31st Altrusa Club of
Te Awamutu Home & Garden Ramble 2026
Home & Garden Etiquette
ETIQUETTE GUIDELINE
To retain the goodwill of those who have opened their homes and gardens to the public, it is important that all visitors follow closely some fundamental courtesies of house and garden etiquette.
Please respect the privacy of the owners and if entering their home only go to those areas designated, and do not open any closed doors or cupboards.
No children under 16.
Remove shoes if entering homes.
Please wear flat shoes in the gardens.
Mind your step. Be aware of uneven ground, roots and low hanging branches. Watch your step to prevent tripping or falling.
Homes and gardens are only open from 9.30am - 4pm. Please respect the times of opening.
MOBILITY ISSUES
Anyone with mobility issues is welcome to drive onto properties and park.
TOILET FACILITIES
For your convenience, public toilets are situated next to the Information Centre, venue 6 and Tree Church, venue 8.
GET PLANNING
2026 Printouts
This map is just a guide and is not exact, please click on the addresses for exact locations.
2026 RAMBLE SUNDAY 1ST NOVEMBER
Tickets will go on Sale Thursday 1st October 2026.
Thank you to our Silver Sponsors
2026 Garden Ramble
In 2026 our major recipients will be Te Awamutu Information Centre & Te Awamutu Riding for the Disabled. The money we raise on the day also supports other Altrusa literacy and community projects.
1. Min Marshall
GARDEN ONLY
Established trees frame this large garden, offering shade, shape and seasonal interest. At the entrance, under mature cherry trees, a border of Standard Iceberg Roses attracts immediate attention. Stone walkways meander beneath Oaks and Maples, under planted with woodland perennials and shrubs. The path leads to a shaded Summer House and paved Chessboard, setting the scene for Summer relaxation. At the rear of the property are a variety of fruit trees and several raised vegetable beds.
Park on Herbert Street.
1b. Wilma Jennings
GARDEN & POTTERY
Birds, flowers and other items for sale decorate the fence leading to the studio.
Wilma’s garden is open for visitors. A smaller garden sheltered by established cherry and Titoki trees. Large urns and treasured objects nestle in the nooks of the verandahs. An artists lovely place.
Please close the gate behind you .
Park on Grey Street.
2. Vivienne Tomich
HOUSE & GARDEN
Vivian and John’s residence is positioned to capture the views of Mt. Mangatautari and vistas west of Te Awamutu. The house is constructed of Yakisugi, burnt Japanese cedar, a traditional Japanese method of wood preservation. Feature avenues of trees, large urns of vibrant lemons are spectacular against the dark facade.
Interior spaces are in muted tones, high ceilings and wide planked floors prevail. The open plan living area has a large marble countertop designating the kitchen space. Blonde cabinets ensure adequate shelves and storage. Past the cabinets at the end of a short aisle the well appointed butler’s room is tucked away but readily accessible. In front of the kitchen, dining and casual seating are positioned to enjoy the views. You can then flow out to the outdoor living room, its large fireplace and electric blinds provide a perfect area for year round outdoor living.
Off the family room is a small media snug, it is cosy, comfortable and inviting. A place to linger and enjoy quiet pursuits.
The four bedrooms are beautifully appointed, all with cream shutters over the windows. All the bathrooms feature grey tiled floors and showers and marble bench tops.
Vivian and John’s home has an ambiance of tranquility and elegant easy living.
Their beautiful garden has controlled plantings for line of view and to showcase featured plants.
Parking - Headlands Drive is a cul-de-sac, turn around at the bottom and please park on the left hand side when you come back up.
3. Bob Wilson & Sue Oliver
GARDEN
348 CARLTON STREET, TE AWAMUTU
A compact cottage garden redolent of days gone by with a shady backyard featuring hostas, ferns and the gentle sound of running water. A quirky potting area, raised vege gardens and a pergola under which to relax and enjoy the scene. The front gardens are full of colourful annuals, perennials and beautiful scented David Austin roses in mostly soft pastel tones.
Parking on the street.
4. Clark & Irene Ambury
GARDEN ONLY
Irene and Clark’s beautiful early 20th century home has a garden designed to complement her stately presence. Espaliered fruit trees against the boundary fence give seasonal colour and produce. Shrubs and perennials create focal points of form and colour against the green foliage.
Leading from the house is a tranquil courtyard of green and white which creates a retreat for quiet moments. At the rear is an organic potager garden and a small orchard designed and purposed for self sufficiency ,in keeping with a time long past.
Parking on roadside & verge.
6. Information Centre & Rose Gardens
GARDEN & REFRESHMENTS ALL DAY
Te Awamutu Information & Visitor Centre's Burchell Pavilion is delighted to be a destination on this year’s Altrusa Garden Ramble. Take a break at the beautiful Burchell Pavilion, looking onto Selwyn Park and the Rose Gardens where morning tea and lunch will be available, proceeds helping support the ongoing work of the Te Awamutu Information & Visitor Centre. Explore our stunning Rose Gardens with members of the Te Awamutu Rose Society, who will be on hand to share their knowledge, showcase the gardens and offer guided tours, while artists from the Rosebank Art Society will be capturing the beauty of the gardens on canvas. Come along, enjoy the gardens, meet our local community groups, admire the creativity of our artists, and relax with a delicious morning tea or lunch while supporting our community Information Centre.
Parking on the road.
