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 […]

Embracing the Beauty of Inclement Weather Weddings at Old Forest School

At Old Forest School, we know that nature has its own plans, and sometimes those plans include a bit of rain or even a full-on cyclone! But rest assured, our Bay of Plenty wedding venue is prepared for every weather scenario. From the historic Schoolhouse to the charming Tabernacle and spacious Noshery, we’ve designed our […]

Old Forest School: A Music-Lover’s Dream Wedding Venue in Bay of Plenty

At Old Forest School, we believe music is at the heart of every unforgettable wedding celebration. We warmly welcome live bands, DJs, and acoustic artists, making us a favourite among musicians and music-loving couples alike. Unlike other venues, Old Forest School offers flexibility with music arrangements that enhances every part of the day. With thoughtfully […]

Floral Inspiration for a Rustic Wedding at Old Forest School: Seasonal NZ-Grown Blooms and Sustainable Post-Wedding Ideas

Flowers are a key element of any wedding, adding beauty, romance, and a touch of nature to your big day. At Old Forest School, our rustic, vintage venue in Bay of Plenty, we encourage couples to embrace the seasons by choosing locally-sourced, NZ-grown flowers that enhance the charm of our heritage setting. From spring wildflowers […]

The Beauty of Small Weddings at Old Forest School: A Perfectly Intimate, Personal Celebration

There’s something undeniably magical about small weddings. With fewer than 50 guests, these intimate celebrations allow for a relaxed, personal, and incredibly memorable experience that can be hard to achieve with larger gatherings. Old Forest School, one of Bay of Plenty’s most charming boutique wedding venues, is the perfect place to host a small wedding. […]