Eastwoodhill Arboretum

What is Eastwoodhill Arboretum?

Eastwoodhill Arboretum is a vast botanical park covering rolling hills and valleys. It features over 4,000 types of trees, shrubs, and climbers, arranged in themed 'parks' and avenues. Visitors walk through collections of oaks, maples, camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias, and many other species. The landscape changes with the seasons, offering colourful autumn foliage, spring blossoms, and year-round greenery. There is also a Homestead Garden near the entrance, a visitor centre, and educational facilities.

The history of Eastwoodhill Arboretum

The arboretum was established in 1910 by William Douglas Cook, who was inspired by gardens in Britain and Europe. He began planting both native and exotic trees, focusing on Northern Hemisphere species. Over decades, Cook invested all his resources into expanding the collection, importing thousands of plants from nurseries in New Zealand and abroad. After Cook’s health declined, H. B. Williams purchased the property in the 1960s to preserve it, later donating it to a trust to ensure its future as a public arboretum.

What there is to see

Eastwoodhill is divided into several named parks, each planted in different periods and with its own character. The collection includes trees grown from imported seeds and saplings, with new plantings added over the years. Volunteers and staff maintain themed gardens, avenues, and woodland areas. The Homestead Garden, started in 1910, is cared for by volunteers and introduces visitors to the wider arboretum.

When to go

The arboretum is open to the public for education and recreation throughout the year. It is especially popular in autumn, when deciduous trees display vibrant colours. The grounds host seminars, school groups, and botanical tours. Facilities include a visitor centre, education centre, and accommodation for students and researchers. The arboretum is also a resource for conservation and horticultural study.

Parts and collections

Eastwoodhill’s collection is notable for its diversity, with about 5,000 different taxa at its peak. Key groups include 270 camellia varieties, over 220 rhododendrons, 90 maples, and 80 oaks. The arboretum also holds collections of magnolias, cherries (Prunus), apples (Malus), and conifers. Some areas, like Corner Park and Cabin Park, have their own planting histories and styles.

Why Eastwoodhill Arboretum matters

Eastwoodhill is recognised as New Zealand’s national arboretum and has received awards for its plant collections, including a 'collection of outstanding merit' from the International Dendrology Society. It is listed as a Garden of National Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. The arboretum plays a role in conserving endangered tree species and is supported by a community of volunteers and the Friends of Eastwoodhill group.

The flowers of Eastwoodhill Arboretum

PeachA flowering fruit tree from China, grown for its pink blossoms and sweet fruitAlmondA Mediterranean tree grown for its fragrant spring flowers and edible seedsApricotA small fruit tree with early white to pink blossoms and golden-orange fruitWild cherryA tall flowering tree native to Europe, grown for its sweet fruit and spring blossomMalusThe genus of apples and crabapples with spring blossoms and autumn fruitBlackthornA spiny shrub with white spring flowers and tart blue-black fruitSour cherryThe small, tart cherry tree grown for its sour red fruitRhododendronA vast group of shrubs and trees with showy blooms in many colours

Questions people ask about Eastwoodhill Arboretum

Good reading and sources

• Eastwoodhill Arboretum on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data