Welcome to Anam Cara Gardens
The most special and exclusive garden wedding and event venue in the Kapiti Coast.
We offer a beautiful, private and exclusive space, sure to delight your guests, leaving you with a magical and memorable occasion in every way.
Anam Cara's gardens are spread out over 10 acres of romantic and serene garden settings, with a modern botanically themed function centre, and luxury stylish accommodation creating the perfect an all in one venue.
Whatever the occasion, Tim and Teresa would love to help you make it perfect. We truly love Anam Cara Gardens and know you and your guests will too.
Function Centre
Capacity 120 guests
Tables and chairs
Full sound system indoor and outside*
PA system (internal)
Wifi and communications facilities
Huge modern commercial kitchen for caterers to use
Bar with fridges for BYO
Dance floor with botanical backdrop and fairy curtain lighting
Breakout rooms for kids, or meetings
Gardens and Grounds
9 beautifully designed garden rooms
Alpacas
Covered outdoor gazebo that seats 70
Parking for 60 plus vehicles
Helicopter landing
Bus turning area
Pet friendly (conditions apply)
Children friendly
Accommodation to sleep up to 18
Anam Cara Wedding Pricing and Inclusions 2024/25/26
Anam Cara (Gaelic, meaning Soul Friend)
Welcome to Anam Cara Gardens. Our private and exclusive all in one wedding venue offers a wonderful and unique experience like no other allowing you to celebrate your love in a place that will delight your guests from the moment they arrive, till the moment they leave offering a truly unforgettable experience, that will be reminisced about for years.
“We’re incredibly proud of the service we deliver because we understand that when it comes to weddings, there are no second chances. We know we have only one chance to make it work, and that drives us to ensure every moment is perfect.”
Venue hire includes amazing value and the best service:
Function Centre and Grounds:
10 acres of beautiful gardens and orchard (NZ Gardens Trust star rated) for ceremony, photos, games and garden party.
Modern botanically themed indoor venue with separate bar, dance floor and dining area.
6 different and unique ceremony locations
Several picturesque photo locations and the allure of a nearby beach for unforgettable wedding memories
Covered outdoor gazebo with picnic style seating for 60 -120. Located next to two popular ceremony locations, great if really hot for shade and or light showers pre ceremony.
Beautiful Indoor ceremony option with natural lighting incase Mother Nature
Furniture and Setup:
Ceremony:
1 x easel for welcome signage
Ceremony arch (selection of 3 to choose from)
40 white ceremony chairs
use of garden style table and chair for signing of the registry
Power run to any location
Garden Party aka cocktail hour:
Outdoor furniture including picnic tables and sun umbrellas.
Champagne/Bubbly Wall
Outdoor Games x 3 (cornhole, giant Jenga, Kubb, cricket and more)
Trestle table & linen for outdoor bar
Power run to any location
Reception:
10 round tables that seat 10 people and linens.
10 rectangle tables for bridal party head table, present table, buffet table and outdoor bar
120 reception chairs
3 highchairs
Cake table (2 styles available)
Easel for seating chart
Separate dance floor with fairy lights
Use of internal microphone and PA system
Kids room
BYO (no corkage) Caterers must provide trained staff and the liquor license to serve.
Rubbish and recycling removal.
Venue Deep Clean.
Planning and Co-ordination: (please note we are not wedding planners, but our sole aim is to ensure your wedding day is stress-free and seamless therefore we offer the following support)
3 onsite planning meetings (2 planning meetings and 1 logistics meeting)
Planning resources (vendor recommendations, timeline, floor plans, seating chart)
Onsite for rehearsal (if required)***
Venue Manager onsite for the day of to Set up our furniture as per your logistics meeting & to assist your vendors as needed.
Drive any mobility impaired to ceremony location.
Assist with ceremony music (if required) ***
Drive Bride and bridal party to ceremony location in golf cart.
Deliver catering hamper to bridal party post ceremony.
