The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum
★★★★
This former greywacke quarry has been transformed into an arboretum over the past 32 years. It provides the foundation for a unique art-in-nature concept throughout its 17.5 hectares where imaginations are inspired, creative exploration encouraged and mental and physical health nurtured.
It has many layers of interest to engage a diverse range of people. With more than 100 sculptures exhibited at any one time the walk through the park has an artwork for every taste. The park Trust holds an annual exhibition and frequent local events and craft and arts workshops.
The collections of trees are planted roughly according to geographic origins. There are approximately 4ha of New Zealand native areas which wind their way between the American, Australian, South American sections ending at the largest and most recent planting area - the Asian Forest. 3000 trees and shrubs of Asian origin were planted almost 5 years ago. There are more than 110 spp of trees and shrubs and an increasingly diverse array of herbaceous plants
The trees are registered as a permanent forest, providing significant long-term carbon sequestration, under New Zealand’s Emissions Trading Scheme.
Visitors enjoy the modernist Japanese folly at the peak of a flight of 109 steps to enjoy wide vistas over the Asian Forest
The Quarry pond has an impressive array of many species of water lilies and a noisy population of frogs.
Facilities and Amenities
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Children Welcome
Dogs welcome every third Sunday of the month
Brochure/Map available
Picnics allowed
Morning/Afternoon Teas available (on request)
Lunches available (on request)Cafe - available during the high season on weekends 11am to 3pm
Plant Sales
Art/Craft salesAccommodation available
Public Events/ Festivals – for dates refer to the website
Conference/Wedding/Event Facilities
Tour Guide/s available
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Open Tuesday to Sunday 10am to 5pm
Entry fees for Self-guided walks
15yrs plus: $20.00
5 – 14yrs: $5.00Guided botanical tours $50
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207 Scotsman Valley Road, Hamilton
Phone: 0275670996
Email: Sculpturepark1@gmail.com
Website: www.sculpturepark.co.nz
