I have no words for this place, such a special place with a cool history, the most amazing venue I could ever dream of!!Su-an was a bless during the planning months before the wedding day, she helped so much, always answering all my never ending questions.We had the best day of our lives, everyone enjoyed …
Thank you SO much!! We had the absolute best day of our lives last Saturday. Our wedding was everything we could have dreamt of and even more. The whole process from the start of planning to the big day felt so easy and we felt supported at every step. The day ran so smoothly and …
In 2007 the McMahon family decided to buy a run down old school in the Pongakawa Valley, never thinking that it would go on to shape their lives in the most joyful and extraordinary ways. Come with us as we chart that journey, incorporating stories from the past and illuminating how the school has been …
At Old Forest School, we believe that photography is a important aspect of any wedding. A wedding day is a beautiful, fleeting moment, and having photographers who can capture its magic is priceless. We are honoured to work with an extraordinary group of photographers, each one handpicked and highly respected in the Bay of Plenty …
Read more “Spotlight on Some Incredible Photographers: Capturing the Magic of Old Forest School”
When we first arrived at Old Forest School, the grounds were a blank canvas—an expanse of paddock with barely a flower in sight. Every trace of the historic gardens had been erased by time, replaced by fences and grazing land. Over the years, we have worked lovingly to transform the venue into one of the …
Read more “The Gardens and Wildlife of Old Forest School: A Thriving Oasis of Nature and History”
At Old Forest School, we understand that selecting the right vendors is essential to creating the wedding of your dreams. With so many options out there, it can be overwhelming to find professionals who truly understand your vision and deliver above and beyond. That’s why we’re proud to offer our Highly Recommended Gold Star Vendor …
At Old Forest School, we pride ourselves on being one of the most timeless yet relevant wedding venues in Bay of Plenty, NZ. We’ve perfected a unique balance of elegance and history, creating a venue that is both stylish and rooted in heritage. Unlike flash-in-the-pan trends that come and go, everything we do at Old …
Read more “Old Forest School: Timeless Trends with Heritage and Heart”
For couples dreaming of a wedding filled with vintage elegance and rustic charm, Old Forest School offers the perfect canvas. Nestled in the scenic Bay of Plenty, NZ, our venue is a treasure trove of vintage finds, heritage furniture, and old-world charm, making it an unforgettable setting for a beautifully styled wedding. From carefully restored …
Read more “Creating an Elegantly Heritage-Filled Rustic Wedding at Old Forest School”
Here at Old Forest School, we’ve always been dedicated to preserving and celebrating the unique history of the Pongakawa Valley. Our historic venue is a treasure trove of vintage charm, where stories from the past seem to whisper through the trees, the original school buildings, and the curated collection of heritage items we’ve lovingly gathered …
Read more “The Pongakawa Railway Sign Comes Home to Old Forest School”
At Old Forest School, we’re not just known for being one of the best wedding venues in Bay of Plenty, NZ— we’re also home to two very special residents who have stolen the hearts of couples and guests alike. Teddy and Tim, our beloved miniature donkeys, are rescue brothers who found their forever home here …
Read more “Meet Teddy and Tim: The Beloved Miniature Donkeys at Old Forest School”