The Elms
★★★★★
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga garden is one of the oldest New Zealand European gardens south of the Bay of Islands. Originally created by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) between 1834-1844, as were The Treaty House gardens at Waitangi. Both The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga and The Treaty House Gardens retain some of the in situ, Maori and European cultivated vegetation with considerable archaeological landscape content. The landscape archaeology is now perhaps the most valuable resource to be preserved for understanding more fully the history of this place.
The Elms | Te Papa Tauranga, is one of the Bay of Plenty’s oldest heritage sites. As a place of early contact between Maori and Pakeha, this historic site remains at the centre of Tauranga’s history and identity today. Encompassing category one listed heritage buildings and nationally significant collections – all set within a diverse and tranquil garden setting – this one hectare property is a must-see destination for visitors to the region.
When Te Papa Mission Station first opened, the peninsula was covered with manuka and fern, without trees for beauty, shade or firewood. However, Alfred and Charlotte Brown soon got to work and enjoyed gardening in the favorable Tauranga conditions. Brown’s journal is full of references to gardening: “planting out lettuces, pruning 32 fruit trees, planting out cuttings, sowing peas and beans, preparing and planting raspberry bed, transplanting trees.”
Notably, the Oak Tree at the corner of the north lawn grew from an acorn brought from England by Rev. Brown in 1829. It was originally planted in Paihia and transplanted here as a sapling in 1838. It is the oldest living tree on the property and a significant heritage tree in Tauranga today.
The Maxwell family continued to tend and develop the gardens in the years that they lived here.
Weddings and Special Events can be held in the tranquil and unique garden setting or in the Chapel. Group bookings can be made in advance for Devonshire Teas and special Historic Garden Tours. Contact us by phone or email - details below.
Facilities and Amenities
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Open year round except Christmas Day.
Summer hours: 10.00am - 4.00pm
Winter hours: 11.00am - 3:00pm
Group bookings are essential
Independent Visitors – Adults $20*
- Child/Youth** free when accompanied by a parent or caregiver.
Discounts: Tauranga Residents & Ratepayers 50% with proof of ID with address eg Library card, rates, power or phone bill, Drivers Licence with address etc. A seniors 10% discount available with gold card or similar.
* & ** Rates do not apply to groups or schools – quote on application
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From Tauranga CBD, Durham Street (5-10 minutes)
Head North along Durham Street
Turn right onto Harrington Street
Take the next left onto Willow Street and walk approx. 400 metres
Turn right onto Monmouth Street (scenic route past Monmouth Redoubt) or further along take right onto Brown Street (direct route)
Turn left onto Cliff Road and walk approx. 300-400 metres
Turn left onto Mission Street and walk approx. 100 metres
The Elms | Te Papa will be on your right
Buses to Tauranga CBD Durham Street from the Mount via Salisbury Wharf/cruise ship port or Papamoa (all other buses Google online timetables)
No 5 bus runs from Bayfair to TGA City via the Mount, via Salisbury Wharf (port)
No 2 bus runs from Papamoa via Papamoa Plaza & via Bayfair to TGA City
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Physical Address: 15 Mission St, Tauranga, 3110
Phone: 07 577 9772
Email: reception@theelms.org.nz
Website: http://www.theelms.org.nz