***Extra fee applies for this service
Catering Additional:
Selection of 5 different full-service caterers with average price around $110 to $160 per head. This is an additional charge. Full-service caterers provide not only food, but a function manager, run sheet support, wait staff, bar staff, organisation of hire ware (glassware, crockery and cutlery), cleaning and recycling. For more information, please click here
Check out our glowing reviews here
“We had the most incredible day thanks to Tim and Teresa; we can’t rate them and the beautiful Anam Cara Gardens highly enough! After being left in the lurch by another venue 8 weeks out from our wedding, Teresa reached out to us and was so awesome helping us come up with a new plan over the busy Christmas/New Year period. Our day was better than we had dreamed! Tim was so great to have around on the day, he felt more like a friend than an owner of the venue and thought of things we never would have considered to ensure that our day ran smoothly. Both Tim and Teresa made us feel truly special, and as thought we were the only ones to get married there! We’re so lucky to have got married somewhere as amazing as Anam Cara and are so in love with our video reminding us of our epic day there! Thanks again for making it happen Teresa and Tim! You guys are absolute legends xx” - Nakita
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1 day - Venue Hire
Summer 2024/2025 $9,000 (Saturday & public Holidays) $8,000 (Sunday - Friday).
Spring/Autumn 2024/2025 $8,000 (Saturday) $7,500 (Sunday - Friday).
Winter 2024/2025 any day $6,750
Includes Grooms Quarters & Bridal Suite for getting ready & photos in 11am until 3pm.
Additional charges & terms:
$500 for 101 to 120 guests
$950 for access the day before for 4 hours from 1pm -5pm for rehearsal, set up/deliveries (Friday access for Saturday weddings can only be confirmed 1 month prior to wedding).
Accommodation night of wedding only in Villa (sleeps 8 - 10 guests) price on request.
Exclusive use the day of your wedding (there will be no other events or visitors onsite from 11am)
Vendor Pack in 11am day of the wedding, pack out midnight. (you may pop back to collect decor etc. from 9am to 10am)
Guest arrival 2.30pm
Ceremony Start time 3pm
Terms and conditions apply.
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3 day - Venue Hire
Summer 2024/2025 $15,000 (Fri, Sat, Sunday) $13,000 (Tues, Weds, Thurs).
Spring/Autumn 2024/2025 $14,000 (Fri, Sat, Sunday) $12,500 (Tues, Weds, Thurs).
Winter 2024/2025 any day $12,500.
This package is designed for those of you who want privacy and exclusivity. To make a long weekend out of your wedding, by staying onsite in our luxurious and modern award-winning accommodation, right next to the function center. Your wedding day goes so quickly, this way you can make it a lovely and relaxed 3-day affair. This gives you more time for decoration set up, having a rehearsal at a time that suits you, rehearsal dinner, a decent sleep in and if you like a day after event such as brunch or BBQ lunch.
Pack In 12 noon day before the event, pack out 2pm day after.
Private Villa (main-house) – 4 bedrooms each with ensuite, plus additional single bedroom. Sleeps 10 (6 Beds)
Annex Apartment (annexed to main house) – 2 bedrooms with one bathroom with dual access from each bedroom. Sleeps 4 (3 beds)
Grooms Quarters – 1 master bedroom, 1 bathroom and a loft with 3 x single beds. Sleeps 4- 5 people. (4 beds
View a taste of our beautiful accommodation here
Exclusive use of Private Villa, apartment & Groom's Quarter's and ceremony areas, oval garden and function center on day of your wedding.
Not available in 2026 - please email us for further information.
Additional charges:
$500 for 101 to 120 guests
$1500 Extra night accommodation in Villa and Apartment
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Garden Party, Photos and Reception Only (ceremony off-site) - 8-hour package $5000.
Pack In 2.30pm for decor set up, guest arrival 5pm. Guest depart 11.30pm Pack Out 12.30am.
Suitable for those who wish to get married off-site in a church (check out the oldest beautiful catholic church in NZ here)or getting married overseas and want a big party.
