The Bason Botanic Gardens has been the home of Trunk or Treat for us since 2015.

It was started by a group of ladies at Springvale play centre as a Whanganui wide play centre event.

Our family had moved back to town the year before and after thoroughly enjoying Main Street Halloween, we were disappointed to learn that it would not be continuing. 

So off we went on October 31st to the Bason, on a beautiful sunny evening, boot loaded with decorations all set to experience our very first Truck or Treat. 

There were only around 10 families there and everyone had made an incredible effort with their decorations and costumes. Even the treats were imaginative and often homemade. It was an amazing experience and we knew we had found our Halloween people! 

Trunk or Treat is like trick or treating except that families creatively decorate their car boots (Trunks) and the children visit each other’s cars instead of doorsteps. Essentially a treat exchange where each family contributes & receives. 

In future years it was made a public event and it slowly grew in size. In 2018 we were advised the organisers were not going to hold it again and at that point,  because we loved it, we decided to take it on and keep it going. 

The rest is history, the event has grown astronomically in size and popularity and has run every year, with the exception of 2021, where it wasn’t possible under the traffic light restrictions. It is always a wonderful time for kids and adults alike. 

While we miss the quieter days of fewer people and homemade treats the growing numbers have only added to the Halloween spirit. It is a truly fun event with like minded people, loads of smiling faces and happy kids enjoying a memorable experience in the beautiful Bason Botanic Gardens. 

We have, after last year’s record attendance sadly outgrown our space on the bbq lawn. We are hopeful that we can remain at the Bason for 2024 in a larger space that will accommodate the huge number of families who wish to participate in this event.  

It really wouldn’t be the same if it was anywhere else!