Product Overview

Situated in the heart of Tauranga on a 1 hectare (2.5 acre) site with heritage listed buildings including its iconic Mission House of Georgian Regency style. 

The site reflects pre-European times, the arrival of early settlers, the Church Mission Society and the Maxwell family who lived here until the 1990s. 

Open most days, The Elms welcomes visitors to tour and hear about the rich history and view the many outstanding items in the historic buildings.   

The Elms welcomes you to hold weddings and events in our award-winning grounds which are a photographer’s dream.  Bookings available during or outside of opening hours. 

Product Description

Guided tours, group tours featuring the history or garden history focused tours.

Hold your wedding ceremony in the grounds or Chapel at one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s oldest heritage sites. 

Surround your event with the beauty of 5-star gardens of national significance. 

Celebrations, events and funerals can be held in the grounds and Chapel. 

We offer Devonshire Teas for groups of 8 or more, as an extra, but these must be pre-booked.

Educational programme for schools at special rates. 

Please book your events or groups tours in advance by emailing or phoning the office.

Departure Times

Open for visitors Monday to Sunday - Summer 10am - 4pm and Winter 11am - 3pm.

Closed Christmas Day and some other days eg. when we have events on site.

Check Google for opening hours.

Duration

Guided group tours take an hour and then you are free to wander in the grounds if your schedule allows.  If you are a casual visitor or family visiting just let our guide know your timeframe and we will try to accommodate you. We suggest allowing at least an hour - hour & a half for your visit.

What To Bring

Comfortable clothing, a hat in the Summer, a warm coat in the Winter, your camera, a questioning mind, a COVID mask to wear indoors (if required) and you are welcome to bring a picnic for after your tour.

Company Info

The Elms Foundation is a private foundation whose role is to preserve and protect this significant heritage site, the buildings, collections & grounds and to share this history with locals, school groups and all other visitors.