Information

At Fernside Gardens, we are committed to protecting your privacy and ensuring the security of your personal information.

Information We Collect

When you book a visit, we collect your name, email address, phone number, and payment information to process your booking and communicate with you about your visit.

How We Use Your Information

• To process and confirm your booking
• To send you booking confirmation and visit reminders
• To communicate important information about your visit
• To improve our services and visitor experience

Data Security

We use industry-standard security measures to protect your personal information. Payment processing is handled securely through Stripe, and we do not store your full payment card details.

Your Rights

You have the right to access, update, or delete your personal information. Contact us at fernside@fernside.garden to exercise these rights.

By booking and visiting Fernside Gardens, you agree to the following terms and conditions:

Health & Safety Agreement

By entering Fernside Gardens you agree to these terms.

1. Age Restriction

For health and safety reasons, children under 12 years of age are not permitted on the property. This policy is in place due to the numerous natural hazards present in a historic working garden, including open water, uneven terrain, and machinery operations.

2. Nature of the Property

Fernside is a historic, working garden. Hazards include: uneven/slippery ground, open water, hanging branches, vehicles and machinery, chemicals/sprays, insects, sun/heat and other natural risks. You enter at your own risk.

3. Behaviour & Supervision

• Stay on marked paths and lawn areas only.
• Do not enter sheds, service areas, or any area marked "Private" or "Staff Only".
• All visitors aged 12 and over must be actively supervised and follow safety guidelines, especially near water.
• Wear sturdy, closed-toe footwear and move carefully, particularly on wet, stone, or timber surfaces.
• Follow all staff instructions and signage; no disruptive or unsafe behaviour.

4. Privacy & Property Access

• The main house is private and only accessible to overnight lodge guests.
• Please respect the privacy of lodge guests and do not approach the house.
• Garden visitors must remain in designated garden areas only.

5. Picnics, Rubbish & Fires

• You may picnic anywhere within the garden grounds—there are no designated picnic areas.
• "Pack in, pack out": take all rubbish and food waste with you.
• No fires, BBQs, fireworks, or open flames.
• Do not damage plants, pick flowers, or disturb wildlife.

6. Machinery, Chemicals & Environmental Hazards

• Always give way to vehicles and machinery; keep a safe distance.
• Avoid areas being sprayed or that appear recently sprayed.
• Avoid walking under large trees in high winds.
• Be aware of bees/wasps and other insects; nests may be marked with white stakes.
• Use sunscreen, wear a hat, and carry water in hot weather.

7. Emergencies & First Aid

In an immediate emergency (fire, serious injury, police matter):

• Call 111.
• Location: Fernside Gardens, 1407 State Highway 2, Tauwharenikau 5772.
• Then notify a manager (numbers displayed on-site).

Assembly point: Car turning circle of the main house.

First aid kits: Smoko room, tool shed, lawnmower shed, ATV glove box, red Toyota Land Cruiser glove box.

AEDs: None on site. Nearest units are in Featherston (see aedlocations.co.nz or on-site notice).

8. Reporting Hazards

If you see a new or unmarked hazard (e.g., fallen branches, damaged paths, wasp nests), move away and inform staff immediately using the contact numbers displayed.

9. Liability

• Entry is at your own risk.
• To the fullest extent permitted by New Zealand law, Fernside Gardens Management, the property owners, and staff are not liable for any injury, illness, death, or loss/damage to personal property arising from your visit, except where directly caused by Fernside's gross negligence.
• You are responsible for your own safety and for anyone in your care. Failure to follow these rules may result in being asked to leave without refund.

10. Bookings & Cancellations

• Visits generally proceed in all weather unless Fernside deems conditions unsafe.
• Cancellations less than 24 hours before your booking are non-refundable.
• Fernside may cancel or alter tours or close areas for safety or operational reasons; in that case, a refund or alternative date will be offered.

Booking & Payment

• All bookings must be made in advance through our online booking system
• Payment is required at the time of booking to secure your visit
• Bookings are non-refundable but may be rescheduled subject to availability

Visit Guidelines

• Gardens are open to visitors until 3:00 PM
• Guests are welcome to bring picnics to enjoy on the grounds
• Please stay on designated pathways and respect garden plants and features
• Dogs are not permitted in the gardens
• Photography for personal use is welcome; commercial photography requires prior permission

Liability

While we take every precaution to ensure visitor safety, Fernside Gardens cannot be held responsible for accidents, injuries, or loss of personal property during your visit. Parents and guardians are responsible for supervising children at all times.

Weather & Cancellations

Fernside Gardens operates in all weather conditions. In the event of severe weather that makes the gardens unsafe, we will contact you to reschedule your visit.