Hemsworth Estate

Petals, Prosecco and Pride - a Garden Party at Hemsworth Estate to celebrate Pride
2025-03-15 14:00 - 17:00 (Pacific/Auckland) | Hemsworth Estate, 356 Beach Road East, Ashburton, 7777, New Zealand
Smell the wafts of summer blooms in the air, sip a glass of floral-infused Prosecco, and step into the charming country gardens of Hemsworth Estate to celebrate our rainbow community at our first ever Pride Garden Party.

Cheers! Late summer blooms are rampant, and and you’re invited to celebrate Pride with a Garden Party in the Rose Garden at Hemsworth Estate

Enjoy a pride-themed High Tea, unlimited iced tea, coffee and lemonade, a complimentary floral infused cocktail or mocktail, and a delightful afternoon of live music, lawn games, and wandering the gardens 👒

The Details:
📍Hemsworth Estate, 10 minutes from Ashburton, 1 hour from Christchurch
🗓️ Saturday 15th March
🕑 2:00pm – 5:00pm
🎟️ Tickets $39 (children half price)

Starting at 2:00pm, you’ll be treated to a glass of floral-infused cocktail (or a mocktail) while you listen to live music from Singer/Songwriter Sarah Templeton, you’ll then be seated at your table for a Pride-themed High Tea featuring mouth-watering morsels made fresh in our kitchen, surrounded in countryside luxury.

Once you’ve had your delightful fill of High Tea, you might try your hand at some lawn games, or wander the gardens, or listen to Sarah sing another wonderful set.
Wear some of your Floral-Themed best to capture you and your companions in front of our Portrait Frame for a photo op, and the chance to win a spot prize on the day.

Our Pride Garden Party includes:

Begin your festivities with a floral Infused glass of bubbles on arrival (or mocktail!)

Admire the beauty of the gardens and enjoy a delectable array of pride-themed high tea treats. Lavender Tea Cake anyone?

Challenge your friends to a spirited game of pétanque, show off your skills in croquet, or aim for a ringer in quoits.

Indulge in the delightful sounds of ukulele and acoustic tones of Sarah Templeton’s original sapphic music.

Book your tickets now, there’s no other Pride event in Canterbury like a Garden Party at Hemsworth Estate.

Coming alone? Book a ticket at our Flying Solo table and be seated with your fellow solo queers.

Event Information:
Dietary Requirements are welcome with advanced notice, please include this information with your booking.
Children are also welcome at any age.
We always have a wet weather plan, tables will be seated inside the Homestead with alternative games if the weather is not in our favour.
By purchasing tickets, you agree to our terms and conditions.
Have questions about this event? We would be happy to answer them. Please contact us, or check out our FAQ.

The Country Ball - Transport, Dance Classes, Drinks and Carriage Rides
2025-02-22 18:30 - 22:30
Handle all the logistics of your attendance at The Country Ball here.
You can:

Book your transport to-and-from The Hotel Ashburton or Regency Motel.
Reserve a spot at Dance Lessons in both Christchurch and Ashburton.
Carriage Rides for your Grand Entrance.
Set up a drinks tab to use on the night.

Transport from Ashburton to Hemsworth Estate.
Shuttles will go from The Hotel Ashburton and Regency Motel to Hemsworth Estate starting at 6:15pm until 7:30pm. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes each way. The ball will officially start at 7:00pm with a formal welcome. Transport will depart from Hemsworth Estate to return to Ashburton starting at 9:30pm and the final transport of the evening will depart at 10:45pm. Preference for early arrival will be given to those who first book.
Horse and Carriage Rides
Horse and Carriage rides in our open air carriages from Dayboo Stud will be available from 6:30pm – 8:30pm. These are complimentary for Early-Bird Ticket Holders and $20 per person for our other members of the Ton. You can purchase ahead of time, or on the night. Each horse-drawn transport option takes between 4-6 people so with luck, your entire party can travel in style together!
Dance Lessons
Dance lessons will be held at Hemsworth Estate in Ashburton on Sunday 26th January at 3:00pm and in Christchurch at Evolve Studios on Saturday February 1st at 11:00am. In these rehearsals you will learn two new dances. Alumni dances from the previous country ball will be available to learn via videos on our social media platforms. All four dances will be included in the sets on the evening. One lesson is complimentary to Earlybird Ticket holders.
Drink Tabs
Your first champagne cocktail upon arrival is complimentary. Afterwards please see the gentlemen at our bar for further liquid refreshments. We will have a wide selection of sparking wine, wine, beer, alcoholic and non alcoholic sparkling cocktails, and lemonade. All drinks are $10 each. You can pre-order a Bar Tab to enjoy on the night. You can only pre-order up to 5 drinks per person. Bar tabs are non refundable.
How to book:
To book, select the number of tickets for each option you would like to book, I.E 2 tickets for the transport to Hemsworth Estate. You can then repeat for Horse and carriage rides and departure busses to return to town.

