Planning Your Day
Opening Times
The gardens will be open from 10 am to 4 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. Entry with wristband (ticket) only.
Tickets
Show your ticket confirmation (either printed or on your phone) to a volunteer at any garden entrance to receive your wristband and program. Your wristband grants you access to all gardens throughout the weekend. Tickets will also be available for purchase at each garden entrance and are valid for both days.
Festival Program
The festival program (including map) will be distributed to each ticket holder with your wristband. Please note, that you can visit the gardens in any order you choose.
Ferry Travel
Ferry traffic will be heavy; we highly recommend taking an earlier ferry than usual and arriving at least 45 minutes before departure. For Fullers bus tour ticket holders, please arrive at the Downtown Ferry Terminal by 8:15am at the latest to catch the 9am ferry.
Transport
This is a self-drive event, but please consider carpooling as parking is extremely limited. Walking between gardens is encouraged where possible, and e-bikes or scooters are a great option, too. We are offering a fantastic e-bike package this year. Click here to find out more.
Fuller360 bus tour
If you have booked the bus tour, take the 9am ex Auckland ferry (or earlier ferry) to ensure you make the 10am bus departure from Matiatia ferry terminal. Volunteers will be stationed at the entrance to the ferry building and will provide your wristbands/programs and load you onto your bus. Buses will visit all ten gardens. Note: buses will not stop at the lunch partner venues, but you will have the opportunity to purchase light refreshments at Garden 5. You will be returned to Matiatia ferry terminal in time to catch the 5pm ferry back to Auckland.
E-bike packages
If you have booked an ebike hire package, collect your ebike between 9am and midday from the eRide Waiheke shop located inside the Matiatia Ferry Terminal on the right. You must return your bike by 6pm that day.
Parking
Waiheke Island roads are very narrow and winding. Parking at nearly all gardens is restricted to roadside parking and is limited. Please follow instructions from our volunteer parking attendants and consider visiting another garden if parking fills up. We appreciate your patience in advance.
Safety
Please take care while exploring these beautiful private gardens. Some areas will have uneven or slippery surfaces, so we kindly ask that you watch your step and take responsibility for your own safety. Most gardens have steep slopes, so please take extra care and ensure you wear suitable footwear. In particular, Gardens 5 and 10 have steep driveways you will need to walk up and back, and Garden 6 has narrow footpaths and steps.
Live music
We are very grateful to the Waiheke Musical Museum musicians for providing musicians who will perform live music between 10.30-11.30am and 2.30-3.30pm in Gardens 1 and 5.
Food and Drinks
Enjoy hot drinks from the Sol Espresso Bar coffee cart at Garden 1 throughout the day. Garden 5 will be serving tea, coffee, scones and light refreshments from 10am–2pm, while Garden 9 will offer cold drinks and homemade cake from 2pm–4pm each day. EFTPOS is available where food/drinks are served.
Lunch Options: We've partnered with some fantastic local eateries to offer discounted lunches for festival-goers. Note: Buses will not be stopping at these venues. Those on the bus can purchase light refreshments at Garden 5.
Too Fat Buns – Unit 4/118 Ocean View Road, Oneroa https://www.toofatbuns.co.nz/
Waiheke's award-winning gourmet burger bar, serving delicious burgers with vegetarian, vegan and gluten/dairy-free options available. Show your wristband for 10% off your bill.Bisou – 4 Miami Avenue, Surfdale https://www.bisou.co.nz/
A cosy café serving European-inspired dishes, pastries, baguettes, quiches and their famous sweet and savoury crêpes, alongside Eighthirty coffee and fresh juices. Show your wristband for a ‘Crêpe Complète’ and regular coffee for $24.50.Allpress Olive Groves – 1 Gordon's Road https://www.allpressolivegroves.co.nz/
Enjoy a relaxed bistro experience among the olive groves, with a large courtyard, outdoor pizza kitchen, tasting room and mill. Show your wristband for 15% off your bill and a free olive oil tasting. Bookings recommended.The Heke Brewery / Distillery / Kitchen – 64 Onetangi Road, Onetangi https://www.theheke.co.nz/
Award-winning Waiheke hospitality with wood-fired dishes, local wines, and beer, gin and whisky made onsite. Enjoy a two-course menu including a glass of wine or beer for $65. Pre-bookings required.
Children
Children under the age of 14 years are FREE and welcome. Please note most of the gardens are not suitable for pushchairs.
Pets
Please leave your pets at home as they are not allowed in these private gardens.
Toilets
Gardens 1, 4, 5 and 7 have visitor toilets and public toilets are also marked on the festival map and in the program.
Weather
There is no rain date for the festival. It will go ahead rain, hail or shine so please dress according to the weather conditions. 😊
Festival Ticket Terms and Conditions
Attendance at the Waiheke Garden Festival indicates your agreement with our festival terms and conditions. Please review these by clicking here.
Any questions, please email info@jassydeantrust.org. We look forward to seeing you there!