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Micro Wedding - Ceremony, Photo’s and Garden Party Only -
6-hour Package $3500 (2024) $3750 (2025).
Please note only include 1 logistics meeting only, all the set-up and furniture for ceremony and garden party, plus use of venue for bathrooms and caterers, and as back up wet weather option.
Extra costs:
$25 per head for over 50 guests.
Suits those of you who want to celebrate your love in a beautiful location in a short but sweet way with no big party. Terms and conditions apply.
Sample Runsheet:
1.00PM Pack In for Vendor's Caterers, Celebrant, Family/helpers/Florist/Photographer
2:00PM Guests begin to arrive for ceremony
Iced water available
2:30PM Ceremony begins
3:00PM Ceremony concludes
Drinks and canape’s served (Caterers to provide)
4:15PM Formalities
4:30PM Cutting of the cake
5:00PM Cake available with tea and coffee (Caterers to provide)
5:30PM Guests depart/Couple have photos in the garden
6.00PM Event Concludes, pack out to be finished by 7.00PM.
Catering is additional from $50 per head please click here
Select from one of our List Caterers
At Anam Cara Gardens, we provide you with the gorgeous, private and exclusive garden wedding venue to hire, and partner with the below caterers who cover menu and food, staffing, arrange hire-ware (crockery, cutlery and glassware) and the event management side of your wedding or event. This gives you the flexibility to chose a budget and style of catering that best suits you.
Our venue is BYO (bring your own alcohol and beverages), with NO corkage fee’s. Some caterers are able to provide the beverage if you wish and offer a cash bar.
The price of catering varies depending on caterer used, style of food, duration of the event and the number of guests. For budgeting purposes please allow $110 -$150 per head as a rough guide.
Ceremony Location
The ceremony is quite simply where the magic happens. You can choose anywhere you like to say “I do” throughout the property. We provide and set up, the arch, the ceremony chairs, signing of the registry table. You decorate. Simple as. The hard part is choosing where to get married.
Reception
Moving onto the reception, where you all enjoy your first meal together as a married couple, followed by speeches, cake cutting and dancing… aka party time.
The function room is modern and neutral, with natural and botanical elements, making the perfect backdrop for you to add your own style and theming, from classic, to elegant, contemporary to rustic - you decide.
Corporate Retreats and Conferences
Retreat from the Everyday
Reconnect with your team at a corporate retreat at Anam Cara Gardens, where the tranquil surrounds will inspire blissful happiness and creativity. We welcome you to retreat from the everyday and spend hours - or even days - in what feels like a whole new world.
Our corporate retreat location in the Kapiti Coast is the perfect venue for your next workshop, event or retreat. With multiple quiet outdoor spaces and a large, botanically themed function room, there are many sites where people can gather, collaborate and connect. Anam Cara is a retreat in the true sense of the world. Located just 20 minutes from Paraparaumu airport and 70 minutes from Wellington Airport. Or arrive in style on our heli-pad.
Your all-in-one Kapiti Coast function venue
Choose from multiple function spaces both indoor and out, have catering organised for you and even spend a night or two in our modern, on-site accommodation. Whatever it is you want to achieve: boosted morale, an upskilled team or a plan for the future, Anam Cara is the perfect venue to make it happen.
Our Kapiti Coast function space is perfect for:
- Business meetings
- Conferences
- Workshops
- Training sessions
- Awards nights
- Retreats and teambuilding exercises
- Staff incentives
- Private hosted experiences (e.g. yoga or fitness retreats).
Features and inclusions
We can offer the following to help make your event a success:
- Spacious function room with capacity for 120 (theatre style)
- Accommodation for up to 14 guests
- A selection of catering options to suit all budgets
- Multiple garden spaces for meetings or breaks
- Wi-Fi
- Lawn games/garden tours/feed the alpacas
- Bookings for local activities and attractions
- Tables and chairs
- AV equipment (data projector, whiteboard, flipcharts, sound system)
- Accessible by bus, private vehicle or helicopter
- Flexible and accommodating hosts – just tell us your idea and we’ll see what we can do!