A Country Ball: The Masquerade inspired by Bridgerton
2025-02-22 18:30 - 22:30
The Ladies of Hemsworth Estate Cordially invite you to a Masquerade Country Ball in the style of Bridgerton on Saturday 22nd February 2025.

(See the full details about the 2025 Country Ball here)

The ladies of Hemsworth Estate are set to host their annual Country Ball with a Masquerade theme on February 22nd of the year 2025. The anticipation of certain ton members is reaching a new eagerness unknown before to this author.
It is with the greatest authority I can say, the ladies have outdone themselves with the planning of their latest soiree. I have on the highest authority the evenings’ entertainment will include:

Welcome by our butler, and a dance card allocated.
A complimentary themed cocktail upon arrival and a cash bar offering plenty of choices.
A grand entrance via Horse and Carriage, complimentary for those lucky enough to receive an Earlybird Ticket.
A Formal Promenade has also been included in the evening’s entertainment for those who wish to see their modiste’s handiwork shine in the spotlight.
A formal portrait setting and professional portraits from the maestro Jonny Knopp.
A selection of light refreshments including the finest meats and cheese platters from Fern and Feta Platters, and some home-cooked favourites for a light supper from the Hemsworth Estate chef will be on offer, and Iced Glacés from the Rollin’ Pedaler available for purchase.
And a selection of two alumni dances from the previous ball, and two new dances have been added to the repertoire.

Sip, Sup and Serenade, a Romantic evening at Hemsworth Estate
2025-02-14 18:30 - 21:00
Sip on a Summer Spritz, sup on roving trays of canapes, and serenade your love with live jazz music in our Rose Garden.

You are cordially invited to a romantic summer’s evening this Valentine’s Day at Hemsworth Estate.

Enjoy wafts of jazz music by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra from mezzo-soprano singer Le-Anne, taste fresh seasonal canapes from the kitchen, and indulge in one of your summer favourites at our bar. This is the perfect relaxed and romantic valentine’s evening.

Each ticket includes a summer spritz upon arrival (mocktail version available), a romantic table for two in our Rose Garden, live music, and roving trays of canapes brought to you throughout the evening.
You might even give your love a twirl on the terrace!

Our Valentine’s Day Summer Evening includes:

A Table for two in the Rose Garden

One hand-crafted Summer Spritz (Mocktail version available)

A light supper of Canapés

Live Jazz Music

A dance floor area is available for the optional twirl on the terrace.

Additional drinks at our bar are $10 per drink. Options will include Spritz, Bubbles, Wine, Beer, and Non Alcoholic Cocktails.

What people say about events at Hemsworth Estate:
“We had a lovely time and can recommend others to pay this lovely hidden-away gem a visit, too.” – Monica

“The Garden party was FANTASTIC. It was so tastefully organized and your hospitality was the BEST. Thank you so much for a memorable afternoon.” – Joan Corbett

Ticket Pricing: $49 per person.

Event Information:
Dietary Requirements are welcome with advanced notice, please include this information with your booking.
By purchasing tickets, you agree to our terms and conditions.
This event is R18.

Have questions about this event? We would be happy to answer them. Please contact us, or check out our FAQ.

Galentine's High Tea
2025-02-13
Toast your girls with a champagne cocktail, pile cream and jam on top of a freshly made scone, and spend your afternoon in one of Ashburton’s most picturesque locations. This is your perfect Galentine’s activity.

We invite you to our Galentine’s High Tea, made for to celebrate the women in your life.

Starting at 12:30pm or 5:00pm, you’ll be treated to a champagne cocktail on arrival, a standing progressive High Tea (both savoury and sweet) featuring mouth-watering morsels made fresh in our kitchen, surrounded in timeless luxury. Sip tea out of fine china, capture the moment with a ‘gram-worthy photo in front of our floral archway and celebrate your incredible friendships in style.

This is the perfect gift for your mum, sisters and girlfriends. Book your tickets now, there’s no other event in Ashburton like High Tea at Hemsworth Estate.

Galentine’s High Tea Includes:

– A champagne cocktail or mocktail upon arrival.
– 5 mouth-watering savoury selections
– 4 seasonal sweet treats
– Freshly made scones with jam and cream
– A luxury table setting including vintage linen, bone china and Stirling silverware.

What people say
“The venue was spotless, immaculately presented in keeping with its character and the age of the building. The food served was delicious and service attentive. Even the air was delicately fragrant with yesteryear scents of lavender and lily of the valley. We had a lovely time and can recommend others to pay this lovely hidden-away gem a visit, too.” – Monica

“Wow! Our first high tea experience.Thank you Hemsworth Estate we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. A sunny spot for two, overlooking the garden’s with fantail’s playing. Beautiful selection of food, yum coffee and great hostess. We will be back.” – Justine

Ticket Pricing:
$39 High Tea with a Champagne Cocktail or Mocktail.

