Plum Meadows is a hidden gem full of history, nestled within a 40-hectare Waerenga farm near Te Kauwhata in the North Waikato region. 

The farm itself dates back 100 years, with four generations of the family having worked eagerly on the property and its beautiful garden over the years. Today the main purpose of the land is its 13 hectare stone fruit orchard.

Current owners Jane and Dave McIntyre opened their gates to the public for garden tours a few years ago. Visitors to the garden can choose to browse leisurely on their own or undertake a 1.5 hour guided tour that includes the history of the farm and facts about the plants and orchard. 

On your visit to Plum Meadows garden, you’ll see some of what’s been on the farm for decades: scattered old trees and plantings, shady spaces laced with greenery, and vibrant flowers of many varieties. Not to mention the fragrant fruit orchard brimming with plums, melons and other stone fruit, depending on the time of year.

You’ll also see the newer part of the garden, which is comprised of several outdoor ‘rooms’ broken up by tree-lined walkways, and a flourishing kitchen garden. Unique structural features throughout provide a twist to the traditional country garden with surprises around every corner.

One of the most popular hidden gems on the property is the farm’s historic crab apple tree, which has supplied the family with an abundance of fruit for at least 80 years. The fruit is still used today for traditional preserves, using our grandmother’s recipe. You’ll also come across a recently renovated 1880’s barn, now a multi-purpose all-weather venue.

We welcome you and your group to view Plum Meadows’ garden, where you can also choose to enjoy our quality home-made morning tea or lunch including traditional preserves. (More recently we also host weddings and other functions on the property, for those interested). 

Owner and gardener Jane McIntyre lives on the property with her husband Dave and their dog Jerry, with three children having left home.

Jane is a fourth-generation member of the Carter Family, who bought the Plum Meadows property in the early 1920s. Over the generations, the family has used the property to operate a dairy farm, beef farm and today a stone fruit orchard.

As a qualified Landscape Designer with more than 20 years experience, Jane has certainly maintained the Carter ‘green finger gene’, and loves to tend to the property’s beautiful historic garden. She does so alongside Landscape Planner and friend Brian Saunders.

Over the years she and Brian have extended the garden extensively with hundreds of new plantings, the construction of outdoor ‘rooms’, and the addition of unique structures. She continues to maintain the garden alongside running Plum Meadows as a garden tours, weddings and functions business.

Plum Meadows’ garden is situated within our historic 40-hectare farm.

Yes. Plum Meadows offers its garden and barn as a wedding venue for hire. The barn comfortably accommodates 80-90 guests for a seated dinner or 120 guests for a cocktail style event. We are known for flexibility, offering all-day hire, half-day hire, or hire for photography only. You can use our talented suppliers, choose your own, and even BYO drinks. The choice is yours. Find out more: www.plummeadows.co.nz/weddings

We have a range of lawn games available to play. Please enquire.