Opera in the Garden 2026

Bring a picnic. Bring the kids. Bring Nana.

Opera North is evolving! In 2026, a concert 30 years in the making, we re-invent Opera in the Garden. A daytime concert in 3 acts, settle in with your picnic blankets and umbrellas, listen, linger and enjoy the sensory feast that is Opera North at Tahamoana Farm, Waipu Cove.

This iconic Northland summer annual event quite extraordinary. World class voices sharing the grass with the Opera North community, and 20 or so amazing classical musicians join us this year!

Special Guests for 2026 are Sarah Mileham and Alfred Fonoti Fuimaono, two of Aotearoa’s rising Opera superstars. Accompanied by the ever impressive Juan Kim on piano, they join the chorus to sing some of our earliest material, “Votre toast!” (The Toreador Song) from Carmen, and The Easter Hymn from Cavalleria Rusticana. The concert also features new contemporary music from Ola Gjielo, Wicked The Musical and a smidge of Radiohead.

Bring your picnic, but we have dessert covered! Zippys ice cream and coffee (affogato's a highlight), the Strawberry Lady and Petra's Pastries will satisfy all your sweet cravings. There are no velvet seats in site but the wide skies of the remarkable Tahamoana Farm in Waipu Cove create an atmosphere no theatre can match. Let your mind wander as you soak up the music and the outstanding views.

You'll need to pack picnic blankets or chairs, and sun-hats or umbrellas, event is BYO. (you can bring a velvet seat too if you like!). Plenty of onsite parking and accessible drop off area.

GROUNDS OPEN AT 12 NOON to pick your perfect spot and set up, buy something delicious to nom and settle in!

Conductors: Sarah Whittles, Bronwyn Kennaway Pianists: Juan Kim & Mirabella Uphof, Delwyn Franklin Orchestral Ensemble led by: Naotake Fukuoka Rehearsal repetiteur & musical advisor: Roger McClean