Eastwoodhill Arboretum

Eastwood Hill is an arboretum of national and international importance; it is recognized as the National Arboretum of New Zealand - Te Mara Rakaunui o Aotearoa. It holds the most comprehensive collection of woody plants in New Zealand and the largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees south of the equator including 170 species currently on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.) world endangered list. The arboretum displays over 25 000 different taxa of trees, shrubs and climbers on the 250-hectare property, gathered by the late William Douglas Cook, the founder, and augmented by the Eastwoodhill Trust Board in the 1970s.

Many winter-flowering trees herald spring when a one-hectare planting of daffodils and prunus, malus, magnolias, chestnuts, maples, cornus, azaleas and many unusual species come into bloom. There is interest all year but the highlight is perhaps in autumn when oaks, ash, maples, cotinus, larch and countless other deciduous trees provide a riot of colour. Many rare and unusual conifers add evergreen form and colour.

The historic one-hectare homestead garden dating from 1910 is an integral attraction cared for by volunteers. An ongoing project, the garden provides a fitting introduction to the arboretum and is full of interesting plantings aesthetically combined in a unique setting.

There are many volunteers who provide invaluable help to the staff in maintaining this natural treasure for all to enjoy.

The Interim Curator, Biran Singh leads the team and is passionate about botany and Eastwooodhill. Many of our staff bring a wealth of knowledge and skills and can often be found working amongst the trees on one of the many walking tracks or in the office.

Eastwoodhill is currently in the process of hiring a new full time Curator. 

Eastwoodhill Arboretum is the National Arboretum of New Zealand and encompasses over 131 hectares planted in exotic and native trees, shrubs and climber plantings. The Homestead Garden is 1.5 hectares and extends from the Visitor Centre to the Homestead and across to the Black Gates. This is a garden maintained by a loyal group of volunteers and staff.

These can be held on-site - with a ceremony or whole wedding with reception - make enquiries to the office - enquiries@eastwoodhill.org.nz

Our walks cater to all levels of fitness and ability, from flat tree-lined paths to a steep climb up Mt Arateitei which rewards visitors with glorious views of the arboretum and the surrounding countryside.

The walks are clearly signposted, and maps are available from the Visitors Centre. 

Eastwoodhill Arboretum has an Education Program in the Discovery Centre. The Discovery Centre features information boards about plants, seasons and artefacts from the past which a routinely maintained and updated depending on the time of year. There is also an interactive area specifically designed for children to enjoy, play and learn more about nature.

Eastwoodhill provides an inspirational environment for art and craft groups, study groups, walking groups, or groups of friends after some quality time together.

There are many educational opportunities at Eastwoodhill. We love hosting student groups and try to keep it as cost-effective as possible. We also have a range of different orienteering activities for all age levels. Prior bookings are preferred, so please get in touch. 

Depending on the season, it's possible to encounter over 40 species of native and exotic birds at Eastwoodhill who come to feast on the many seeds, insects and berries within the arboretum.