"We only found it today. It's as large as life and twice as natural."

The creator of Looking Glass Garden confessed that "it was a hobby gone wrong" as she collected our modest 5 NZ Dollar entrance fee.

Gael Blaymires meeting & greeting visitors

Set in 20 acres of difficult terrain in the Papamoa Hills and overlooking the fruit orchards of Te Puke in the Bay of Plenty, it has been Gael's labour of love for over 32 years. The only practical support coming from her "odd job man", husband Cedrick, who tends the lawns, trims the trees and constructed the numerous buildings. The scale of the achievement by just four hands is astonishing.

Start of garden tour

Three Little Pigs - House of Bricks

Gael tells that the inspiration for the garden has its roots in a childhood visit to Pukekura gardens in New Plymouth and from her enjoyment of Lewis Carroll's stories, fairy tales and nursery rhymes.  All these elements have been expressed with a quirky sense of humour that brings a smile at every turn.

Stone Hinge

Spare Thyme

Time in Lieu

After giving so much of yourself to such a project it must be so hard to leave, but the wonderful house with its magnificent views and, of course, the garden is currently on the market.  So you don't need to imagine more than six impossible things before breakfast, you will just need 1,400,000 NZ Dollars to get your own slice of Wonderland.

For Sale