Eastwoodhill Arboretum is the National Arboretum of New Zealand. It’s 131 plus hectares are planted in exotic and native trees, shrubs and climber plantings. It holds the most comprehensive collection of woody plants in Aotearoa. And the collection includes, possibly, the largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees south of the equator.

The Homestead Garden extends from the Visitor Centre to the Homestead and across to the Black Gates. An ongoing project, it provides a fitting introduction to the arboretum. This historic one-hectare garden dates from 1910 and is an integral attraction cared for by volunteers. It offers interesting plantings aesthetically combined in a unique setting.

Beyond the garden, the Arboretum’s collection includes 170 species considered endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.). And the 135-hectare property displays over 4000 different taxa of trees, shrubs and climbers. A one-hectare planting of winter-flowering trees — daffodils and prunus, malus, magnolias, chestnuts, maples, cornus, azaleas and many unusual species — heralds spring when it comes into bloom.

Indeed, there is reason to visit Eastwoodhill Arboretum all year round.  But the highlight is, perhaps, autumn.  Oaks, ash, maples, cotinus, larch and countless other deciduous trees provide a riot of colour, as the seasons change. And many rare and unusual conifers add evergreen form and colour.