About us
A unique place of contemplation and celebration
Set in 3 hectares of distinctive gardens, the TreeChurch was created by Barry Cox. It combines his love of church architecture and trees to create a living, breathing chapel.
The TreeChurch inspires feelings of peace, contemplation, joy and solace for many who visit.
The Gardens include a labyrinth, European and English inspired collections, a Monet-style pond and perennial flower gardens.
In mid-2020, Chris and Bev Gatenby purchased the TreeChurch and today are carrying on the legacy of this special place. Chris had previously worked with Barry for four years looking after the TreeChurch and the Gardens.
Trees used in the construction of the Church are: Alnus Imperialis – Cut Leaf Alder (Roof Canopy), Purple Dodonaea – Ake Ake (Walls), Camelia Black Tie, Acer Globosum, Thuja Pyramidalis.
A selection of Oaks, Maples, Alders, Ginkgos, Beech, Poplars, Taxodium, and Nyssa grace the Gardens. Many were placed using a Tree Spade to create a mature garden in a relatively short time.
History
During the 1980s and 90s, the land the Gardens sit on today were a thriving tree nursery run by the Jensen family. Today, Bruce Jensen still tends the perennial flower beds and vegetable garden.
The nursery was renowned for its extensive Camelia collection, many still gracing the Gardens today. Many of the large trees giving the Gardens its structure were planted by Bruce and his brother.
In 2005, Barry Cox purchased the land and began landscaping it to develop a private garden, while also running his treespade business relocating mature trees for gardeners around the Waikato and beyond.
In 2011, he was inspired by a space in the Gardens to begin creating a living chapel made of trees. He built the iron framework on site and planted the trees. The labyrinth followed in 2012 and the Gardens continued to grow.
Family members and friends began asking if they could be married in the TreeChurch and members of the public wanted to visit Barry's private gardens. In 2015, he opened the TreeChurch and Gardens to the public and for hire as a wedding venue.
In 2020, Chris and Bev Gatenby purchased the property and are continuing Barry's legacy, maintaining the Gardens and TreeChurch, and developing new facilities and plantings.
In the media
A quick google search will yield many articles and posts about the TreeChurch from around the world. It has been featured in UK, US and European publications, as well as having been shared online by numerous visitors, couples and wedding guests.
'Retreat from society' dream backfires as tourists flock to fascinating church
Popular Kiwi wedding venue now under new ownership - Seven Sharp