Anne Cao and Paul Oulton created the cherry blossom festival in 2017 with the inspiration from trespassers keen to take photos of the blossoms. When, in 1996, Paul moved to the property now named English Cherry Tree Manor, there was little but grass. Over the years, the garden expanded in all directions from the house with ponds, streams, waterfalls, drystone walls, bluebells woods and a wide variety of plantings to be the lush haven it now is.
We want to share this beautiful place and, with the festival, bring diverse communities together in a joyous and harmonious celebration of life in Aotearoa. Outside of the cherry blossom festival, enjoy a stay at English Cherry Tree Manor.
We are very much about fantasy. Step into English Cherry Tree Manor and step into another world. On 3 Oct 2021, at the Bridgerton Spring Ball day of the NZ Cherry Blossom Festival, dress up in 1800s style and step back in time.
