About Gethsemane Gardens

"A romantic garden with a Christian theme" best describes this unique garden.   Gethsemane Gardens owners, Bev and Ken Loader, bought the land near the top of Clifton Hill, above Sumner, in 1957. It was just grazing land, but after some years and much learning, they eventually made their living as market gardeners.

A perennial flower nursery was opened on the grounds in 1987. The present gardens, now covering 4 acres, were developed from the nursery, and are designed and laid out to portray the Christian message in a variety of ways.

In 1998 the nursery side of the business was closed and further display gardens added. The whole site overlooks Pegasus Bay, with sweeping views of the mountains, city, plains, and ocean.

There are two chapels available for weddings, baptisms, funerals and other services. The St. Cecilia Chapel is built in the middle of the gardens – ideal for a garden wedding. On the upper deck of the Ark is the Arkangel Chapel with reception areas underneath. This is for larger weddings. The Ark is also ideal for functions such as Conferences and Seminars.

Today the site includes a Prayer Garden containing the Lord's Prayer written in box hedging, a Jerusalem garden telling the story of Jesus from his birth to his resurrection, Noah's Ark landed on Mount Ararat, the Rosary Maze spelling Jesus' name, and a large garden laid out to spell Gethsemane.  To get an idea of the beauty of the gardens, go to our Photo Gallery.

The gardens are open every day from 9am to 5pm (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) for self-guided tours and booked functions, and there is plenty of room for parking in the adjacent area.

To get to Gethsemane Gardens, turn right up Clifton Terrace just before Sumner and follow the road to the top of the hill where it becomes Revelation Drive. The tall gates are on your left at No 27. (View map.)