Welcome to

New Zealand Garden of ​International Significance

Trott’s Garden, a renowned garden with international acclaim, was home to ​Alan and Catherine Trott and their family for thirty-seven years.

Located in Ashburton, New Zealand, the garden was sold in September 2023. ​Now under the private ownership of Rob and Janene Riedstra, the new owners ​wish to continue the great work of Alan and Catherine Trott’s legacy. This will ​ensure that this beautiful garden remains accessible to people from all over the ​world who admire this local New Zealand paradise.

Trott’s Garden is home to the Brantwood Chapel, which was moved to the ​garden in 1998. It now sits nestled amongst the stunning landscapes as if it has ​always been there.

The garden is also now home to ‘The Brantwood Arms’—a replica English little ​pub where visitors can enjoy a refreshing lager or a homemade English meal. ​We also have Bertie, our 1959 Bermuda vintage caravan, offering ice cream, ​lollies and soft drinks.

The garden is open to the public six days a week, from Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 ​a.m to 4:00 p.m (unless privately booked). The entry fee to the garden is $10 per ​person (free for those 12 and under). Please note that there is no entry fee to ​enjoy The Brantwood Arms.

Groups and individuals are welcome, though bookings are essential for groups ​(minimum 10 people) and bus tours. Morning and afternoon tea, lunches, and ​guided tours are available only for groups (minimum 10 people) and bus tours. ​Please email info@Trott's.co.nz with the details of your tour.

Toilet facilities are available, and the garden is accessible for prams and ​wheelchairs in most areas.

The Brantwood Arms

Welcome to The Brantwood Arms, the charming new addition to ​Trott's Garden in Ashburton. This delightful replica English ‘little ​pub’ captures the essence of a classic countryside tavern, ​offering an authentic and cosy atmosphere where guests can ​unwind and enjoy a taste of traditional English hospitality.

Inside, you'll find a warm, inviting space adorned with classic pub ​decor - think wooden beams, quaint furnishings, and an array of ​vintage accents that transport you to a quintessential English ​village pub. The Brantwood Arms features a carefully curated ​menu showcasing homemade English fare, perfect for a hearty ​meal. Pair your meal with a refreshing lager or one of our other ​carefully selected beverages, and you're set for a lovely dining ​experience.

The Brantwood Arms is more than just a spot for a meal; it also ​serves as a picturesque venue for weddings and special events. ​With its charming setting and versatile space, it’s an ideal location ​to host celebrations where guests can enjoy expertly served drinks ​and a unique ambiance that adds a touch of English charm to ​any occasion. Whether you're here for a casual bite, a ​celebratory toast, or a memorable event, The Brantwood Arms ​offers a delightful escape into the heart of English pub tradition.

The Brantwood Arms is open during garden hours, Tuesday to Sunday, 10 am - 4 pm. It is also open by request and demand outside of ​these garden hours, please just ask. You do not need to purchase a garden entry ticket to enjoy the pub.

From Tuesday to Thursday, we offer our “light” Little Pub Nosh menu. Our “full” Little Pub Nosh menu is available from Friday to Sunday. We ​also offer a comprehensive Little Bevvy Menu with a wide selection of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The menu at the Brantwood Arms features a selection of comforting, homemade dishes with a focus on classic pub fare. You can enjoy ​freshly made scones with jam and cream or homemade sausage rolls with chutney for lighter options. For heartier fare, try the pie of the ​day with either mash and peas or a salad and crisps. Other offerings include a Coronation Chicken Bap with a curried mayo mix or a ​gourmet bacon butty with tasty cheese and caramelized onion relish (subject to change). For a sharing option, the Ploughmans Board ​serves two and includes an assortment of cheeses, ham, pickles, chutney, crusty bread, and apple slices. Don’t forget to check out the ​cake or slice of the day for dessert. The menu emphasizes homemade quality and local ingredients but does caution that allergens are ​present in our kitchen. Expect extended wait times during busy periods.

Garden Entry & Tours

Trott’s Garden, like all gardens, is spectacular in spring and summer, with beautiful ​rhododendrons in bloom. However, the knot garden and our many garden rooms offer a ​unique and captivating experience throughout the entire year.

The entry fee for a self-guided tour is only $10 per person (free for those 12 and under).

No picnics are allowed in the gardens unless prior arrangement and booking is made ​(terms and conditions apply). The Brantwood Arms is fully licensed and offers a full range of ​alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and food offerings off our pub menu for you to ​enjoy. Ice cream, soft drinks and lollies are also available to purchase from Bertie, our 1959 ​Bermuda vintage caravan, which you can enjoy in our Brantwood Green area.

Small dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead.

Guided group tours (minimum of 10 guests) and bus tours can be tailored to suit your ​needs, with durations flexible from 30 to 60 minutes. Catering can be arranged before

or after the garden tour upon request.

A motorized scooter and/or golf cart are available upon request for less mobile visitors. ​Guided tours can be arranged and booked by emailing info@Trott's.co.nz or by phoning

Janene at 021 028 32123.

Group Catering

Group (minimum of 10 guests) and bus tour catering can also be arranged. We can do morning ​and afternoon teas, high teas and also seasonal lunches. These are offered in conjunction with ​either a self or guided tour. Dietary requirements will incur a surcharge.

