Awards
Over the years, The Sculpture Park has earned recognition for its distinctive approach to presenting sculpture within a living, evolving landscape. These acknowledgements celebrate the dedication behind the park and its ongoing contribution to art, nature and community.
NZ Gardens Trust
In its first year as a Garden Member of the NZ Gardens Trust, the garden was awarded a 4-Star rating, recognising it as a “Garden of Significance.”
The site is defined by a carefully orchestrated sequence of distinct garden spaces, each with its own identity yet unified by a strong and intuitive circulation system. Planting focuses on tree species from around the world, thoughtfully arranged in region-specific zones, creating a living arboretum that celebrates global biodiversity.
Borrowed scenery is used to powerful effect, enhancing a sense of scale and connection to the surrounding landscape. Ornamental plant groupings along pathways provide visual interest and seasonal variation, while architectural element, such as the steps leading to the Japanese Folly, and café zone, add moments of drama and arrival.
Sculpture is integrated throughout the garden to draw visitors through the landscape and encourage exploration. At its core, the garden reflects bold conceptual thinking: the transformation of a former quarry into an expansive arboretum, where large-scale tree planting sets the framework for the design.
As the landscape matures, a compelling balance between wildness and careful cultivation is emerging, reinforcing the garden’s identity as both a place of discovery and considered design.
New Zealand Gardens Trust - Quality Garden Experiences Across NZ
The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum — New Zealand Garden Trust
Accredited Arboretum
We are proud to be recognised as an Accredited Arboretum (Level II), an international distinction awarded to tree-focused organisations demonstrating excellence in plant curation, public education, and collections management.
This milestone reflects our dedication to sharing knowledge and fostering deeper connections with trees.
Level II accreditation is awarded to arboreta with at least 100 labeled species or taxa of trees and other woody plants in their collections, and a clear commitment to public education and collections management.
This accreditation recognizes institutions with growing capacity and outreach programs, as well as signage or interpretation. It is a notable achievement for tree-focused organizations.
To qualify at Level II, an arboretum must demonstrate more advanced planning with more detailed documentation, and show that it has a structured approach to plant curation and public engagement.
