History

Aerial

Quarry

Waitakaruru Arboretum has been in the process of development since 1991; this is a rehabilitation of a derelict Winstone's quarry.

This 2019 article in the NZ Herald tells you more about us https://www.nzherald.co.nz/hamilton-news/news/article.cfm?c_id=1503366&objectid=12271647

 John & Dorothy Wakeling still own the park.  It is currently managed by the Art-in-Nature Arboretum Trust.

This 17.5 ha (42 acre) hillside site provides panoramic vistas over the fertile Waikato valley. The site contains intimate tree-enclosed spaces and interesting landforms including towering cliffs, rocks, a stream, many ponds, and small waterfalls. More than 30,000 trees and shrubs have been planted, representative of flora from many parts of the world.

The first sculpture park event held here was in November 2003 when 47 sculptures were displayed as part of the “Window on Waikato” fundraiser on behalf of Hospice Waikato.

The attractive outdoor setting, ease of vehicular access to place large sculptures, and security all proved to be assets not easily provided in other locations. The idea of providing a venue for sculpture grew out of that success.

The Sculpture Park & Arboretum was open every day from November 2004 to 2013, each year holding a full annual programme of exhibitions. Opening weekends supported various charities including St.John, Oxfam, Save the Children and Parentline.

The quarry cliffs and pond provide the visual and acoustic setting for musical performances.

In the year to May 2010, 8900 people visited the park.