One of Waikato district’s hidden gems has received national and international recognition.
The Sculpture Park at Waitakaruru Arboretum in Tauwhare has been awarded a prestigious 5-Star rating by the NZ Gardens Trust, placing it among Aotearoa New Zealand’s most outstanding gardens. The award recognises excellence in garden design, plant collections and unique art-in-nature experience the park offers visitors.
On top of this achievement, the arboretum has also earned Level II accreditation through Chicago’s Morton Arboretum ArbNet program. This international recognition recognises its wide range of tree species and the way the park is carefully managed and maintained. It’s one of only three arboreta in New Zealand to reach this level.
Over the past 34 years, what was once a quarry has been transformed into a remarkable arboretum filled with tree species from around the world. The gardens are arranged into region-specific zones and connected by easy-to-follow pathways. Along the way, visitors can discover striking sculptures, seasonal colour, special features like the steps to the Japanese Folly, and the Roosting Ruru café.
This recognition is something our district can be proud of. It highlights the Sculpture Park as a place where creativity, nature, science, and community come together.
The Sculpture Park is open Tuesday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm. The café is open on weekends from 10am to 4pm over summer months, and 10am to 3pm through winter.
Entry is $20 for adults (15 years and over) and $5 for children aged 5–14. Allow at least two hours to explore and enjoy one of the Waikato district’s special destinations.
