Local roots.
Brighter days.
Bucket Tree Cafe is being created inside Bucket Tree Lodge as a warm, light-filled place for the Tawa community.
Our Place
From Boscobel Farm to modern gathering place.
In the early 1860s, early pioneers William and Elizabeth Earp cleared bushland on their homestead at Boscobel Farm in Tawa. Among their plantings was a resilient macrocarpa sapling.
Around 1879, the tree received its very first haircut, intentionally trimmed into the peculiar, rounded form of an upside-down bucket. Over the decades that followed, generations of local arborists and community caretakers climbed ladders and shears to preserve this world-famous silhouette. In 2026, the landmark gained national celebration when it was officially awarded New Zealand Tree of the Year.
When we envisioned Bucket Tree Cafe, our goal was simple: to create a space that respects this enduring symbol of strength and community. An upside-down bucket canopy inspired our visual identity, and natural timbers, warm morning light, and lush green views define our dining experience.
“A local place to eat well, drink good coffee and stay a little longer.”
Chronicle
How our story unfolded.
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Bucket Tree Cafe Opens
Chef Ruwan Abeykoon and the team create a welcoming modern cafe right beside the Lodge, serving double-shot Wellington coffee and seasonal culinary creations.
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New Zealand Tree of the Year
The tree receives nationwide acclaim for its historic longevity, unique topiary silhouette, and deep community heritage.
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Bucket Tree Lodge & Parklands
The surrounding property evolves into Bucket Tree Lodge at 1 Boscobel Lane, offering tranquil parkland accommodation for visitors to Wellington.
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The First Topiary Cut
The tree is intentionally sculpted into the shape of an overturned bucket, beginning a tradition spanning over a century of continuous care.
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The Sapling on Boscobel Farm
William & Elizabeth Earp plant the macrocarpa on the grounds of their homestead beside the stream in Tawa Valley.
A cafe made for the community.
For morning coffee, lunch with friends, a quiet moment, or a familiar place to return to. The goal is simple: be genuinely useful and genuinely enjoyable for the people around us.
Good food. Good people.
And a little more time for what matters.
Get in touch