Event Information:
Dietary Requirements are welcome with advanced notice, please include this information with your booking.
By purchasing tickets, you agree to our terms and conditions.

Have questions about this event? We would be happy to answer them. Please contact us, or check out our FAQ.

Camp Hemsworth - Summer Camp for Women
2025-01-17 - 2025-01-19
It’s time to escape to the country! Camp Hemsworth is New Zealand’s inaugural luxury women’s only summer camp.
Start 2025 by making new friends.
You’ll be joined at the estate by no more than twelve like-minded women to experience a luxury weekend summer camp expertly curated to foster new connections, relax and spend time trying a range of fun activities.
Your Summer Camp Location

Not a bunk bed in sight during this idyllic adventure. Guests will be hosted in one of three suites in the 1911 Edwardian Homestead, and Glamping Tents in the sheltered gardens close to the homestead and all its ammenities.
Camp is set up for twin share with a single supplement available. Earlybird Campers will be first to select their rooms.

You won’t lift a finger

Spend the weekend being fully taken care of body, mind and spirit. All meals, refreshments, activities and entertainment is included in the price.

Curate your own adventure

During the three activity sessions over the weekend, you will be presented with a variety of choices to select from. Some are guided and others are self-led and you always have the choice to opt out in favour of a good book, or some quiet time in the garden.

Your time is your own

Camp is designed to give you quality time to enjoy in your own way. We have both introvert and extrovert friendly spaces set up, and a schedule that caters to as restful or packed a holiday as you like.

Escape to the Country

Only one hour south of Christchurch and 10 minutes from Ashburton, Hemsworth Estate is secluded in centennial trees, and surrounded by country gardens and an orchard. With everything you need on site, and permission to leave your phone on silent, you’ll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of normal life.

Want to hear more? See the full details here.

Hemsworth Estate Christmas Garden Display
2024-12-10 13:00 - 2024-12-24 16:00
Hemsworth Estate’s gardens and Homestead have been decorated for Christmas and is open to the public to enjoy!
Visit the Christmas Display
Starting on the 10th December, drop by Tuesday to Sunday between 1:00-4:00pm and wander the garden display for a gold coin donation. (Ends 24th December)
Extended Afternoon Tea Hours
If you would like to enjoy a festive afternoon tea, we have extended our hours to Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm. These are usually $20 per person but we will have a few more festive options on the menu so perhaps budget a little more.
Twilight Session
If an evening date is more your style, we will open for a twilight session to enjoy the fairy lights from 5:00-8:00pm and you can pre-order a picnic to pick up to enjoy in the grounds from the Homestead on this page for $25 per person. We suggest you bring a picnic blanket as we only have limited outdoor tables.
Reservations are not required for our Afternoon Tea sessions but are welcome. We do ask you phone us a few days ahead of time if you are bringing a group of 6 or more, or have dietary requirements so we have time to prepare for your arrival.
In a Nutshell:
Christmas Garden Display Opening Hours: 10th – 24th December, Tuesday to Sunday from 1:00-4:00pm.
Extended Afternoon Teas: 13th, 14th, 15th, 20th, 21st and 22nd December from 1:00-4:00pm
Friday Night Twilight Sessions: 13th and 20th December from 5:00-8:00pm.
How to get there:
Our address is 356 Beach Road East. Currently there is extensive roadworks on our road, and there is a couple of road closures. Please go down Wakanui Road, and turn right onto Cochrane’s road. There will be a “Road Closed” sign but as you are visiting a resident, you are most welcome. Continue down Cochrane’s road and turn left onto Beach Road and Hemsworth Estate will be on your right.
Car Parking:
We have opened up our carpark which is slightly further down than the main entrance. You will see sign posts as you arrive. There is a short walk across the lawn to reception.
Facilities:
We will have two bathrooms available for visitors use, these are marked by sign posts and on the map you will collect as you enter.
Mobility:
The garden display is a walk around our gardens on Grass, and Gravel. Our facilities are also on ground level and include an accessible bathroom. For our Afternoon Teas, the nature of Hemsworth Estate’s 1911 Historic Homestead setting is the building does not cater to modern standards. There are four shallow steps with no handrail to the main entrance of the building. Each persons needs are unique so we ask you give us a call to discuss your requirements and see how we can meet them.
Who can come?
All people young and old are welcome at Hemsworth Estate. Well behaved dogs on a lead are welcome to visit our garden display and be seated outdoors or in our sun room for Afternoon Teas. We ask all dog poo is picked up promptly and disposed of in the doggie poo bin near the gate in the carpark.
