Our Story

From Quarry to Cultural Treasure

Once a derelict greywacke quarry choked with gorse and blackberry, the site of the Waitakaruru Arboretum and Sculpture Park is now a vibrant landscape of trees, art, and imagination. Over more than 30 years, this former industrial scar has been transformed into one of New Zealand’s largest outdoor galleries — a unique fusion of nature and creativity.

A Vision Takes Root

In the early 1990s, John and Dorothy Wakeling set out to find land to plant trees — not farmland, but something overlooked. When they stumbled across this rugged derelict quarry in Scotsman Valley near Hamilton, its dramatic rock faces, sweeping views captured their imagination. The site had a raw beauty that hinted at what could be.

Growing a Forest, Growing a Dream

The Wakelings began clearing invasive plants and slowly shaping the land into a living arboretum. With a vision to represent trees from around the globe, they planted forest zones dedicated to the Americas, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Over time, they also created themed areas like the desert rock garden and Conifer Cañon. Today, more than 25,000 trees flourish here — and the forest continues to grow.

Art Meets Landscape

In 2005, the Park opened to the public with a sculpture exhibition supporting Hospice. The setting was perfect — dramatic quarry walls echoing the traditions of stone carving and sculpture. Since then, over 25 exhibitions have been held and today, more than 100 sculptures and installations are thoughtfully placed throughout the grounds — some bequeathed, others on long-term loan. The park is now celebrated across New Zealand as a place where art and nature intertwine, offering visitors a peaceful, inspiring walk through a dynamic woodland gallery. It continues to grow as a platform for creativity, reflection, and connection.

Stewardship and Community

The Sculpture Park and Waitakaruru Arboretum is now managed by the Art-in-Nature Arboretum Trust. It’s staff and volunteers maintain the grounds, ensure all visitors are made to feel welcome, and organises events and workshops to encourage visitors to return throughout the seasons for creative, environmental and recreational opportunities.

Looking Ahead

In 2025, the Waitakaruru Arboretum Stewardship Foundation assumed ownership of the park, ensuring its long-term preservation as a treasured regional asset. The Foundation is committed to protecting and enhancing this once-forgotten landscape, transforming it into a lasting haven for nature, creativity, and community. Its mission is twofold: to preserve and enrich the natural environment for the benefit of the public, and to foster greater understanding and appreciation of environmental awareness, cultural heritage, and the arts — now and for generations to come.

With Gratitude

The Sculpture Park and Arboretum is the result of countless hours given generously by dedicated volunteers, passionate staff, and generous supporters. From the beginning, this has been a community-driven effort. Funding from grants, agencies, and sponsors — alongside tireless volunteer work — has been essential to bringing the park to life.

* The Park operates as a registered charity in New Zealand and holds U.S. charity equivalency determination,