The enchanting new garden will officially open during Fairy Day at The Village on Thursday 18 June, a free event for under 5s, celebrating International Fairy Day. From 10am to 1pm, The Village will transform into a wonderland of fairy discoveries, bubbles, dress-ups and storytelling.
Created as a permanent attraction for the community, the Fairy Garden (located close to the Village Square) offers a magical space for families to enjoy together.
“There’s something timeless about fairy gardens - they spark imagination, curiosity, and a sense of wonder in both tamariki and adults alike,” says Michelle Smith, Historic Village Facilitator and the creative force behind the project.
“We wanted the garden to feel like a hidden little treasure, somewhere where whānau can slow down together, explore, and make special memories while visiting The Village,” she says.
“This garden wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing support of Emma Cole, and a fairy garden crew who helped bring the magic to life for our community.”
The unveiling of the garden and hosting a Fairy Day event builds on the growing popularity of free community events held at The Historic Village, including recent Easter celebrations, Festive Vibes and Children’s Day activities, which have drawn thousands of visitors through gates.
Families are invited to admire the new Fairy Garden while exploring all The Historic Village has to offer. Village eateries and retailers will be open throughout the day, alongside a magical line-up of activities including roaming fairies from Circus in a Flash, face painting, giant bubbles, fairy hunts, craft activities, fairy hair and nail stations, a petting zoo, pop-up stores, and a free screening of Tinker Bell and The Pirate Fairy at the Village Cinema.
Event information:
Fairy Day at The Village
The Historic Village, 17th Ave West, Tauranga
Thursday, 18 June 2026, 10am-1pm