The Waitakaruru¹ Arboretum and Sculpture Park started as an ambitious project to transform a disused hard rock quarry from an industrial eyesore into a woodland planted with examples of trees and shrubs from around the world. In 1991 John and Dorothy Wakeling bought the site that had been quarried for 30 years.  It was 17.5 hectares located on a steep hillside overlooking a broad river plain with distant views of two dormant volcanoes and a range of low hills. The landscape had been changed over the course of quarrying operations – steep 30m cliffs encircled a permanent pond, gigantic 2m high boulders lying on the scraped and piled detritus of overburden.  Two large settling ponds and the Waitakaruru¹ Stream added considerable landscape diversity.

The important first major planting of 4.5ha of Pinus radiata was undertaken in 1992.  This gave impetus to the project.  Further planting of exotic and NZ native forests followed at a slower pace as sites were chosen and cleared for planting. Geographical planting themes evolved with areas dedicated to the Americas, Asia and Australia etc., other special areas such as a fernery and a rock garden have been developed also. Following a successful wood carving symposium and a charity fund-raising sculpture exhibition in 2005 the property was opened to the public as an arboretum and sculpture park. 

The park is a story of renewal – a model of land rehabilitation – showing that even the most damaged landscapes can be restored to life and purpose. It is a place of recreation and inspiration.  Where art sparks imagination and engagement. Where diverse plantings encourage learning about biodiversity and resilience. Where people gather and reconnect. Where memories are made across generations.