Where love runs deep
About Us
Framed by native bush and big skies, just outside Tai Tapu, this special place has been family owned and operated since 2015.
What began as a boutique accommodation offering has evolved into one of Canterbury’s most loved wedding venues. We host over 45 weddings a year — and still, we tear up during speeches. We sneak glances at the partner’s face at the end of the aisle when the music starts. We gush over the flowers, the dress, the vows. Because no matter how many times we’ve done this, it never feels routine.
Each couple brings something new — and we treat every wedding like it’s the only one that matters. Because on that day, it is.
We’re a hands-on team who notice the little things.
The candle that needs relighting. The dress that needs fluffing before the walk down the aisle. The moment when someone just needs a quiet glass of water and a deep breath. We’ve seen it all, and we are always one step ahead.
At the heart of it all are Sarah and Merv — a father and daughter who turned this beautiful property into something truly special. Together with a passionate team, we’ve built a reputation for warmth, calm, and going above and beyond.
“Even after all these years, each and every wedding feels like a real honour. It’s such a privilege to be part of something so personal — and we never take that for granted.”
Sarah Smith, Director
We have a strong sense of what matters
Like keeping our word, even when no one’s watching. Like noticing the small things before they become big things. Like showing up — fully — for every couple who trusts us with their day.
We believe weddings should feel good — not just beautiful, but grounded, intimate, and real.
We believe in…
Integrity
It’s the foundation of everything we do. We mean what we say, and we follow through — every time.
Service
We love being of service — not just to our couples, but to your guests, your families, and vendors. We’re the kind of team who gets stuck in, fixes what needs fixing, and never says, “That’s not our job.”
Initiative
We don’t wait to be asked. If something needs doing, we do it — often before you even know it’s needed. That extra mile? It’s just part of the journey for us.
You’re in good hands
Meet your hosts
Sarah Smith
Director & head planner
Sarah is the heart and experienced hands behind Waipuna Estate. With a calm presence and an intuitive knack for knowing what’s needed (often before anyone says a word), she’s the person couples come to trust deeply throughout their planning journey.
She’s been part of Waipuna since its very first wedding, and over the years has helped shape it into the welcoming, well-run and much-loved venue it is today.
As the founder of The Wedding Scene, Sarah also offers planning and coordination services for couples who want extra support bringing their vision to life — minus the stress.
She’s usually found checking the final details, offering a quiet word of reassurance, or tearing up during the vows. And while she’s seen hundreds of weddings, she still believes each one is a complete privilege to be part of.
Merv Millar
Owner, groundskeeper & all-round legend
Merv is the trusty, good-humoured presence that helps keep Waipuna running smoothly behind the scenes. After a life spent in rural New Zealand — first as a farmer and stock agent, then as a tour guide — he’s right at home in the fresh country air, surrounded by open space (and a few very spoilt alpacas).
At Waipuna, Merv takes care of the grounds, maintains the property, and grows a thriving vege garden — often popping into the estate with homegrown produce or quietly fixing something before anyone notices it needs fixing.
Merv spent 14 years as a South Island tour guide and coach driver, sharing his knowledge of the region with travellers from all over the world. So, he’s always happy to offer suggestions to couples and their guests — whether it’s a scenic drive, a hidden gem of a café, or the best local spot to stretch your legs.
With a lifetime of experience, a calm presence, and a genuine love for people, Merv brings a whole lot of heart (and a few great stories) to every celebration at Waipuna.
Katrin Lilla
Venue manager & florist
Katrin is the one making magic happen behind the scenes and bringing calm, care and polish to every celebration. As Venue Manager and in-house Florist, she wears many hats: from designing breathtaking floral installations to ensuring every room is spotless, every detail thoughtfully prepared, and every guest feels looked after.
With a background in floristry and years of experience designing for weddings and events across New Zealand, Katrin brings creativity, precision, and a deep love for her craft to everything she touches.
Whether she’s setting up for an event, styling the florals, briefing the team, greeting vendors, or making sure the petals are in place and the coffee’s hot, she’s the calm in the chaos — quietly solving problems before anyone else notices they exist.
Known for her kindness, high standards, and unwavering efficiency, Katrin is a true backbone of the Waipuna team. And even after years of working in weddings, Katrin still lights up when a bride sees her flowers for the first time — it’s a moment that never gets old.
Fiona Moore
Venue manager
Fiona brings a big heart and an unwavering attention to detail to every celebration at Waipuna. As Venue Manager, she’s the one making sure every setup is flawless, every run sheet is on point, and every small but important detail is taken care of — often before anyone else has even noticed.
With a natural ability to think two steps ahead, Fiona brings calm, care, and organisation to everything she touches. She’s known for her warm banter, hardworking spirit, and genuine dedication to making sure couples and their guests feel completely looked after from start to finish.
For Fiona, the best moments are hearing the newlyweds announced for the first time and feeling the whole room fill with love and excitement — knowing she’s helped create a day they’ll remember forever.
Whether she’s fine-tuning a room layout, supporting the team, or quietly making sure everything runs just right, Fiona plays an essential role in creating the seamless, welcoming experience Waipuna is known for.
Visit Waipuna Estate and let your heart and imagination wander.
We’d love to show you what’s possible here — to walk you through the spaces, talk through your ideas, and help you picture your day coming to life.
