Te Mata House is a property steeped in history, now lovingly restored to create a luxury accommodation and venue experience in the heart of Hawke’s Bay wine country.

Built-in the mid-1850s by John Chambers, the homestead was once the beating heart of a pioneering farming enterprise that stretched across more than 7,000 hectares.

Garden enthusiasts are invited to spend some time exploring our peaceful Paul Bangay-designed grounds. With just a handful of Bangay gardens throughout New Zealand, visitors have a rare opportunity to observe the incredible detail that goes into this renowned Australian landscape designer’s work. You’ll spot Sally Holmes and Pierre de Ronsard roses alongside white wisteria and hydrangeas, a parterre with spring tulips, a citrus garden, vegetable patches, verdant lawns, water features and exquisite stonework. You’ll also see up close the meticulous exterior restoration of Te Mata House and its companion buildings, and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee after the tour at the pool house.

Jacqueline and her family moved from Auckland to Hawke’s Bay in 2016, where she managed the restoration of the homestead, stables, facilities and grounds.

Now Jacqueline, whose diverse background spans magazine production, education, finance and governance, is ready to share her warm hospitality and graceful heritage property with visitors to her very special corner of Aotearoa, New Zealand.

“I want my guests to make their own memories here and still be talking about the special spots they uncovered, the people they met and the way Hawke’s Bay made them feel, for many years to come.”

Our garden is 1.1ha (2.7 acres) so allow 1-2 hours for your visit.

Walk down an aisle lined with crabapple trees, wed under the wisteria pergola, or pledge your love in a lavender field. 

A private residence rich in history and beauty, Te Mata House is now available for a limited number of very special weddings each year. We work exclusively with New Zealand’s most highly regarded wedding planners – One Fine Day Weddings – to create an occasion you, and your loved ones, will never forget. 

Our landscaped grounds and garden beds abundant with Sally Holmes and Pierre de Ronsard roses provide many picturesque locations for your ceremony, and a magnificent marquee helps create a delightful ambience for the reception.

With luxury accommodation on-site for the wedding party’s use, The Cottage is the perfect place to prepare, and to honeymoon. There are many other stunning properties nearby for guests to stay at so they too can enjoy a full Hawke’s Bay experience. 

One Fine Day will work closely with you to design a beautiful, memorable wedding like no other. In order to maintain the integrity of this heritage home and its grounds, all chosen suppliers must be pre-approved by the property owner. 

Please enquire by contacting info@onefineday.co.nz

For a truly unique experience, we invite guests to bring their horses to holiday with them at Te Mata House. Our family loves all things equestrian, and we’ve created an attractive environment for your equine in our custom-designed stables and arena. There are two full-size stables on offer, each with rubber-padded walls and floors, a large and well-equipped tack room, wash pad, corral and yards, with plenty of room for parking horse floats or trucks. Our fully groomed lime-sand dressage arena (60m x 20m) overlooks vines and wind fans. A Tukituki river excursion is only a 15-minute ride from Te Mata House, and Ocean Beach a 20-minute drive. The extra cost of bringing your equine to stay is $50 per horse per day.

The use of the stables and arena is also available for hire for dressage or showing clinics, or multiple lessons for riders prior to competing in a local show. Hours of operation for group bookings are 8.30 am – 4.30 pm.