Taitua Arboretum
Taitua Arboretum
4.5
About
Taitua Arboretum is a 20-hectare (49-acre) tree collection just out of Hamilton City. The Arboretum has several lakes and a good network of walking tracks. It is a popular spot for Sunday afternoon picnics and weekend weddings.
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4.5
269 reviews
Excellent
143
Very good
115
Average
11
Poor
0
Terrible
0
Ace_Traveller_NZ
Auckland, New Zealand239 contributions
Sept 2023 • Family
We visited this arboretum on the way home from Hamilton. It is set in a rural area, somewhat off the beaten track. Entry is free. As you turn into the carpark, what attracts you will not be a big tree or even a group of trees. Rather, the semi-wild chickens and roosters. There was almost incessant crow of roosters. A few of the hens had chicks - that looked very cute.
There is a map not far from the start of the track, but it then becomes very difficult to follow, due to the curving- and multiple crossing paths; and with certain paths closed. I suggest you spend at least a couple of hours here if you want to look at the trees, or longer if you want to really have a good look.
The trees are generally planted by region / families but within each area they seem to be haphazardly planted. For example, the firs were so closely planted that a few had died from bring crowded out.
As an arboretum, I would expect the trees to be labelled. A few had labels but not all. I appreciate that it would be a lot of effort to label each tree. However, a map showing tree location and species would have been helpful. Alternatively, a label for a group of trees could also be provided.
Would I go back. Most probably. The deciduous trees were just starting to leaf out and it would be nice to visit again in the autumn.
There is a map not far from the start of the track, but it then becomes very difficult to follow, due to the curving- and multiple crossing paths; and with certain paths closed. I suggest you spend at least a couple of hours here if you want to look at the trees, or longer if you want to really have a good look.
The trees are generally planted by region / families but within each area they seem to be haphazardly planted. For example, the firs were so closely planted that a few had died from bring crowded out.
As an arboretum, I would expect the trees to be labelled. A few had labels but not all. I appreciate that it would be a lot of effort to label each tree. However, a map showing tree location and species would have been helpful. Alternatively, a label for a group of trees could also be provided.
Would I go back. Most probably. The deciduous trees were just starting to leaf out and it would be nice to visit again in the autumn.
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dorothy L
Hamilton, New Zealand6 contributions
Jun 2019
Had the girls (2 pitbulls) and Dad with me. Was a nice area to walk, view various artsy things and nature. Can be as easy a walk or as hard a hike as you like. Have been back since and still find things to marvel at
Written 22 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
denimar
Hamilton, New Zealand139 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Really enjoyed our walk here but a little far for the pre-schoolers. I did feel more signage was needed as we were first timers and it was a little confusing. Lots of tracks with no idea where they went. !
Definitely would go again though
Definitely would go again though
Written 17 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Anglokiwi1
London, UK181 contributions
Nov 2019
The main walk around the Arboretum takes 1 1/2 hrs. There are shorter walks There is no charge to enter. Car park with toilets.
Written 6 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
shetahall
Hamilton, New Zealand110 contributions
Nov 2019 • Family
It's always a pleasure to visit the Arboretum and see how it changes through the seasons.
I was pleased to see the signage regarding the chickens this weekend (I visited both Saturday and Sunday) ... perhaps updated signs to advise against feeding ducks bread could be a good idea. Bread makes ducks sick afterall!
The scenery is always beautiful as you meander through the Arboretum.
Plenty of hens and roosters are also happy to see you - especially if you have some food for them.
The metal track is well cared for, making it easy for parents with strollers and I'd guess wheelchairs also (with suitable tyres).
I was pleased to see the signage regarding the chickens this weekend (I visited both Saturday and Sunday) ... perhaps updated signs to advise against feeding ducks bread could be a good idea. Bread makes ducks sick afterall!
The scenery is always beautiful as you meander through the Arboretum.
Plenty of hens and roosters are also happy to see you - especially if you have some food for them.
The metal track is well cared for, making it easy for parents with strollers and I'd guess wheelchairs also (with suitable tyres).
Written 16 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Molly Burke
Auckland Central, New Zealand36 contributions
Apr 2019
I was one of a group of thirty two people who enjoyed this lovely arboretum in late summer of 2019. A beautiful, tranquil place to visit for a gentle walk or picnic among a variety of mature trees. Good facilities for parking, toilets, picnic areas and an easy stroll.
Written 11 May 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rogy52
Hamilton, New Zealand60 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
We were invited to a wedding at these gardens and they are beautiful. Allow to spend some time here as there are lots to see.
Written 15 April 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
samzi9
Hamilton, New Zealand98 contributions
May 2017 • Couples
Nice walk, out in the country. Pretty quiet and don't think it is very well known so good to not be bothered by other people! Lots of nice fruit trees also
Written 12 July 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Prashant1972
Jaipur, India72 contributions
Jan 2017 • Family
Away from town, nice drive (which usually is in all of New Zealand), Amazing scenery, parking available and places to sit, eat and chat. Its a nice walk in the wood , with roosters, black swans, ducks and plenty of shade for you and your family to go for a picnic.
Go with food, soft drinks and loads of water. The walk is long and nice. You can stroll and sit where you like. A nice bench setup is also available for food etc.
Go with time to spare and loads of time to while away.
Go with food, soft drinks and loads of water. The walk is long and nice. You can stroll and sit where you like. A nice bench setup is also available for food etc.
Go with time to spare and loads of time to while away.
Written 14 February 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ThisKiwisJourney
Hamilton, New Zealand23 contributions
May 2019 • Family
Such a nice place to relax and stroll with the family! The wild life entertains the kids, plus having lots of places to sit for shade, great place for photos and feed the ducks!
Written 4 June 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there.Can i use and fly my DJI Spark DRONE here at taitua Arboretum? Me and my wife just want to see a better view in a different way. Thank you..
Written 16 July 2017
Hi not sure, it is run by the council so I would ask them. Would get great shots at spring and fall due to the colours. There is stock around so it may be no. Cheers
Written 28 July 2017
Yes they are but must remain leashed. There is a dog watering station.
Written 9 January 2020
Hi
Is there a brochure available please to download, to do a self-guided info tour of the trees and garden's history?
Written 26 February 2015
Not sure, suggest that you ask them directly or Hamilton Isite
Written 29 June 2017
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