Willow's Ranch

Willow's Ranch is a country wedding venue on Pungaere Road at Waipapa, about 15 minutes from Kerikeri and set across more than 750 acres of private farmland. Couples get exclusive use of the venue and the farm for their whole day. The centrepiece is a large rustic barn that seats 160 indoors on wooden tables and chairs and can be fully closed in if the weather turns. Ceremonies happen out on the property, there are open paddocks and photo spots to spare, and the Cattleman's Club bar handles the drinks, either on a tab or pay as you go. Catering is not done in house, but the team supplies a list of local caterers and helps coordinate the vendors, the decor and the running of the day. Two nights of on-site accommodation sleeping up to 10 come with the package, so the wedding party can settle in. Pricing runs from $9,000 for a midweek wedding up to $12,700 on a Saturday, with a smaller midweek elopement option for up to 40 guests. It suits couples after a proper farm wedding with the place to themselves.