Tickets Now on Sale for 25th Anniversary Waiheke Garden Festival

Tickets are now on sale for the much-loved Jassy Dean Trust Waiheke Garden Festival, returning on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 November 2026 to celebrate its 25th anniversary and raise vital funds for local children and families facing health challenges.

The biennial festival will showcase 10 stunning private gardens alongside local artists, live music, delicious food and the legendary Ngaio's Plant Sale. Every ticket helps support the Jassy Dean Trust, which has been helping Waiheke families navigate health challenges for more than three decades.

Early Bird tickets are $50 per person until 1 October then increasing to $60. Tickets are available online through Fullers360 and in person at the Fullers360 Matiatia office and Paper Plus Waiheke.

"This year's festival is one of our most exciting yet," says Festival Organiser Jo Ewer.

"We've curated a wonderful mix of gardens this year—from spectacular coastal properties and productive kitchen gardens to peaceful retreats like Sacred Blessings Sanctuary. Whether you're an avid gardener or just looking for a memorable day out, you'll leave inspired."

Visitors can explore the island at their own pace by car, join a Fullers360 guided bus tour, or take advantage of a special festival package with eRide Waiheke, offering an eco-friendly way to get around.

Art lovers will also have plenty to discover. A dedicated art stop at Studio 309 will feature sculpture, ceramics and paintings from a collective of Waiheke artists, with a generous portion of sales donated to the Trust.

Two of this year's featured gardens are also home to established artists. Visitors can wander through Ann Skelly's intimate home studio (Garden 9), while renowned Waiheke artist Pamela Howard-Smith will open her Odesea Gallery (Garden8), showcasing vibrant paintings, prints, sculpture and ceramics inspired by Māori culture and the island's extraordinary landscapes. Botanical artist Jenny Lee will display her detailed botanical illustrations, scientific illustrator Sue Wickison will offer a selection of merchandise, and Ian Douglas will showcase a collection of his handcrafted creations.

Visitors will also have the chance to browse a selection of products from Waiheke makers, including artisan honey, handmade soaps, botanical products, chocolates and locally crafted hats – the perfect way to take a little slice of Waiheke home.

No Waiheke Garden Festival would be complete without Ngaio's Plant Sale. For more than 20 years, Ngaio Lewis has nurtured thousands of plants from her Onetangi property, raising significant funds for the Trust while giving visitors the opportunity to take home quality plants at affordable prices.

Festival-goers can also enjoy fresh coffee, homemade baking and light refreshments throughout the weekend, with exclusive dining offers available at a selection of Waiheke's cafés and restaurants.

"The festival is a wonderful example of what our community can achieve together," says Jassy Dean Trust founder Greg Dean.

"Every ticket purchased, every garden opened, every volunteer and every sponsor play a part in helping local families through some of the toughest times in their lives. We simply couldn't do it without them."

Since 2001, the Waiheke Garden Festival has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the work of the Jassy Dean Trust, funding practical assistance for families with children experiencing illness, disability or other health-related challenges.

The festival is expected to attract over 1,000 visitors, making it one of Waiheke's premier spring events.

Early bird tickets are $50 increasing to $60 from 1 October. Tickets are available online through Fullers360 and in person at Fullers360 Matiatia Offices and Paper Plus Waiheke.

For more information and tickets, visit www.waihekegardenfestival.org.nz.

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