Gwavas Garden Homestead

One of the most beautiful old gardens I have ever visited. The vision and foresight of the earliest members of this family is astonishing. The woodland garden and walks are nothing short of magical with the stunning historic Gwavas Homestead at the center of it all.Phyllida and Stuart shared so much about the history and the working life of the place. We were treated to a perfect afternoon tea (home made GF treats to boot!) whilst the heavens opened and resumed our botanical walk later. Old fashioned NZ country hospitality at its VERY best.This is the real deal, old and young will be totally inspired and come away in awe of the place. Only sorry we did not have time for the Puahanui lowland podicarp bush restoration project - we will be back!

We were given a voucher for dinner, bed & breakfast at this amazing property. From the moment we arrived, nothing was a problem for the wonderful hosts Phyllida & Stuart.The suite was huge and outstanding with a very comfortable bed with high quality linen. We shared both dinner and breakfast with our hosts, and really appreciated the homecooked meal. This is a real step back in time with fabulous grounds to explore. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

Just spent a day at Gwavas homestead as part of the CHB Spring Fling. Was well worth going the bush walk was done at a leisure pace, very enjoyable and our host Stewart was very informative our lunch was fabulous and the woodlands garden ramble was a delight. The homestead is just oozing history.

Hubby and I were subjected to Stu and Phil Gibsons amazing hospitality last Sunday at one of the Spring Fling events. Absolutely everything from the delicious homemade morning tea, the guided walk through the native forest, tour of their beautiful family home and words can not describe the 3 course lunch that was served to us. One word, faultless. Thank you both and I highly appreciate the work you have done for the community in showcasing a truly amazing hidden gem. Kind regards Caroline

My partner and I headed out to the first Gwavas Homestead, Garden and Bush Tour for the 2021 Spring Fling Festival, and what a day that was! We were introduced by Stuart and Phyllida who were the most welcoming to their homestead. We started with a morning tea with lovely home baked treats to then set off on the bush walk. Stuart was very knowledgeable about the history of the bush to what type of trees were planted and how old they were. The homestead tour was a must-see as the old standing had so much history and Stuart and Phyllida have collected so much knowledge and sustained that knowledge in a free-run guided talk. The purposely untouched spring garden was a treat to walk through, with matured trees, blossoms ready for bloom and eclectic grass that was so vibrant in the sun.Definitely would do this again! Well done on your beautiful property Phyllida and Stuart.

Sadly, it wasnt worth the money nor the tour. Guide didnt really know all that much about tree's considering he lives out there, learn your product!Lunch was small, I was still hungry & the dessert i couldnt eat coz it was too sweet. Fruit would had been nice as an option or even scones and jam since it was a garden lunching.No information given on eventfinder about appropriate footwear nor the time to be there by. We weren't early but we certainly were not 11:15am either! I would have left them behind! The house needs more than a day to air out, it did smell old, damp and moth bally. Natural Lemon Grass oil would spruce up those smells effectively. Kind kitchen staff from when we saw them. Sis enjoyed herself, so, that's the main thing. (She's not let out very often)

My husband and I got married at Gwavas garden and stayed in the homestead for the weekend. We could not have asked for a better day! Phyllis and Stu are so welcoming/accommodating to not only us but our friends and family also. 5 star experience highly recommendedLovely couple

Gwavas garden and homestead is the most amazing place to visit - from the minute you turn off the main road into the most beautiful tree lined driveway you are filled with anticipation for what’s next. We were lucky enough to have Swinhoe (bright blue) pheasants casually cross the road in front of us. Then we were welcomed by Phyllida and Stuart with an amazing homemade afternoon tea and an unexpected tour of the historic homestead where you really do feel the history - old damask curtains, totara wooden panelling, exquisite stained glass brought over from England back in the day and even old issues of Country Life, Punch and other papers. Then a walk in the woodland garden with Stu imparting his extensive knowledge on the history and genus of every tree and plant species. I’ve truly never seen such huge rhododendron trees before. This internationally recognised garden is one of New Zealand’s special secret places just off the main road in rural Hawkes Bay - everyone should see it and I’m lucky I have !

We had a fantastic day at Gwavas enjoying a casual walk through the stunning native bush, a fabulous lunch made by the lovely and talented Phil, a tour through the homestead including all the historical stories then a lovely meander through the gardens. Stu and Phil have done an amazing job bringing life back into their family station.

We love this Grand old homestead and grounds, our host Phyllida and Stuart were great. We had a lovely dinner and chat, we recommend you go back in time and enjoy this Grand Homestead and grounds and meet Phyllida and Stuart (and the dog).Thank you George and Kendra, we will be back.