West Lynn Garden & Butterfly House — Attraction in Whau

Hired this venue for my son's first birthday because it was perfect with the theme w had planned but the communication and price charged to us from the event manager - Janine Nicholson was totally rip off and unfair. So as per the pricing chart, for half day (9am-12.30 or 1-4.30pm) is $130 and evening (4.30-7pm or 7.30-10pm) $255, and full-day (9am-4.30pm) is $255, however we wanted to hire this from 2pm -7.30pm. I was informed that evening prices are high which is fine but then she quoted us for $385 which I did not understand why. When i asked, she mentioned that your timings are different hence you will be charged two slots..we argued back and forth as my point was that you should either charge me for whole day or just evening slot as ideally my party is not starting until 4.30 but need to deck the place up which is popping bouncing castle, chair etc hence need 2 hours early but she refused. We were in lockdown before the time of the party hence I didnt had many options in hand so I had to go ahead with that. I paid the total of $485 as it includes $100 bond. Two days after I receive an email saying that you will be charged $80 for leaving few things in the garden and the rubbish bags? We collected all rubbish and put that in yellow bin and because it was full we left the bags next to it not knowing that we had to take those bags all the way to home????? I have not heard or have seen it before plus the party was in the garden we cleaned everything i kid you not but if any tiny bits where left here and there then they cant expect us to make sure all the cake pieces or food pieces are picked up from the garden where there are NO LIGHTS .. IT WAS PITCH BLACK by 8pm and we had our phone lights on. But who charges $80 for rubbish bags which was ours left by the bin?? so all in all I paid $465 for 5.30 hours. NOT TO MENTION, I read the contract and it says " At the end of your booking please leave the room and equipment as you found it " but it says no where TAKE THOSE RUBBISH BAGS HOME, CLEAN SMALL FOOD SPILLS OFF GARDEN .. The lady who deals in these events JANINE is very rude as she started talking to me rudely initially when i was calling up for a quote and they became rude and unresponsive. I would totally not recommend this place to hire at all seriously a rip off a money making place. The experience we have had was not good and there is no one to guide you or help you. You have hired a place even though its outdoor but cant access kitchen for even water or anything. SERIOUSLLYYYYY... MY FAMILY AND FRIENDS WHO CAME OVER WAS NOT HAPPY AT ALL.. I am just sharing my experience so no one else get ripped off and get this...

West Lynn Garden is a public garden covering 4.5 acres (2.5 hectares), created and run by volunteers. OPEN HOURS 10am - 4pm. every day of the year. ENTRY Fee $3

Formed in 1981 on land originally owned by the Eden Garden Society, the West Lynn Garden Society is an independent organisation of people with a love of gardening and a commitment to the creation and maintenance of a unique environment for the enjoyment of all.

Anyone can join as a member or as a volunteer and help sustain the vision of providing a wondrous place of beauty and peace for all who visit.

The entry fees and membership subscriptions are used to maintain the plants, trees, butterfly house and the many features which are special to West Lynn Garden.

Because of the popularity of West Lynn Garden for functions, it is necessary to book in advance for outdoor functions for groups of 10 or more. To book please use the form on the Contact page giving details of your group including number of people, proposed date of visit, age group if special assistance is required and any other relevant information or requirements you may have. (See Contact page) School groups in particular need to state the number of pupils to each teacher present. Addional charges apply to professional photographers, film crews and similar. Details on request.

Note. Access by wheelchair is good throughout most of the garden including the butterfly house. Why not become a member? You are welcome to join us. Information is on our Membership page

Please note. West Lynn Garden has a No Dogs policy. Guide...

One of the best customer experiences I have ever had! The venue that we had originally booked for our son's birthday was cancelled two days before the party. Because we were made aware of the cancellation at night other venues were already closed for the day. We were in panic mode to find a place at short notice that could accommodate 60 guests. I emailed about 7 venues that night praying that someone would assist me. The next morning I received a call from Rochelle (our saving grace). Rochelle really does put the customer at the centre of  all interactions and really cared that my son would not be able to have his 1st birthday party. Even though the hall was already booked for that day Rochelle came up with a plan to use the outdoor area. Within a few minutes I received the contract papers and Rochelle was even willing to make herself available after her dentist appointment to give me a tour of the place to ensure it was fit for purpose. There is no doubt that I will use this place for my next party and will certainly be referring my family and friends. Even though it is a little out of my way (I live out East), this has most certainly been trumped by the customer service. It was an absolute pleasure! I have also had many quotes and the hire costs are relatively cheaper compared to other places not to mention the venue is beautiful. I am sure that your interactions with this place would be as positive as mine and they will go the extra mile for you too, especially if you are dealing...