About the Festival

The Heroic Gardens Festival was established to raise funds for Auckland City Mission’s Herne Bay House which provided care and respite for people with HIV/AIDS. For 15 years it showcased gay and lesbian-owned gardens and the garden creators.  The Festival now includes gardens created by both the GBLT community and other supporters of Hospice.  Herne Bay House has since closed.

From 2009 – 2011  money raised has gone to the Hospices of Auckland and from 2012 will go towards the services provided by Mercy Hospice Auckland. A major feature of the Festival is that the owners/creators of the gardens are present for visitors to talk to and ask questions.

Each year we are delighted to include a selection of NEW gardens from city and rural locations along with the usual mixture of smaller city gardens in modern and traditional styles.  Tickets are $35.00 per person and give access to 24 gardens over both days from 10.00am to 6pm.  Entry to individual gardens is allowed for a $5 fee payable at the garden gate (no ticket issued or required).  Children under 12 cannot be admitted.

Supporting Mercy Hospice Auckland

Over a half of a million dollars has been raised for local charity since the Festival’s inception. In 2012 over $80,000 net profit was raised for Mercy Hospice Auckland which provides care for people in the Auckland District Health Board area living with terminal illnesses and their families. Hospices care for the whole person – their physical, emotional, spiritual and social needs.

It doesn’t matter who you are or what you believe in, hospice care is free of charge. Visit the Mercy Hospice Auckland website at: www.mercyhospice.org.nz