The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum is a former quarry transformed into a 17.5-hectare arboretum with more than 30,000 trees from around the world. The rehabilitation started 32 years ago in 1991. Its 2km art-in-nature trail highlights over 100 sculptures and installations within one of New Zealand’s most extensive outdoor galleries.  It is set within a landscape of cliffs, ponds, rocks, and sweeping views over the Waikato. Along the trail, visitors discover trees and shrubs planted in featured geographic areas with representing species from Latin America, Asia, Australia, the United States, and New Zealand.
The sustainability of nature and art are the driving forces of the park. The arboretum is a permanent forest sink under the Emissions Trading Scheme and, as such, its tree cover is protected long-term for carbon sequestration by covenant on its titles.

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The owners, John and Dorothy Wakeling, initiated this 32-year-long rehabilitation project.  The park is now run by the Art-in-Nature Arboretum Trust. John Wakeling was an arborist/consultant who has advised local authorities throughout New Zealand. He is now the honorary arboretum curator and is on the board of the Trust.  Dorothy Wakeling was an environmental planner and commissioner at the time that they decided to find a derelict site to rehabilitate.  She continues to be involved as the secretary for the Trust. 

Their mutual interest in art led to running sculpture exhibitions starting in 2005 and accumulating a sculpture collection as the tree planting beautified and overcame the harsh growing conditions of the former quarry.
The park now employs some full-time and part-time staff. There are also a few volunteers who contribute time and effort. The park is a training site for Wintec horticulture and arboriculture students.  

This 17.5-hectare park displays more than 100 sculptures and installations along its 2km nature trail.

John Wakeling is the founder of the Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum, a 32-year project of restoration.  John’s passion for trees and other plants stems from his international experience in arboriculture and the study of gardens around the world. He shares his botanical knowledge on this 2 hour tour which showcases the seasonal highlights of the park. The tour takes you along the 2km art-in-nature trail.  To get a taste of a botanical tour with John, please follow this link to our Botanical Highlights https://www.facebook.com/watch/100064656225289/828231008753065/  At the end of your walk  with John, relax at the café with a complimentary tea or coffee  (Tours are held on first & third Sunday of month -- to book go to https://www.sculpturepark.co.nz/cart/new)

We also provide morning teas and lunches for groups visiting the park.  Please book ahead by emailing Sue Devonshire at info@sculpturepark.co.nz

Here is a link to some of our videos.  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzZ6pzPnlOWyGYgmfdMJ5xQ