7. Jay Edwards
HOUSE & BUSH WALK
The Container House sits on a rise at the top of a long driveway. A black rectangular construction of twelve conjoined containers linked with metal and glass. Enter through double wooden doors into a dark tiled hall illuminated by a copper industrial wall light. The living area is open plan in two distinct spaces divided by dual metal staircases. Morning light pours into the kitchen/family room through a wide floor to ceiling glass roller door. On the other side of the staircases the living area has glass doors opening onto a long deck area. Exceptional views through mature trees to Lake Rotomanuka. A gallery walkway connects the five spacious and comfortable bedrooms. Container doors seal all entrances creating a secure ambiance. Bathrooms are sumptuous. Dark glass walk in showers, darker tiled walls and flooring are restrained and sophisticated.
Large grass areas, children’s adventure equipment and a pool make this a special family home.
Parking - A turning bay is at the top of the driveway, parallel park on the left-hand verge.
8. Tree Church
GARDEN & REFRESHMENTS
The TreeChurch and Gardens is a world-renowned, living chapel made entirely from carefully sculpted trees. Originally created by Barry Cox, this unique architectural marvel features living tree branches trained over a steel iron frame to form the distinct gabled layout of a traditional church. Spanning several hectares of meticulously manicured park-like grounds, the estate is recognized as a Garden of National Significance and serves as a tranquil destination for Sunday visitors, weddings, and private events.
Park in car park.
9. John & Josephine van der Poel
GARDEN ONLY
847 RUKUHIA ROAD, NGAHINAPOURI
Fifteen years ago a steep waste area of Hawthorn and Blackberry and swamp was sprayed out and a terraced garden began.
This magnificent garden is coming into maturity.Great sweeps of plants, topiary features , twin ponds and hedging give colour and form which can be viewed from seating placed in all aspects of the garden so the whole narrative is revealed.
Nestled among trees and shrubs near the bottom is the Gardener’s House.A quaint and charming place for the owners to rest and reflect on their wonderful garden.
Note: This garden can be enjoyed from the hill top.
Walking sticks are available for use to defend the pathways.
Parking.....
10. Sharlene & Craig Hird
HOUSE & GARDEN
At the end of the Lane adjacent to the Golf Course is a recently built 4 bedroom home. The house is clad with wooden batons and feature walls of cedar timber.
The garden design is simple and strategic, showcasing the entrance and providing privacy for the outdoor living spaces. The owners commissioned Janine Parlane of Revamp Garden Design to landscape the front area of their property.
Inside the colour palette is subtle and serene with soft flowing curtains and plush carpet throughout.
A cosy snug between the upstairs bedrooms offers additional living space.
On the ground floor the open plan living area has views of Mount Pirongia and the Golf Course, an ideal place to relax and enjoy the ambiance of this charming home.
Parking...
11. Colin & Jenny Cowan
GARDEN ONLY
Purchased 18 years ago this property was then only a house and driveway.
Two sheltered areas, one a spa and the other an outdoor entertaining area were created. Now mature Queen palms and trees were planted for height. A mixture of roses, perennials, hedging, railway sleepers & garden art surround the house and treasures purchased from op shops provide quirky interest.
A bug hotel was constructed during Covid lockdown and is now home to a variety of bugs and insects. Species of plants that attract bees and birds have been deliberately planted throughout.
A feature of this property is a steep bank and gully area, once choked with blackberry, it has now been transformed into a stunning and peaceful feature. A tapestry of both native and exotic trees, paths and boardwalks meander through this area boarded by a stream which is a safe haven for eels and other freshwater species. Please note… access to and from the gully area is steep steps with a handrail….sturdy footwear is recommended and extreme care must be taken on steps and in gully area.
For sale at this property will be hand painted ladybugs. Cash only.
Parking....
12. The Floral Shed
HOUSE & GARDEN
A Historic Woolshed Experience
At the heart of The Floral Shed stands a beautifully restored 130-year-old woolshed, where history and nature come together to tell the story of this remarkable property.
For this special Altrusa event, guests will also enjoy the rare opportunity to step inside Nita Carter’s home and experience the warmth, hospitality and passion that have shaped The Floral Shed over the past six years.
Parking in car park.
Many thanks to Fresh Choice, Mitre 10 & Payless Plants for their raffle donations.
2026 RECIPIENT OF THE FUNDS RAISED
Te Awamutu Information Centre
The Te Awamutu Information Centre is your friendly local gateway to discovering all that Te Awamutu and the surrounding Waikato has to offer. Whether you’re visiting for the day, staying a little longer, or simply looking for something new to explore, the team is always happy to share local knowledge, offer helpful advice and point you towards wonderful places to visit. From local attractions, events and activities to accommodation, transport and dining, the Information Centre helps visitors make the most of their time in our beautiful region. It also proudly supports and promotes local businesses, community events and tourism, helping showcase everything that makes Te Awamutu such a special place to visit and enjoy.
2026 RECIPIENT OF THE FUNDS RAISED
Te Awamutu Riding for the Disabled
RDA provides interaction with horses to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for people experiencing disability, or who have specific challenges or needs, enabling them to have meaningful participation in, and contribution to, their community.
CONTACT US
Have a general enquiry? Leave us a message.
View the Home & Garden Ramble Etiquette and Mobility here
CONTACT DETAILS
Email. altrusata@gmail.com
Phone. 0274046652