booking, or helping hand goes straight back into preserving and improving the estate for future generations. Come and explore, get involved, and discover why Woodlands is one of the Waikato’s best-kept secrets — loved by locals, and unforgettable for visitors.
Woodlands Estate is looked after by a not-for-profit trust, with the gardens being well-maintained by the Waikato District Council.
Estate Calendar
Summer
Spring
Autumn
Winter
January
SUMMER AT THE ESTATEEnjoy 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.
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
IN THE GARDENFLOWERING:
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
IN THE GARDENFLOWERING:
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
IN THE GARDENFLOWERING:
Magnolia and Camellia
July
IN THE GARDENFLOWERING:
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
IN THE GARDENFLOWERING
Rhododendron and Azalea starting to flower. Magnolia Stellat starting to flower
IN BUD
Daffodils start to appear
September
ANTIQUE & COLLECTABLE FAIR 20256th & 7th September 2025
Doors Open 10am
$3 entry fee
FATHER DAYS SCAVENGAR HUNT 2025
Sunday 7th September
$65 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
IN THE GARDENFLOWERING:
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 planted 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.
November
CHRISTMAS IN THE HOMESTEAD from 21st November 2025$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
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 2025, Reopening January 5th 2026
IN THE GARDEN:
FLOWERING:
Roses, Hydrangea, Kalmia, Escallanoia, Sambucus (Elderberry)
IN FRUIT:
Quince will be in fruit