Eastwoodhill Arboretum is a significant arboretum recognized both nationally and internationally. It boasts the most extensive collection of woody plants in New Zealand and likely the largest assortment of Northern Hemisphere trees located south of the equator, featuring 170 species listed as endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (I.U.C.N.). Spanning 135 hectares, the arboretum showcases over 4,000 different types of trees, shrubs, and climbers, originally curated by the late Douglas Cook, its founder, and further enhanced by the Eastwoodhill Trust Board.
Throughout the year, visitors can enjoy a variety of flowering trees, but spring is particularly special with a one-hectare display of daffodils alongside prunus, malus, magnolias, chestnuts, maples, cornus, azaleas, and many unique species. While there is beauty in every season, autumn stands out as a highlight when oaks, ash, maples, cotinus, larch, and numerous other deciduous trees burst into vibrant colors. Additionally, many rare and distinctive conifers contribute evergreen shapes and hues to the landscape.
