Our Story
Starting from a derelict quarry site, extensive planting and landscape design has transformed the park into one of NZ’s largest outdoor galleries. The journey has been over 30 years in the making and John and Dorothy Wakeling share their story of why and how the Park was created.
Vision for the Park
Our vision is to be an accessible woodland park where imaginations are inspired, creative exploration encouraged and mental and physical health restored.
Art in Nature Arboretum Trust
The art-in-nature experience invites generations in a family to come out together, groups of friends to share a walk, and children to be outdoors on a creative adventure.
The park is run by the Art-In-Nature Arboretum Trust and owned by the Waitakaruru Arboretum Stewardship Foundation.
Our Community
The Trust acknowledges that the generosity of many people and organisations that make the park possible. Check out our partners, sponsors, benefactors, volunteer network, and friends of the park.
A Short History
We wanted to plant trees and to live among the trees we had planted. We also wanted to be sure that the land we bought was not valuable agricultural land.