Wakatipu Plunket hopes to achieve significant funds from its 2025 Gardens & Galleries tour after raising $30,000 at the inaugural event in 2024.

Fundraising volunteer Elessa Impey says that by adding an arts component to their traditional garden tour last year the event exceeded their expectations and this year’s event planned for February 14 and 15 is expected to be a similar attraction.

“We have a diverse range of private gardens, from small to extensive which will be unveiled on the day, while the artist trails in Queenstown and Arrowtown represent well-known local painters and sculptors. This is a significant opportunity for people to immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty and artistry.”

Creative workshops are planned along with individual artist’s talks.

“Participants will be able to hear directly from the artists as they share their insights,” says Elessa. “It is a chance to meet them in person in an informal setting.”

A workshop with award-winning landscape architect Paddy Baxter and colleague Mark Stallard of Baxter Landscape Design will centre on design processes and successful seasonal planting.

During the event a film capturing the dual garden and artistic themes will screen at Dorothy Brown’s cinema in Arrowtown which Elessa says will be a drawcard.

Tickets for the 2025 event will be available from Ayrburn. Its superb garden and landscaping environment is a showpiece for the Whakatipu and will form part the Gardens & Galleries tour.

Supporting Plunket

Plunket’s annual Gardens & Galleries tour is the organisation’s main fundraising event to support operating costs for facilities in Queenstown and Arrowtown.

Fundraising volunteer Elessa Impey says money raised locally is spent locally to help provide much needed resources.

“People can be assured that every dollar they have helped raise stays in the Whakatipu helping the mothers, children and carers we support.”