Taitua Arboretum — Attraction in North Island

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...

Absolutely love this place! 5 minute travel by car out of the main suburban area of Hamilton. 2 accessible areas, the main entrance on Howden Road, and the back end of the Arboretum on Wallace Road.

Beautiful covered in area, can easily spend 2 or more hours walking, resting and marvelling at the landscape.

Numerous walking paths, lakes, resting areas and wildlife. Plenty of Chickens and Roosters. A couple of lakes are also host to Ducks and a couple of Swans. Always a pleasant experience when feeding the wildlife.

Also host areas where wedding photos can be taken. The arboretum has its own Stonehenge! I also find this place quite adequate to play Pokemon Go ... it has many pokestops and about 3 Gyms to occupy us Gamers while out on a great walk through nature while breathing fresh air.

I only have 2 down sides; First being there are not enough rubbish bins around the tracks. Second, when it rains the tracks can get a bit muddy, so do come prepared, and the water in some of the lakes is a.bit smelly at times in the heat and after it has rained.

Apart from these 2 minor things, I visit the Taitua Arboretum quite often and enjoy spending time under covered trees and out with the...

Yep it is a great walk, if bloody people would read the sign. ALL DOGS MUST BE ON A LEAD. YOU GUYS ARE JUST RUINING IT FOR EVERYONE ELSE! It's horrible to hear screams of chickens etc been attacked by dogs. City Council do not police the idiots that have the dogs off lead. Your the % of irresponsible dog owners that make it worst for everyone else. Hello I don't appreciate those dogs in my dogs face. My dog is not social so do not blame me if your dog gets bit. The council don't seem to police the idiots that seem to think it's alright to dump animals or help themselves. I don't care if you are locals. ALL DOG DROPPINGS MUST BE PICKED UP TOO!! Otherwise it's an awesome place. The rules there are for everyone. Not one rule for one person and another rule for the others! Rules apply to everyone. THANKS It would be great too if the place would be tided up. I've been going for years and I've watched the place...