About us

A Unique Place of Contemplation and Celebration

Set in 3 hectares of distinctive gardens, the TreeChurch is a living, breathing chapel created by Barry Cox. Inspired by his love of church architecture and trees, the TreeChurch has become a place where visitors experience peace, joy, and reflection.

The surrounding gardens include a labyrinth, a Monet-style pond, perennial flower beds, and avenues of mature trees influenced by European and English garden design.

In mid-2020, Chris and Bev Gatenby took over stewardship of the TreeChurch and Gardens. Having worked closely with Barry for four years, Chris, together with Bev, is now continuing the care and development of this special place.

The Living Church and Gardens

The TreeChurch itself is formed from carefully chosen species, including:

Alnus Imperialis (Cut Leaf Alder) – Roof canopy
El Greco Olives – Walls
Camelia Black Tie
Acer Globosum
Thuja Pyramidalis

The gardens feature a wide range of trees such as oaks, maples, alders, ginkgos, beeches, poplars, taxodium, and nyssa. Many were relocated and planted using a treespade, giving the grounds an established feel from early on.

Our History

During the 1980s and 90s, the land the Gardens sit on today were a thriving tree nursery run by the Jensen family. Today, Bruce Jensen still tends the perennial flower beds and vegetable garden.

The nursery was renowned for its extensive Camelia collection, many still gracing the Gardens today. Many of the large trees giving the Gardens its structure were planted by Bruce and his brother.

In 2005, Barry Cox purchased the land and began landscaping it to develop a private garden, while also running his treespade business relocating mature trees for gardeners around the Waikato and beyond.

In 2011, he was inspired by a space in the Gardens to begin creating a living chapel made of trees. He built the iron framework on site and planted the trees. The labyrinth followed in 2012 and the Gardens continued to grow.

Family members and friends began asking if they could be married in the TreeChurch and members of the public wanted to visit Barry's private gardens. In 2015, he opened the TreeChurch and Gardens to the public and for hire as a wedding venue.

Chris and Bev Gatenby - TreeChurch Owners

A New Chapter

In 2020, the property was purchased by Chris and Bev Gatenby. Chris had worked alongside Barry for four years, tending to the TreeChurch and Gardens, making the transition a natural one.

Today, Chris and Bev continue to carry forward Barry’s legacy—maintaining the original vision while also making thoughtful additions to enhance the experience for visitors and guests.

In the media

A quick google search will yield many articles and posts about the TreeChurch from around the world. It has been featured in UK, US and European publications, as well as having been shared online by numerous visitors, couples and wedding guests.