Owner-guided tours of historic Tipapa Homestead will be held each day alongside the Hurunui Garden Festival, October 31st to 3 November 2024.

Stewart or Jane will guide you through the Homestead, entertaining you with the story of changes since the 1880’s. We will point out original and interesting features which make Tipapa such a beautiful home and wonderful example of the architect’s style.   In telling the story of the home you will catch a glimpse of the lives of those who have called Tipapa home.

Tipapa Homestead was built in 1928 and is acknowledged as one of the best designs of noted NZ architect Heathcote Helmore.  The architect was inspired by the elegant summer homes of the Hamptons on the American east coast, where he spent time on his way to the UK.   A very modern home at the time it was built, Tipapa still reflects clean lines and simple elegance. The homestead is surrounded by sweeping lawns and beautiful gardens which you can roam at leisure after the house tour.

Please note that our garden is not part of the Festival – entrance fee is $20 or two HGF tickets per person and is solely a tour of our home.

Thirty -minute tours start on the hour at 10am, 11 am, noon, 1pm and 2pm.  You can book a confirmed space on a tour by emailing jane@tipapaestate.co.nz to arrange direct debit payment.  Unconfirmed spaces may be available during the festival – please pay in cash or by using two HGF tickets per person.

Hurunui Garden Festival

There is an early bird ticket price running until the end of July click here to buy your tickets for a discounted price!

If you need somewhere to stay, Tipapa Estate is also the perfect base while you tour the gardens in the area, check out our accommodation options here.

There’s so much to experience and enjoy at the Hurunui Garden Festival. The gardens are arranged into 7 geographically based clusters, making it easy for you to plan your day to visit them all. Each cluster has its own detailed map, showing you the precise location of the gardens, along with useful information.

All gardens will be open daily from 9am to 5pm. You can meet the garden owners, and learn how they’ve created their gorgeous gardens in our rather challenging climate. This will be an awesome day out for the whole family to enjoy.