A sample menu is below:

Morning Tea (served high tea style)

Selection of club sandwiches

Savouries

Lamingtons with cream

Light Lunch

Quiche or courgette slice

Hot ham or chicken

Side salad

Individual pavlova nests with fruit compote and cream

Full Lunch

Butterflied NZ lamb with pistachio, orange and mint salsa

Curried cranberry chicken salad

Greek salad

Broccoli, grape and craisin salad

Green salad with green goddess dressing

Individual pavlova nests with fruit compote and cream

Combining picturesque landscapes within the grounds of Trott’s Garden, we now offer Brantwood Chapel and Brantwood ​Belvedere (marquee). You can have your whole day in our paradise. Your ceremony could be in the gorgeous historic Chapel ​or maybe even pick a spot in the Garden, the choice is yours. Striking panoramas provide the perfect backdrop to your ​wedding photographs, whilst your guests will enjoy wandering the grounds and soaking up the surroundings.

Your wedding reception can be held in either the Brantwood Belvedere (Marquee) which can accommodate large, lavish ​occasions, or for the more intimate affair (under 50 guests), we offer the use of Brantwood Chapel. You are welcome to bring ​your own caterer for Belvedere receptions, however we do offer in-house catering for the smaller wedding receptions held in the ​Chapel.

As we are fully licensed, The Brantwood Arms can offer the full complement of both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

The Belvedere seats up to 120 guests with our fabulous new oak tables and cross back chairs, and our new lighting features are ​sure to impress.

We also have Elopement packages on a Thursday, exclusively for 10 guests, this package includes 2-hour use of the venue, ​celebrant, photographer, archway, and seating for 8 guests, chefs’ choice of canapes for 10 people and a glass of champagne ​per guest.

A Friday intimate afternoon high tea wedding for under 30 guests, allows you to have exclusive use of the venue, enjoying a high ​tea with bubbles, this can be held either in the Brantwood Chapel or on the Brantwood Green under sun umbrellas.

Our exclusive wedding venue hire fees range from $3000 to $5000

For bookings or to arrange an appointment, please email brantwood@Trott's.co.nz or call Janene on 021 028 32123

What is included in your wedding venue hire?

• Exclusive use of the facilities at Trott’s Garden
  
• Fully powered marquee with wooden floor and modern lighting
  
• Option of a garden or chapel ceremony.
  
• Oak tables and chairs - seating up to 120
  
• Plates, cutlery, and wine glasses for up to 120
  
• Water and juice station
  
• A small commercial kitchen is available for hire by your own approved caterer for events over 50 guests (for a fee)
  
• The Brantwood Arms offering both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages
  
• Convenient, large off-street parking area with easy access.
  
• Wedding ceremony arch
  
• Registry table and chairs
  
• A huge choice of beautiful photography areas
  
• Use of mobility scooter and/or golf cart for less mobile guests
  

Is BYO alcohol permitted?

Brantwood at Trott’s Garden is fully licensed. You may, however, supply a maximum of 12 bottles of toasting wine/champagne for ​Brantwood to chill serve post ceremony. A corkage fee applies.

Can we use our own caterers?

Brantwood provides catering for weddings up to 50 guests. Larger wedding groups may utilise their own third party caterers, ​provided they are registered and certified.

Are there kitchen facilities available?

Brantwood has its own commercial kitchen. Third party caterers may hire this facility for a fee.

Do you cater for dietary requirements?

Dietary requirements can be catered for but need to be advised at least two weeks prior. A surcharge may apply.

Do you supply vendor meals?

Vendor meals can be made available, for a charge, and need to be advised at least two weeks prior.

Do you have vendors we can talk to?

Yes, we have a list of vendors covering all aspects relating to your wedding day.

Is there a plan B in case of wet weather?

A garden ceremony can be moved into the Chapel or Belvedere, depending on numbers.

Is there car parking?

There is ample car parking available in the immediate vicinity of the Chapel. There is also parking for buses.

Are dogs allowed?

We allow dogs on a leash for the ceremony, however, they must vacate the property prior to the reception.

Are there toilets and washrooms available?

We have modern toilet facilities available including disabled toilets.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, all areas of Trott’s Garden are wheelchair accessible.

How can we get some of our less mobile guests into the gardens for the ceremony?

We have a single person mobility scooter and a two person golf cart available for less mobile guests to use throughout the day.

Can we have a rehearsal?

Yes, a rehearsal time can be arranged in the days leading up to your big day, pending bookings and availability. There is a 2 hour ​time limit, restricted to members of the wedding party.

Are we allowed confetti?

Confetti is restricted to natural confetti such as rose petals, etc. No paper, rice or artificial products are permitted.

When do we need to vacate the property?

All guests must have vacated the property prior to midnight (12am). There is to be no drinking and driving - we encourage and will ​help you to organise taxi’s if required.

Can we set up a bar tab?

Yes. Once the initial bar tab amount has been established, it can be paid with the balance of your venue hire, 7 days prior to your ​wedding date. Once the bar tab has run out, guests can pay by cash or eftpos, or the bar tab amount can be extended at your ​request.

Is there a deposit required ?

A $1500 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your venue hire. The balance of the venue hire, including any Brantwood ​catering, will be due 7 days prior to your wedding date after we have established final numbers and details.

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