Tupare — Attraction in North Island

Tūpare is an enchanting masterpiece of horticultural artistry and historical significance nestled along the banks of the Waiwhakaiho River. Steeped in the legacy of Sir Russell Matthews and his family, who meticulously crafted this garden from 1932, it stands today as a tribute to their vision and passion.

Recently awarded the prestigious NZ Gardens Trust highest six-star rating, Tūpare stands among a select few, a recognition of its unrivalled beauty and meticulous preservation of its heritage. The garden's landscape, sculpted into the hillside, is a testament to its commitment to authenticity. Stately trees, including majestic deciduous maples, copper beeches and dawn redwoods, grace the winding paths, while a stunning array of rhododendrons, azaleas, and hydrangeas paint the canvas in vibrant hues.

The river flat area is a pastoral retreat, where the gentle sway of specimen trees harmonises with the melody of wind and water. Here, under the open sky, visitors can partake in leisurely picnics and savour the convenience of free gas barbecues. The proximity to the Waiwhakaiho River offers an inviting opportunity for a refreshing summer swim.

The diverse array of flora in Tūpare thrives in the benevolent embrace of Taranaki's climate and sheltered surroundings. Towering coniferous sentinels like dawn redwoods and kauri provide a majestic framework. They are joined by the grace of deciduous wonders like dove trees, tulip trees and liquidambars, painting the garden in a riot of autumnal splendour. Maples, magnolias, rhododendrons, camellias, azaleas and hydrangeas form a harmonious tapestry, complemented by the charming presence of cottage garden plants and spring bulbs.

Tūpare, now under the stewardship of the Taranaki Regional Council, is not just a garden; it's a living testament to a family's love for nature and a community's dedication to preserving a botanical treasure. Every step through Tūpare's winding paths is a journey through time and a celebration of the enduring beauty of the...

Tupare is a decent park with potentials but it was poorly maintained when I visited there in April 2021. Some parts just look like wilderness bush. Even the remote DOC trails are doing better than this highly accessible park. Hopefully Taranaki Council can do something about it.

First of all, in general I saw many shrubs and bushes with dead leaves that were not trimmed off. There were quite a lot of fruit debris along Ra's Path (probably from the trees) that were not cleared away. The conservatory near the cottage was good, but the landscape outside of it probably needs some touch-up.

Secondly, the lawn at the flat & BBQ area next to the river were tall enough to cover my sneaker during my visit. Children who came with their family may run or play around there. Any debris hidden in the long grass may cause them to trip over.

Thirdly, I remember I was going up a walkway near the river where some shrubs/weeds were growing out excessively right into the walking area. There were also some fallen/broken bamboo in the area that were not cleared away. They seemed to have been there for quite a few days. They may be not much of a big deal but probably we could have the gardeners help tidying up to keep clear from the walkway routinely.

Lastly, I noticed the tool shed was left open to the public for quite a long time. Not sure if that is the common practice at Tupare. I do hope there was gardener(s) in there, otherwise public especially children might just walk in or so.

I do hope I can enjoy the garden as much as everyone...

A beautiful spot for a family picnic! This was my favourite stop of our holiday. Tūpare is gorgeous! We trekked down to the river flat to use the free bbq area for dinner. Beautiful tracks, gorgeous garden, lush grass and the sound of the birds and the river. So relaxing enjoying the peace and beauty of this spot, while the kiddos played hide and seek in the long grass! They even discovered a swing! Cutest wharepaku (toilet) ever tucked among the hydrangeas. There are plaques here and there explaining some of the history of the gardens and plenty of spaces to picnic. There were swimmers enjoying the river (next time we'll bring togs) and some keen beans using the tennis courts. The house is open for tours at specific times, so if you are wanting to check it out, be sure to check the times. The gardens are open all day every day though and there are maps at the entrance to help you find your way. We look forward to returning here for a longer...