Lake Wanaka,  South Island, New Zealand

 A Unique Venue for your Wedding Ceremony

When this beautiful property seven years ago was found, there was just one acre of land with the house and a swimming pool.  It became my home,  “Hawkshead”, after my favourite village in the Lake District of England.

Four years ago,  an additional acre of land was purchased in front of the house looking out towards the lake and another year of much thought and planning went by before I dug my first hole to start the landscaping!   Over three years, I have planted and terraced this naturally contoured area, creating a unique garden venue for both the people of Wanaka and visitors alike who wish to surround themselves with nature and a 360 degree view of mountain tops.

The only missing element from my Hawkshead website is the “feel factor” of the gardens.  Some 50 years have passed since my grandfather owned a nursery in Christchurch, but I feel that somehow his heritage has passed down to me, as after 45 years of being a city girl ~ without even a window box to potter in! ~ I have, from a blank canvas, nurtured this garden with a total passion to what it is today ~ a garden for many varying occasions ~ from the grassed area for a large gathering to private, intimate corners.

The Front Lawn ~ overlooks the sunken garden below, all one acre of it ~ a fabulous area for a ceremony with the lake as either a backdrop or in the forefront ~ the choice is yours ~ with refreshments served from a rustic cartwheel table on the terrace of The Lodge

The Top Garden ~ for a small, intimate gathering with a simple, evergreen backdrop and a view to Avalanche Glacier ~ or what we call “The Brew House”!

The Swimming Pool ~ a sheltered and private oasis at any time of the year.  A large pool with entertaining area featuring a combination of native flora and lavenders ~ a poolside wedding with the romantic touch of candelabra and rose petals……

The Sunken Garden ~ so many options here and although no view of the lake, a feeling of serene calm most certainly compensates ~ a very large area for guests to wander and children to roam before your Reception

The Arboretum ~ complete with a lovely old historic dray in the background and a wonderful vista looking back up to The Lodge

The Hardwood Steps ~ cascading down from The Lodge to the garden and a beautiful location for your ceremony to be held surrounded by your guests sitting casually around you on the steps or standing on the lawn.  The steps also offer a superb area for your music options, be it a solo guitarist or a string quartet

The Alcove ~ features a seating area with a large table of local schist stone ~ a natural “altar” surrounded by an array of white flowers

It is so easy to use the gardens to their full advantage – select an area for your ceremony, then perhaps move on to the front lawn or poolside for champagne and canapés 

And with so many different locations for your photography, it will be difficult to believe they were all taken at Hawkshead – truly a photographer’s paradise!

However, the lake is a car ride away……….

The bride can approach her groom by foot through the garden or simply drive down The Avenue into the heart of the open garden. There are numerous bench seats in keeping with the property available for those who need to be seated and I do not have a problem with confetti.

Hawkshead does not have a liquor license and I therefore encourage outside caterers to deliver and serve or the BYO option is most welcome.

The summer months portray a beautiful combination from white iris to purple english lavender and during mid to late April, the autumn colours of the English oaks are full of very rich tones, however depending on the season, the leaves may or may not still be on the trees.

In the event of wet weather conditions, a backup and plan B for your ceremony location would be wise, however for intermittent rain, umbrellas are supplied. 

A room in The Lodge would be open to the bridal party on arrival for any last minute touches!

Hawkshead Lodge & Gardens for your wedding ceremony? 

Wedding Grounds for up to 2 hours  ~ Total  $450

Food & Beverage is optional and at own expense as is your choice of music and photography.

It is my pleasure to share with you what Hawkshead can offer for the most special day of your lives.

With my best wishes

Bridget Jones

stay@hawkshead.co.nz