FAQ
Are children allowed to attend?
Yes, but they must be closely supervised by an adult.
Do I need to buy a ticket for a child?
No.
It is free for children aged 18yrs and under.
Are pets allowed in the gardens?
No.
Are there toilets available?
Yes – limited number.
There are toilets in designated gardens only. See your booklet for details.
Is there parking for buses?
Yes, but in designated gardens only. See your booklet for which properties are suitable for bus parking.
How do a buy a Festival pass?
You can buy these online from the Festival Website ticket sales page.
If I can’t buy a ticket on line, can I buy one from Palmers Rotorua?
Yes.
They will be available from 1 September.
Can I buy tickets for a group of 10 or more?
Yes.
Are tickets refundable?
No.
How much is a ticket per person?
$30 One day pass
$50 All of festival pass – 3 days
Groups of 10 or more
$25 One day
$45 All of festival – 3 days
Is there an extra booking fee?
No.
This year, we have decided to absorb the booking fee
Where do I collect my Festival Pack?
At the Festival Hub, Palmers
Sala Street, Rotorua
Who is the Key Sponsor of this year’s Festival?
Palmers Rotorua
When can I collect my Festival Pack?
They are available during business hours at Palmers Rotorua from 1 September 2025
Can I have the Festival Pass, printed booklet and lanyard posted to me?
Yes
The fee is $10 for postage within New Zealand.
Can I gain entry to the gardens without my lanyard?
No. Lanyards provide proof of purchase to the gardeners. Please wear your lanyard at all times and show it as you enter each property.
What time do gardens open?
9am Friday, Saturday, Sunday
What time do gardens close?
4pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Is there food available?
Some gardens will have light refreshments for sale.
Many people plan to bring a picnic to enjoy in one of the larger rural gardens.
Can I buy plants or art and crafts at the Festival?
Yes. Some gardens will have cuttings or art work for sale. Check your booklet for more details.
How often is the Rotorua Festival of Gardens held?
Once every 2 years.
The next one is in 2027.
How do we advertise in the next festival booklet?
Contact the Festival committee on info@rotoruagardens.org.nz
How do I become a sponsor of the Rotorua Festival of Gardens?
Contact the Festival committee on info@rotoruagardens.org.nz
We will be happy to discuss sponsorship options with you.
Can I expect to see all the gardens over the 3 days?
No. Take your time to enjoy the festival. Please review your booklet and choose the gardens that you would most like to visit.
How many gardens should I plan to see in one day?
About 7 to 10, as long as they are near each other.
How many gardens are exhibiting in the Garden Festival this year?
Approximately 45
How many new gardens are exhibiting this year?
22
Who do I contact to put my garden in the next festival?
Contact the Festival committee on info@rotoruagardens.org.nz
One of our committee will come and see your garden and discuss the next steps.
I would like to volunteer to help organise the Rotorua Festival of Gardens. Who do I contact?
Contact the Festival committee, outlining your area of skills and interest: info@rotoruagardens.org.nz
We would love to hear from you.
Is there a way to give feedback about the festival to the organisers?
Yes
There will be an online survey, with a chance to win a Stihl product for each completed survey
Do you raise money for charity?
Yes. Our aim is to run a successful Garden Festival every 2 years. Provided all the festival costs are covered, we will donate any surplus to local Rotorua charities.