Gardens to visit - Hewitts Homestead

Overview

The gardens were little more than a paddock less than 10 years ago. A previous owner many years back had wisely planted lots of trees.

When the current owners Vanessa and Phil arrived the garden was outlined, it had large trees and a few shrubs but no plants or flowers to speak of, only large areas of bark mulch.

Throughout their time at Hewitts Homestead Vanessa has remedied this and spent many an hour planting bulbs, shrubs and perennials to display colour all year round. The garden is still being added, with another section previously known as 'the back paddock' overlooking the ranges, gaining a variety of trees and shrubs from which future generations can benefit. Phil tends to the grass on his ride-on lawn mower and the trimming of the many hedges.

Interestingly we do not use pesticides on our property, preferring the few lawn weeds and daily visits from hedgehogs. We try to be sustainable in our practices and not use chemicals, but pull weeds by hand.

The Gardener

As Vanessa is also a celebrant her vision was to hold weddings here in the garden and provide an amazing venue for celebrations of any kind. Every year our number of events has steadily grown with 2023 being our busiest. We occasionally sit back and relax on the deck and admire the fruits of our labours with our furry pets who are a huge part of our family. We welcome small/medium dogs on a leash as we know how much it means to have them with you.

Garden Size

Total area 3.5 acres, Garden 2 acres. Woodland 1/2 acre.

Weddings

Weddings are so popular here at the Homestead as we offer full packages. We can do the whole event organisation for you, you have to invite your guests and turn up on the day.

Other Facilities

Late Spring 2024 will hopefully end 3 years of hard work for our 'wellbeing area'. We have built a couples retreat with a cedar wood spa, a separate cabin with a kitchenette and lounge, and another bedroom cabin. This area boasts an outdoor shower too that overlooks stunning farmland and the Ruahine Ranges.

Come and spend an afternoon of creativity, relaxation and peace with Vanessa at Hewitts Homestead. A series of creative sessions ‘Just for Me’. Vanessa offers regular candle-making workshops, along with day retreats and cooking classes. Check the Facebook page for the next one.

Vanessa also offers one-on-one sessions on Mindfulness. Don’t be put off by the term Mindfulness or Shinrin Yoku. If you are on anti-depressants, have high blood pressure, suffer from anxiety or stress or need time for yourself, then this is the answer. A non-invasive, holistic practice that benefits everyone. Vanessa x

Info

Accommodation
At the foot of the Tararua Ranges, nestled amongst a dairy farm is Hewitts Homestead. Surrounded by trees and nature, is the ideal location to rest and relax away from the city. Sit on the large deck or patio area or stroll around the garden whilst listening to native New Zealand birds. We are only 5 minutes to Massey University and 9 minutes to Palmerston North centre. We welcome overnight visitors (and their pets by prior arrangement). Please see the website for more information.
Price
Entry is $10 per person.
Parking
We have off-street parking for small coaches and cars.
Wheelchair Access
The driveway is stone and can be difficult to push a wheelchair through, access to the garden is difficult, but not impossible, please contact us for more details.
Dogs allowed?
No large dogs as we are on a working dairy farm but small dogs are welcome on a leash. We also have – dogs, cats, horses, and sheep.
Food available?
Light refreshments and morning tea are available by arrangement.
Picnics
Allowed with prior notice.
Children allowed?
Children are welcome but must be supervised at all times.
Toilets?
We have a toilet available inside the homestead.
Seating
Outdoor seating throughout the garden.
Plants/Sales
We do have some plants for sale along with a gift table; handmade soaps, candles, potpourri, dried flowers and seeds.
Function Center?
Suitable for garden weddings, birthdays, get-togethers, high tea, wellness retreats, work functions and meetings. We have many options available, download our packages from the website, bespoke and on an application basis.
Guided Tours
We are happy to show you around the garden at no extra cost.

Contact

310 Hewitts Road, Palmerston North,

Vanessa.

0210 811 1172

Vanessa@HewittsHomestead.com

hewittshomestead.com/

Map

310 Hewitts Road, Palmerston North,

Once at the end of Hewitts Road, drive slowly on to the Farm, immediately take the fork to the right, when the road forks again at the top of the hill (approx 100m) go left towards the metal gates. The homestead is behind the trees.