Tree Church & Gardens: A legacy in motion

Once a garden built for personal enjoyment, now an iconic, sought after destination wedding location and so much more. The current owners are continuing the legacy of Tree Church as innovation takes shape behind the scenes.

Located around 15 minutes south of Hamilton, in the small country town of Ohaupo, you will find Tree Church, a stunning tranquil garden where the main attraction is a church made from living trees. The captivating structure is a popular destination wedding location for international couples as well as the diverse range of cultures from the New Zealand migrant community. Cultures that appreciate gardens or have a Christian background are very drawn to the place.

Bev Gatenby, co-owner of Tree Church, describes the majestic site as “a place for everybody. People of all kinds of spiritual beliefs come here.” Bev said, the idea of church is so tainted for lots of people but “here they feel a sense of spirituality and [connection to] nature”.

Bev and her husband Chris, purchased the property in 2020 after Chris (who worked for the previous owner Barry Cox) was offered the land. Chris said at first, there was apprehension, “After working for Barry for four years, I was well aware of what it would take to run the place”.

There have been challenges over the years including taking over at the start of COVID, also while initiating necessary upgrades. Despite the challenges, the number of visitors and wedding bookings grew significantly, although Bev said they have  reduced these now for their own wellbeing, “We’re just not interested in that [busy] lifestyle”.

Today the pair have modernised the infrastructure as part of their vision to create a space that is more appealing and convenient for their customers. “I thought it was really important that we did it to make it a better experience” Chris said.

Bev added, “We wanted it to be more available to people…because it is beautiful, it’s made to share”.

It’s not just about weddings, the venue hosts an outdoor theatre group occasionally, and each year, they open on Mother’s Day for the Northern Festival. Bev said, “We have always said we’d like to have more arts events here”.

Bev described a new part of the gardens that is under development, the ‘Spring Meadow Gardens’, where 25 Sirotae, or Mt Fuji blossoms have been planted. “It’s a beautiful double white (flower), and there’s a meandering stream on the edge” she said. The plan is to keep the formal gardens formal, then, in the new space have blossoms and long grasses with picnic spots and the natural stream. Along with the beautiful plantings that were already ‘out back’, the gardens in development bring the possibility of spring and autumn festivals in the coming years.

Now in their early 60s, Chris and Bev have worked hard over the last five years and are happy with where they, and the gardens are today. Little tweaks that will happen over winter will make it easier to run, and enhance experience for visitors. The couple are looking forward to being able to slow down for the next phase and enjoy the gardens more.

For more information about Tree Church & Gardens click here https://www.treechurch.co.nz/