Gardens to visit - Rainbow Falls Tea House

Overview

Walk down the beautiful hydrangea lined drive of Rainbow Falls Tea House and you are greeted with a beautifully renovated 1920's New Zealand Villa. Situated perfectly in a traditional English Cottage Garden this is a rare find in the Kerikeri area. The owners are Fay and John Cooper, originally from South Coast of England but recent arrivals from Auckland. Since late 2016 Fay and John have been working on developing the Rainbow Falls Tea house garden by planting a mix of perennials, camellias and shrubs.

During late winter the daffodils bloom in the borders of the garden while through spring and summer the perennials, camellias, shrubs and stunning climbing roses are well and truly on display. The more established and mature trees complete the traditional English garden picture and provide year-round protection for the flower beds.

Rainbow Falls Tea House is enhanced by classic mauve wisteria flowering in spring and hydrangeas blooming through summer, providing the perfect spot for morning or afternoon tea or light lunch. At the rear of the property is a small orchard with orange trees, a vegetable garden and chicken house where a handful of Light and Coronation Sussex chickens roam. At the end of the garden, you can hear the Rainbow Falls waterfall in the background.

The Gardener

Fay and John have worked in this garden since late 2016 with the help and advice of local Kerikeri gardening teams. Fay is an avid gardener with an eye for traditional English country gardens.

Garden Size

1 acre of a traditional English garden. Allow 1 to 2 hours for your visit.

Weddings

Weddings available on request - please contact us to plan your special event. Rainbow Falls Tea House is licensed for alcohol sales. Book in for special occasions - Rainbow Falls can cater for large groups and events such as baby shower, engagement party, birthdays, anniversaries and more.

Info

Accommodation
Rainbow Falls Tea House offers a luxury Guest Suite with king-size bed, private en-suite bathroom, exclusive sitting room and French doors that open onto a private veranda. Out on the deck, you will be greeted with your own private hot tub and view of the gardens.
Price
There is no charge to visit the garden if you are eating at the Tea House.
Parking
Some parking on site, plenty of parking next door at the Rainbow Falls waterfall
Wheelchair Access
The short walk, starting from the car park takes you down to the base of the falls and is 400m long. It is accessible by wheelchair and suitable for buggies. If you want you can continue on and follow the long trail that leads to the Stone Store and the Keri Keri basin. Rainbow Falls Tea House is fully accessible by wheelchair including ramp access and easy access to toilet facilities.
Dogs allowed?
Dogs are welcome on our veranda. Please ensure your dog is safe and kept on a lead. There is a friendly dog, Saxon, that lives at the property.
Food available?
Rainbow Falls Tea House serves morning and afternoon tea as well as offering light lunch. The Tea Menu offers guests a wide selection of teas sourced from around the world. The Traditional Morning and Afternoon Tea include a selection of savoury pastries, handcrafted sandwiches, homemade cakes, and freshly baked scones – and they don’t hold back on their serving of delicious homemade jam and clotted cream. Rainbow Falls Tea House prides itself on using the best local seasonal produce and handpicked ingredients from the garden as well as local producers.
Cafe/Restaurant available?
Breakfast (served until 12 pm) - sample menu includes: Local free-range eggs served as you like them on Ciabatta toast. Honey toasted muesli with fruit and natural yoghurt Locally grown avocado on toasted sourdough served with buffalo feta with roasted tomatoes. Local free-range eggs freshly scrambled with a side of New Zealand Smoked Salmon Pan-fried mushrooms with wilted spinach, herbs and balsamic vinegar on toast Extras: Roasted tomatoes, Avocado, Mushrooms, Sausages, Streaky Bacon, Smoked Salmon Lunch (served between 12 - 2 pm) - sample menu includes: Homemade soup served with toasted ciabatta. Selection of sandwiches made fresh to order Freshly made quiche served with a side salad and seasonal relish Homemade Pies and Pasties Ploughman's Platter (to share between 2) Traditional handmade Pork Pie, a selection of New Zealand cheese, homemade farmhouse pickles and gherkins served with a salad and ciabatta bread Seasonal Salad
Picnics
No picnics in the garden.
Children allowed?
Children are most welcome.
Toilets?
Toilets available on-site including disabled access.
Seating
Approximately 16 tables available. Indoor and outdoor.
Plants/Sales
Watch for some plant sales and cut flowers in the future.
Function Center?
Rainbow Falls Tea House is excited to introduce a wine and beer list to our offerings from Tuesday 3rd September. Over the past few months, we have been working with the council and relevant bodies to get fully qualified and certified to bring our visitors and guests a choice of hand-selected wine and beer. We think it will be the perfect accompaniment to your High Tea, Brunch or Lunch with friends, or for your upcoming special occasion. If you have a birthday, engagement, anniversary, baby shower or just want to celebrate then contact us to book in and discuss beverage options.

Contact

74 Rainbow Falls Road, Kerikeri, Northland

Fay Cooper

+64 9 401 7077 +64 272 625 670

tea@rainbowfalls.co.nz

www.rainbowfalls.co.nz

Map

74 Rainbow Falls Road, Kerikeri, Northland

Next door to Rainbow Falls Waterfall. From Kerikeri Road at the eastern end of the township turn left onto Heritage Bypass. Turn left at the roundabout into Waipapa Road.Turn left into Rainbow Falls Road and head down the end.