October 2026 Newsletter
FESTIVAL INFO | MAP | 2026 GARDENS | TICKETS
Kia ora,
The countdown is on to the 2026 Jassy Dean Trust Waiheke Garden Festival, and tickets are selling fast!
We thought we'd give you a sneak peek at some of the other things you'll find this year.
While the gardens alone are sure to impress, there's plenty more to enjoy, with beautiful artwork, local musicians, delicious food and drinks, and some lovely products from Waiheke's talented local producers.
Have you got your ticket yet? If not, now's a good time! Tickets are just $60, with every dollar raised going back into our community to support local children and families with health needs.
You'll enjoy a wonderful day or two exploring beautiful gardens while helping a great cause.
Look out for our Placemakers Gardener’s Delight raffle and be in to win a wheelbarrow of garden goodies worth over $1,500, generously donated by suppliers to Placemakers Waiheke.
Raffle tickets are just $5, and you can grab yours from Placemakers over Labour Weekend, the following weekend or at any of our gardens over the festival weekend.
ART AROUND EVERY CORNER
This year's festival is about more than beautiful gardens! As you wander from one garden to the next, you'll discover paintings, sculptures and working artist studios along the way.
Step inside two working artist studios
We're lucky to have two of our garden owners opening their studios to visitors over the festival weekend. Both are talented local artists!
Ann Skelly (Garden 9) – Ann's studio will be open to visitors, where you can check out her stunning seascapes and nature-inspired paintings.
Pamela Howard-Smith (Garden 8) – Visit Pamela's studio and discover her striking sculptures and painted works, with creations dotted throughout her garden too.
Meet some of Waiheke's artists
You'll find beautiful artwork by these talented local artists at Garden 7, with a portion of their sales generously donated to the Jassy Dean Trust.
Ingrid Berzins will exhibit her delightful whimsical paintings.
Jian (Jenny) Lee will be showing her beautiful botanical paintings inspired by flowers and plants.
Sue Wickison – Sue will have gorgeous botanical-themed merchandise for sale.
Make time for our Art Stop
Need a breather between gardens? Stop into Studio 309, where you'll find sculptures, paintings and ceramics from Belinda Fabris, Steve Fabris, Caro Becroft, Liz Harrop, Jackie Guthrie and friends.
And while you're visiting the Sacred Blessing Sanctuary Garden, keep an eye out for spectacular sculptures by renowned New Zealand artists including Paul Dibble, Phil Price and Ray Haydon.
A LITTLE MUSIC ALONG THE WAY
We're delighted to have musicians from the Waiheke Musical Museum entertaining visitors at Gardens 1 and 5, with piano, piano accordion and possibly even a barrel organ!
Catch them between 10.30–11.30am and 2.30–3.30pm each day.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD!
All that garden exploring is bound to work up an appetite! Thankfully, there are plenty of opportunities to grab a cuppa and a bite to eat along the way.
You'll find coffee from Sol Espresso Bar at Garden 1, tea, coffee and scones at Garden 5 (10am–2pm), and cold drinks and homemade cake at Garden 9 (2pm–4pm).
Make a Lunch Date!
We've teamed up with some fantastic local eateries to offer festival-goers a few special deals. So, if you're making a day of it, why not plan a lunch stop along the way?
Too Fat Buns, Oneroa – Waiheke's award-winning gourmet burgers, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten- and dairy-free options. Get 10% off your bill when you show your festival wristband.
Bisou, Surfdale – Fancy a crêpe? Enjoy a Crêpe Complète and regular coffee for $24.50 with your wristband.
Allpress Olive Groves – Enjoy a relaxed lunch among the olive trees, plus 15% off your bill and a complimentary olive oil tasting. Bookings recommended.
The Heke, Onetangi – Settle in for a two-course meal with a glass of wine or beer for $65. Pre-booking required.
A few things to keep in mind: these lunch venues aren't on the bus tour routes, so you'll need to make your own way there. If you're on a bus tour, you can pick up light refreshments at Garden 5 and 7.
FANCY A LITTLE SHOPPING?
There'll be plenty of lovely things to tempt you along the way, whether you're after a little memento of Waiheke or keen to get a head start on your Christmas shopping!
At Garden 5, you'll find treats from Alembics Distillery, Plant Potions and Island Batch Chocolates, along with Waiheke Honey and some gorgeous craft creations from Ian Douglas. You can also grab a copy of our 2027 Waiheke Bird Calendar or our much-loved cookbook, Food from Jassy's Gardens. Both make lovely Christmas gifts!
Pop into Garden 7 to meet local author Jane Parlane and pick up her beautifully illustrated book Koro the Kiwi – a gorgeous gift for the kids or grandkids.
And if you're a hat person, don't miss Garden 9, where Lynsey Champion will have her lovely New Zealand-made, hand-stitched hats for sale.
The best bit? A percentage of every sale goes to the Jassy Dean Trust, helping local children and families when they need it most. So go on, treat yourself – you'll be doing a little good while you're at it!
GETTING AROUND THE FESTIVAL
There are a few ways to explore the festival, so you can choose whatever suits you best!
Bring your own car – Make your own way around the island and visit the gardens at your own pace. We highly recommend carpooling if you're coming with friends!
Hop on a Fullers360 bus tour – Sit back and let someone else do the driving! The tours run from 10am to 5pm and take in all 10 gardens.
Explore by e-bike – Our fantastic festival package includes a full day e-bike hire and a festival ticket for just $125 per person. You'll also enjoy a complimentary morning tea at Garden 5!
With an e-bike, you can follow your own route, take things at your own pace and enjoy a little extra freedom as you explore the island. Plus, no parking hassles!
However you choose to get around, there's lots to enjoy, and we can't wait to welcome you to the festival.
We hope this has given you a taste of what's in store. It's shaping up to be a wonderful weekend, and we can't wait to see you there!
Haven't booked your tickets yet? Head to Fullers360 online, or pop into Placemakers Waiheke or the Fullers360 Matiatia office.
For all the information you need to plan your visit, head to waihekegardenfestival.org.nz.
Until next time,
The Jassy Dean Trust
THANKS TO OUR FESTIVAL SPONSORS
MAJOR FESTIVAL SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER FESTIVAL SPONSORS
BRONZE FESTIVAL SPONSOR
Additionally thanks to our key festival supporters: Aqua Waiheke, Central Landscape Supplies, Goldie Estate, Greenacres, Sol Bar Waiheke, Island Print, Paper Plus, Te Matuku Oysters, Waiheke Cinema and Woolworths Waiheke.
DONATIONS WELCOME
Not able to make the festival but keen to support the cause? We welcome all donations - big or small.
The Trust provides essential assistance to local families, including covering ferry and taxi fares for children needing treatment, hospital stay expenses, funding specialised medical equipment, counselling, and specialist appointments. It also aids with daily health needs such as EpiPens, hearing tests, consumables for diabetics, and school-based and youth community programs addressing issues like neurodiversity and mental health.
Donate today and help relieve the financial burden for those families with sick tamariki.
Applying for support from the Jassy Dean Trust is easy and confidential. If you know someone that might qualify please direct them to the online application form at www.jassydeantrust.org/apply