Contact us for more information and to enquire about availability.
Christmas Party - Function Options
Host your private Christmas Party at Anam Cara Gardens
The silly season is fast approaching once again!
If you’re looking for a Christmas party venue with enough privacy to really let your hair down, come and see us at our 10-acre venue on the beautiful Kapiti Coast.
Here, you can escape to another world and celebrate the end the year surrounded by open grassy spaces, tall Rimu trees, bright, blooming hydrangeas, aromatic roses, and our pet Alpacas.
Located just an hour from Palmerston North and Wellington, our secluded venue is available for daytime, evening and day-to-night Christmas parties.
A Christmas gift from us to you
All Christmas party bookings in November and December 2022 include:
Exclusive use of the spectacular 10-acre property, with an indoor function room and multiple outdoor spaces available
All furniture hire and setup including tables, chairs and linen
Fully equipped indoor bar
Sound system
Christmas tree for secret santa, photos or family-friendly functions
Christmas themed table décor (for sit-down meals)
Lawn games
Vendor recommendations
On site planning meeting
Rubbish and Recycling removal
Eat, drink and be merry
We work closely with four wonderful caterers with varying styles, menu’s and budget - something to suit everyone. Canapes, fork and bowl, sharing platters or seated meals - they can do it all.
These caterers provide experienced chef's, waiters and bar staff, along with a function Manager to run the event. Check out their mouthwatering tucker!
We are a BYO alcohol venue, but our catering partners can provide beverages if you wish. We have a fully-equipped indoor bar with three separate fridges available, and no problem to set one up outside too.
All packaged up and ready for you to enjoy!
Our 2022 Christmas party packages include venue hire and the inclusions listed above.
With the exception of our ‘Dine and Dance’ option, food and beverages are to be arranged separately and will incur an additional cost.
Dine and Dance’ with DJ and food included (from $150 per head, final price will be quoted)
Daytime functions ($2000 - $3000)
Evening functions ($2000 - $3000)
Daytime into evening functions ($4000-$5000)
Book now!
Private Christmas party venues are in demand this year—and we have limited spots available during the months of November and December.
To check availability and discuss your event, please contact us.
Sustainability Policy
Our policy is to control energy consumption to avoid wasted expense, to improve cost-effectiveness, productivity and working conditions, reduce our carbon emissions and protect the environment.
We will do this by focusing on
Make sustainability a top consideration in decision-making, along with profitability and viability.
Develop an ongoing energy management program to reduce carbon emissions while becoming more cost effective.
Introduce better composting solutions that are guest friendly.
Phasing out single use amenities, and once used plan to have refillable shampoo, conditioner and body wash in each shower
Tiaki Promise - Care for New Zealand
Tiaki is a Māori word that loosely means to care, conserve, and protect. It is a significant part of Māori culture and can be found in important cultural concepts such as kaitiakitanga.
Our team plays an important role in the manaaki of visitors to New Zealand. They are hosts, guides, and representatives for us all. By ensuring they are well-versed in the meaning and intent of Tiaki, we are helping them bring it to life for our visitors.
We ask all visitors to Anam Cara Gardens to care for the land, sea and nature, treading lightly and leaving no trace. Respect culture, travelling with an open heart and mind and travel safely, showing care and consideration for all.
Aotearoa is like nowhere else on Earth. It is beautiful, wild and unpredictable.
Discharge and Waste
Septic system – waste broken down into a fluid and released into the gardens
Heating
Heating of the Villa is via Linea (English made) wood burning fire with a 20KW hydronic boiler running 11 radiators in shared spaces and into each guest room. Sustainable fuel for this is in abundant supply.
Timers on heated towel rails and under floor heating
Water Supply
A 35,0000 litre in ground water tank supplies grey water for toilets, showers and washing machine.
Drinking Water is town supplied.
