Tupare Garden

Tūpare is a premier landscaped garden with a unique homestead, originally developed by Sir Russell Matthews and his family from 1932.

Sculpted from a hillside overlooking the Waiwhakaiho River, the plantings and landscapes remain true to its heritage. As you walk the winding paths cut into the hillside, you’ll find stately trees, deciduous maples, copper beeches and dawn redwoods, as well as a stunning collection of rhododendrons, azaleas, and hydrangeas that were all carefully planted by Sir Russell.

The river flat retains an idyllic pastoral feeling with simple plantings of specimen trees, complemented by the movement of the wind and water.

Here you will find free gas barbecues and picnic areas, popular with summer visitors who can also enjoy a swim in the Waiwhakaiho River. Tūpare’s distinctive Chapman-Taylor designed house is a great example of the Arts & Crafts style of architecture.

The Friends of Tūpare host free public tours at 11am on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from October to March. Group tours at other times can be organised on request.