Friends Fundraising Open Garden 2025

Join the Friends of the Arts Centre for a special visit to Frensham, a peaceful and wonderful 5* “Garden of National Significance” near Tai Tapu.

Considered one of New Zealand's finest gardens, Frensham is a beautiful, relaxed country garden that has been thirty-three years in the making. Much thought has gone into the placement of colour, the short and long-distance views, and the filtering of light which is created by judicious pruning. 

The garden has been planned with year-round interest in mind. There is a serious plant collection which is continually being added to, and subtle changes over time in of all existing areas.

The owner will be available for questions throughout the event, and can provide information about work in the garden, gardening tips and botanical information. Tours of the garden will be self-guided.

Plants and books are available for sale by the owner, as well as a stall of Christmas gifts from The Arts Centre. There will be musical interludes, and light refreshments available to purchase. 

Entry tickets $35 with all proceeds going to Arts Centre projects supported by the Friends of the Arts Centre. Tickets are also available on the door (cash/EFTPOS). Entry time is flexible from 11.30am onwards, but last admission is at 2.15pm.

A ticket makes a lovely pre-Christmas present for friends or family.

You are also most welcome to bring your own picnic lunch to enjoy, as there is plenty of seating, and toilets are available. There is plenty of free parking.

Accessibility: It is wheelchair accessible, with some areas suitable for small mobility vehicles.  

The garden is normally only open to the public by booked appointment. Many thanks to Margaret Long for opening her garden especially in support of the Friends of the Arts Centre.

Address: Frensham, 139 Old Tai Tapu Road, Halswell, Christchurch 8025

Directions driving from Christchurch

Take State Highway 75 (Halswell Road) out of Christchurch.

Turn left on to Old Tai Tapu Road (beyond the Moffats Flowers glass houses).  Frensham is at 139 Old Tai Tapu Road, about 1.5km on your left, just beyond and opposite the former Bicycle Thief restaurant. Look out for flags marking the entranceway.

Parking - the garden is located at the end of the long driveway, and number 139 is the gate at the right, where the parking is located.

Note: please be careful using GoogleMaps as it can take you to Kennedy’s Bush instead.

CANCELLATION DUE TO WEATHER: If the weather is adverse on the day, you will be notified of the cancellation via email and text. You will receive a full refund. No rain date.