The gardens irrigation is supplied via private bore of water from the Tararua Ranges.
Lighting & Appliances
Appliances are sourced based on energy and water efficiency.
LED lightbulbs
Solar panelling generates power.
Eco Friendly Practices
Refillable glasses, cutlery, crockery & soda stream – no single use plastics/items
Paper straws
Nespresso pods recycling program
Recycling station with clear instructions and guidance for guests to follow.
Seasonal Fruit from orchards is spray free.
Compost system
Accommodation
Unwind and connect with Anam Cara Gardens
Accommodation
Anam Cara Gardens is a full-service function venue offering amazing event spaces, superb accommodation and first-class catering for weddings, parties and corporate functions of all shapes and sizes.
The 10-acre property has incredible gardens throughout, with plenty of picturesque backdrops perfect for taking photos and making memories.
There are three accommodation options at Anam Cara Gardens: the Villa, the Annexed Apartment and the Groom’s Quarters. We can sleep up to 19 guests on site, and each of our modern and well-equipped spaces is continually being improved to offer the best possible experience to our guests, no matter the occasion.
Hosting your function at Anam Cara gardens and utilising our on-site accommodation is a great way to bring guests together to make the most of any occasion. Unpack and unwind, get ready on site and enjoy the moment without fretting about transport, traffic or other tiresome logistical details.
Our accommodation is modern, spacious, comfortable and private. Whether you want to stay for just one night or for a weekend-long event, we would love to host you here at Anam Cara Gardens.
Main Villa
The main villa can sleep 8 guests or up to 12 with the annexed apartment included. The spacious, two-level villa is ideal for groups of friends, families or colleagues. Each of the four main bedrooms has its own ensuite and large wardrobe and the living space is modern, airy and inviting.
Annexed Apartment / Bridal Suite
The annexed apartment, often used as a bridal suite, is a private two-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment. Flooded with light, the suite and has its own private outdoor space to allow guests to relax and enjoy the fresh air. All annexed apartment / bridal suite bookings come with a complimentary bottle of bubbles.
Groom’s quarters
The groom’s quarters is a sleek, modern space with a master bedroom downstairs and three single beds upstairs in the loft. One of the big drawcards of the groom’s quarters is the games room which includes pool table, TV, dartboard and bar.
Private Villa Main House
The main house at Anam Cara Gardens is a luxury residence, offering a large contemporary space, modern facilities, thoughtful decor and finishing, leading AV systems, and all that one may desire for their wedding party.
Offering 4 bedrooms all with ensuite, two of which are master bedrooms, plus the addition of the annexed apartment, offering two more bedrooms, plus ensuite.
A lift allows people of all ages and fitness to access the light filled upstairs living space.
The kitchen, an entertainers dream with island bench, scullery and modern appliances allow hosts to accommodate their guests in style.
Pricing (High season (Oct - May) including annex below -
2023 One night $2250 Two nights $3750
2024 One night $2500 two nights $4250
2025 One night $2650 Two nights $4550
Please see our wedding packages for deals!
Luxury add-on (Welcome platter and bubbles, breakfast, getting ready platter and a few other nice treats to make your stay more enjoyable) POA.
Annexed Apartment(Bridal Suite)
The annex is accessed via key pad with a separate external access, and boasts contemporary spaces, two bedrooms with built in wardrobes, ensuite, is disability friendly. Kitchenette, lounge and bathroom (dual access from each bedroom). Room set up includes one super king bed that can be split into two singles, one queen bed, with option to add an additional bedroom POA. There is space for 4 cars to be parked.
The annex kitchenette has microwave, hotplate and tea / coffee making facilities. A ranch slider opens directly onto a lovely deck and the gardens beyond.
Guests are assured of privacy and independence with their stay at the annex.
Annex accommodation only is $450 per night and there is a minimum two night hire during peak season. We can include bubbles, continental breakfast, and a getting ready platter to make your stay more enjoyable - POA.
