The Gardens and Wildlife of Old Forest School: A Thriving Oasis of Nature and History

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 …

dahlia florals at old forest school wedding venue

Old Forest School’s Highly Recommended Vendor List: A Trustworthy Guide to the Best in Bay of Plenty

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 …

Old Forest School: Timeless Trends with Heritage and Heart

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 …

florals outside old forest school wedding venue

Creating an Elegantly Heritage-Filled Rustic Wedding at Old Forest School

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 …

The Pongakawa Railway Sign Comes Home to 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 …

Meet Teddy and Tim: The Beloved Miniature Donkeys at 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 …

Donkeys wedding venue

A pair of miniature donkeys arrive at wedding venue

Have you met the latest new entrants at Old Forest School – Vintage Wedding Venue. Teddy and Tim are a couple of 2 year old miniature donkeys.

Teddy (the shaggy one) and Tim (the not so shaggy one).

teddy-tim teddy-tim-2

We’re thrilled to introduce two very special new additions to Old Forest School—our rescued miniature Jerusalem donkeys! These lovely boys are settling in and slowly learning to trust people again. Though they’re still adjusting to their new home and are a bit shy, they already love a gentle scratch behind the ears. For now, they’re happiest in their paddock with some space, but we’re sure they’ll warm up to visitors in no time.

When you visit Old Forest School, be sure to stop by and say hello! These gentle souls bring a little magic to our grounds, and we’re excited to share some fascinating facts about them:

Do you know why they’re called Jerusalem donkeys?
If you look closely, you’ll see a cross-shaped marking on their backs. According to legend, Jerusalem donkeys were so heartbroken by the sight of Jesus on the cross that they had to turn away. This mark is said to be a symbol of their loyal and humble spirit, left in honor of their devotion and service.

Did you know they’re also a lucky omen for expectant mothers?
It’s believed that seeing a Jerusalem donkey while pregnant brings blessings for the child—a life marked by kindness, good manners, and wisdom.

Our donkeys bring both charm and a touch of folklore to Old Forest School, adding yet another unique element to the experience here. We feel so lucky to give these boys a new home, and we can’t wait for them to become a beloved part of the family here, sharing their gentle energy with everyone who visits.