At first glance, Gordonton presents as an unremarkable and quiet rural settlement. But slow down for a closer look, and you’ll uncover magnificent gardens, award-winning tea, local artists and an historic estate – proving that sometimes the smallest towns deliver the biggest surprises.
Just a few minutes north of Hamilton, Gordonton is the kind of place travellers can easily drive straight through without a second thought. A mere handful of buildings line the road, and the speed limit barely has time to change before you’re leaving town again.
It’s a reminder that some of the best road-trip discoveries aren’t the places you planned to visit – they’re the ones you almost drove past.
Tea with a View
An immersive experience like no other, Zealong Tea Estate combines the ancient art of tea growing and brewing with a distinctly contemporary approach. The majestic Zealong building houses a modern retail boutique and tea showroom, as well as hosting tea ceremonies, while the upper-level Camellia Lounge overlooks the estate and caters for corporate and private functions, along with weddings.
That blend of heritage and modern thinking runs throughout the estate, from the thoughtful nods to tea culture and history to the Tea Walk, where magnificent copper sculptures tell the story of tea and its place in New Zealand.
Zealong Tea Room is another undeniable delight. Housed in the property’s beautifully restored original farmhouse, a charming reminder of its former dairy-farming days, it provides an elegant setting in which to enjoy the estate’s celebrated teas. The high tea is an exquisitely indulgent experience, while the light lunch menu offers plenty of reason to return.
Add guided tours and experiences, plus Zealong’s guesthouse for those wanting to stay overnight, and there’s plenty here to justify lingering a little longer.
A Gardener’s Paradise
Wairere Nurseries is something of a local landmark and a destination in its own right. Home to an impressive collection of roses, fruit and ornamental trees, the sprawling nursery represents a legacy of love that began back in 1990. Whether you’re hunting for hard-to-find botanicals or simply want to browse the extensive plant collection, it’s a treat for keen gardeners. And if you’d rather soak in the ambiance of the grounds, take a stroll around the gardens and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Where Creativity Blooms
The Mandarin Tree is a natural stop for those who appreciate art with a strong New Zealand connection. Showcasing an eclectic collection of original works by both emerging and established Kiwi artists, inside you’ll find everything from paintings, sculpture and ceramics to prints, glass, jewellery and photography.
Outside, the gallery opens into a tranquil garden dedicated to garden art – a fitting setting for discovering pieces designed to bring creativity into the outdoors.
Scones Worth Stopping For
Matte Black Café offers a menu that puts fresh, satisfying food firmly centre stage. There’s a relaxed, welcoming feel to the café, with seasonal dishes, generous brunches and lunches, daily cabinet offerings and homemade treats always on offer. While you wait for your coffee, there’s a small homewares shop inside, and a neighbouring shop for fresh produce and snacks for the road.
Grace & Grandeur
Step into Waikato history at Woodlands Estate, where the beautifully restored 19th-century homestead offers a fascinating glimpse into life at the heart of an early Waikato farming estate. Built between 1872 and 1875, the kauri and rimu house has been lovingly restored and furnished to reflect a farm manager’s home around 1900, creating a wonderfully atmospheric walk-through experience.
Look out for the Anchor connection too, with the original Anchor logo carved into the kauri fireplace – a small but fascinating reminder of Woodlands’ place in the story of New Zealand dairy farming.
Beyond the homestead, more than 15 acres of heritage gardens invite exploration, while Garden Grove Café provides the perfect place to settle in for lunch or a leisurely coffee surrounded by the estate’s sprawling setting.
Treasures of the Past
Arkanda Antiques is something of a Waikato institution. Follow the signs on Whitikahu Road to find the charming rural barn brimming with antique furniture, silver and paintings. Alongside larger pieces of furniture, including some lovely French pieces, there’s a wealth of New Zealand treasures to discover too. Depending on when you visit, you may even be able to book in for one of Wayne Good’s Cook School experiences and master some new recipes.