Grooms Quarters
The Grooms quarters is the perfect space for you to chillax and unwind with your groomsmen around! You will enjoy having the guys around to help get you sorted, take the mickey, and just be the best support crew as you lead up to your wedding. The grooms quarters is a modern space, featuring black and ply styling, a games room complete with a bar, pool table and other games, a kitchen, a bathroom with a massive shower, a master bedroom and loft with 3 single beds, separated by room dividers.
Pricing is $400 per night with no minimum night hire. Check in 2pm, Check out when your ceremony starts or 10am.
Put simply, we are a team. We value the success of your event.
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No matter the occasion.
Hello, we are Teresa and Tim, your friendly venue hosts.
In 2018, our hearts were well and truly stolen by this beautiful, special and magnificent place. We had been engaged for 5 years and had searched high and low for a wedding venue. We had in fact booked another venue to get married at. On exploring the property, we knew there was something special and a true opportunity to become a wedding venue. Five weeks after moving in, we got married here. This gave us first hand experience of how the venue truly worked. We have since completed several upgrades to the venue, including a dance floor and backup wet weather option .
Our aim is to give you the best experience while you plan your wedding journey.
Please explore our pages to see what we can offer you and get in touch to start your wedding journey.
Photograph taken by the talented Jo Moore Photography.
Introducing Mel, a seasoned photographer and artist from Porirua, with over 20 years of experience. Specialising in capturing moments with people, her work has earned recognition both locally and internationally. Recently embracing the role of Venue Manager at Anam Cara Gardens, Mel combines her passion for photography with her love of working with people. While she could delve into her achievements, Mel would much rather share her fondness for cake, crack a few terrible jokes, or help plan and enhance your wedding day at Anam Cara to make it truly special.
Formal Garden Elegance - Wedding reception
Garden Tour’s - Come visit if you wish to feel rejuvenated & relaxed.
From the moment you arrive, you know that you have come to a special place. A hidden gem, and a not so little garden. The mix of native and exotic trees greet you, feeling like you are in your own private oasis. All senses are invoked, rich in birdsong and delicate scents while your eyes are met with picturesque beauty and your heart captured by a sense of calm and tranquility.
The botanic gardens which are formal in design, sprawled out over 10 acres boasts its own microclimate, encompassing nine garden rooms and orchards. Each garden changes with the seasons and has its special time of the year to shine.
The garden was designed and created by Cynthia Coe in the mid 1980’s from bare land after using the land to sell cut flowers of Erica variety. A writer/poet who had an amazing vision and creative flair. After two years of dreaming, planning, researching, and utilising her artistic dance skills the garden plan was designed as if you were in a theatre. She believed gardening was very much about relationships, of shape, structure, colour and smell, bringing peaceful harmony.
“I wanted a place where people could come to enjoy a poetry reading and listen to some good music…. a place where people could retreat to learn, know the peace of nature, and be refreshed in the quiet”
In the mid 1990’s, the gardens were open for bus tour groups, for theatre readings, nursery and garden visits. The property has also been used as a movie theatre and retreat centre. The main focus now of hosting weddings, special events, accommodation and garden tours and the festival of pots and garden art which attracts over 4000 visitors each year.
In 2023, the gardens will be reopening for garden tours strictly by appointment only and have vast facilities.
There is an admission charged of $20 plus gst. During school holidays, we offer children discounted access of $5.
Morning and afternoon tea can be provided with 48 hours notice.
High Tea’s available with 48 hours notice. From $60 per head
For Christmas Functions for gardening groups please email Teresa - anamcaraenquiries@gmail.com
We look forward to welcoming you soon!
Photographers
The beautiful images throughout this website have come from the below photographers
Contact
Reach out and let's begin
Contact Anam Cara Gardens
With our motivation to be the best you will quickly realise that the decision to have your event with us was the right one. For a free quote or viewing, please contact us.
Location
Anam Cara Gardens
150 Rangiuru Road
Otaki 5512, New Zealand