ABOUT US
As custodians of this beautiful space we want to welcome you with open arms and invite you
to enjoy this slice of paradise, along with your family and friends.
HELEN & DEAN
We are excited to share with you our beautiful gardens which are a dream location for your special day, and to support and advise you through the maze of vendors and planning process so that you can create your wedding celebration your way. Don’t feel alone in the creative process. We would absolutely love to help you!
Songbird Retreat is a series of outdoor garden ‘rooms’ that fuse together to create a stunning 4.5 acre wedding venue full of charm, tranquility, birdsong and natural beauty. This private valley is a reflection of the flair of professional UK designer, Katherine Wooler and her husband, Adam who founded Songbird in 2022.
WELCOME TO SONGBIRD RETREAT!
We are Helen and Dean Pearson, custodians of Songbird Retreat. The beauty, serenity, and abundance of birdlife captivated us when we first saw it, and we knew this was a space we wanted to share with others.
Songbird Retreat was originally envisioned and created by British garden and interior designer Katherine Wooler and her husband Adam. When they discovered a unique, undeveloped section near Matakana, surrounded by stunning beaches and breathtaking rural vistas, they knew they had found the perfect canvas to create a slice of paradise. Their vision blossomed into Songbird Retreat, a haven designed for people to come together and celebrate life’s most special moments.
When the opportunity arose to continue their legacy, we couldn’t have been more thrilled. With a lifetime steeped in family with our five children—now young adults—Songbird Retreat resonated deeply with our own values. It felt like home.
This is more than just a wedding venue; it’s a place where love stories are nurtured and forged, memories are made, and couples celebrate their union surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility.
Let’s create your Dream Wedding!
We would love to get to know you, hear what makes your heart sing, and help you create a celebration that reflects your unique love story. At Songbird Retreat, you’re not just booking a venue—you’re gaining a team that’s here to support you throughout your process of planning. For us, helping couples create lifelong memories as they celebrate their union is an incredible privilege. Every detail of Songbird Retreat reflects our belief that love deserves to be celebrated in a setting that feels both serene and unforgettable.
From introducing you to trusted vendors who share our passion for Songbird Retreat Wedding Venue to brainstorming ideas that bring your vision to life, we’re here to make the planning process as smooth and enjoyable as possible. Whether it’s walking through the gardens with you, sharing inspiration for décor, or, if you choose, ensuring your day runs seamlessly, we’ll be by your side to help bring your dream wedding to reality.
You don’t have to do this alone. We’re right here to help.
With love and excitement,
Helen and Dean
OUR LOCATION
Luxurious accommodation and landscapes that are inspired by nature, revive the senses and nourish the soul.
An hour north of Auckland and easily accessible in a prime position along the Matakana Coast sits Songbird Retreat. This is exclusivity at its best, just 10 minutes from the hub of Matakana Village, 2mins from Matheson Bay beach and yet completely private from the outside world.
Extensive landscaped gardens set in a north facing stunning valley surrounded by trees and native bush and only a few minutes from a delightful boardwalk to the turquoise waters of Matheson Bay beach.
This iconic coast and country location is pure New Zealand.
The Matakana Region is well known for its stunning golden beaches, beautiful walks, market leading wineries and restaurants, arts and collectibles, all flocked around the famous Matakana Farmer’s Market.
Matakana centre mixes a cosmopolitan vibe with a boutique village feel, making it the perfect location to explore over a long weekend wedding.
OUR GARDENs
Ever changing gardens and scenery with a choice of ceremony locations means that each couple will have the opportunity to create their own unique wedding day.
Specifically designed for marquee garden weddings with a capacity of 150, Songbird Retreat offers a stunning backdrop of terraced lawns to create intimate or larger open spaces, including the grand lawn, the cocktail terrace, the round lawn and the ceremony terrace.
The landscape is a wedding photographer’s delight as the lily ponds, streams and walkways fuse to offer a variety of gorgeous locations to capture those moments of love and laughter throughout the wedding day.
The gorgeous turquoise waters of Matheson Bay are just a 2min drive or 10mins along a bush, river and waterfall boardwalk where you can capture those stunning beach front photographs.
With beautiful gardens and a stones throw to a sandy beach, Songbird Retreat has everything to create magical memories.
Hand selected plants and trees provide elegance, design and structure with a profusion of white roses, lavender, grasses and native plants.
At the centre of Songbird Retreat is the magnificent bridal walkway, adorned with the scent and timeless beauty of white roses. At 12 metres long, this enchanting feature takes walking down the aisle to a whole new level.
BROCHURE & Pricing
Songbird host a limited number of weddings each season and peak weekends book up fast. Request your copy of our weddings brochure and pricing now for packages information and sample itineraries.
We look forward to sharing our slice of garden paradise with you on your special day.