The Waterlily Gardens History
Nestled on the outskirts of Waihi near the Coromandel's East Coast, The Waterlily Gardens began as a dairy farm established in 1919 by Mr. James R. Gordon. His son, Tom Gordon, a skilled carpenter, returned to the farm in 1934, splitting off what is now The Waterlily Gardens from the main farm and soon transformed it into a botanical wonder.
A small creek meandered through the farm, ending in a swampy patch. Despite efforts to convert this area into grassland, the swamp persisted. Embracing the natural landscape, Tom excavated the wet patch, creating a 0.8-hectare lake with an island, marking the birth of Gordon's Lily Garden. The first tree, a cabbage tree, was joined by a liquidambar in 1946, signaling the beginning of the garden's diverse flora.
In 1950, Tom imported the first waterlilies from Australia and the United States, meticulously quarantining the rhizomes for 12 months in troughs—two of which still exist today. These waterlilies thrived in the streams, ponds, and lake, while fields were transformed into lush, manicured lawns and many different gardens. By 1954, the Gordons opened their garden to the public, inviting community groups to host afternoon teas as fundraisers.
Over time, the garden evolved, with the addition of a fernery and numerous native and exotic specimen trees. It became a sanctuary of natural beauty, featuring 20 stream-fed ponds and a serene, expansive lake. These waterscapes created a thriving habitat attracting a diverse array of wildlife, including frogs, dragonflies, and an assortment of water-loving birds. Even today visitors can often spot Kingfishers, Herons, ducks, and the vibrant Pukeko, all adding to the garden’s tranquil and picturesque atmosphere.
In 2004, the property was purchased and rebranded to The Waterlily Gardens, as we know it today, by Bevan McDuff and Alix Gamble, who, along with Alix’s son Sam and his partner Olivia Thorn, revitalized the gardens. They closed the property for three years, clearing and enhancing the landscape, and adding boutique accommodation, updated facilities, and new plantings.
The Waterlily Gardens celebrated 60 years in 2011 with a Sculpture Exhibition, showcasing works by various artists across the grounds. The property was refocused as a wedding venue in 2013, with the addition of a large marquee.
In 2020, Rachael and Evan Pride became the proud owners of this historic and enchanting garden, continuing its legacy as a premier destination for weddings and events. Their dedication to excellence quickly earned The Waterlily Gardens prestigious accolades, including Outstanding Wedding Ceremony Venue 2019 at the NZ Wedding Industry Awards and Lux - Wedding Venue of the Year 2019 – Waikato at The Global Hospitality Awards.
In November 2023, The Waterlily Gardens found new owners in Tracey, Neil, and Cath Green. The Greens have hit the ground running, skillfully blending the venue's rich history with their fresh ideas. They’ve enlisted Steve West, the original builder of the cottages over 20 years ago, to craft the new Waterlily Bar, which is set to debut during the 2024/2025 wedding season. In a nod to the past, Steve has ingeniously repurposed timber from the old shed, seamlessly weaving tradition into this new chapter. The Greens have exciting plans to continue evolving The Waterlily Gardens!
