13 November 2013

MEDIA RELEASE

Guthrie-Smith Tutira Arboretum opening on Sundays

One of Hawke’s Bay’s hidden gems is coming out into the open; Guthrie-Smith Tutira will open its 20,000 tree Arboretum to the public on Sunday 24 November and every Sunday following until the end of May next year.

People are invited to bring a picnic and spend time exploring the Arboretum that spreads over the rolling hills that border Lake Tutira and Lake Orakai. Trees are planted in groups from nine distinct geographical regions: New Zealand, Australia, China, Japan, Himalayas, Europe, Mexico, North America, and the Mediterranean.

The groupings are linked by various walkway tracks with one of the most dramatic and beautiful being one called The Hanger. This track wends its way through a 10 hectare hill face area that has been left largely untouched by human intervention for over 115 years.

Over the last decade, the Guthrie-Smith Trust has been working to develop Guthrie-Smith into an asset for the region with physical and financial support from Pan Pac Forest Products, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council, Department of Conservation and numerous individuals and organisations.

A full-time curator was employed 11 years ago. George Christison is responsible for implementing the extensive planting programme and with the regular help of Community Services workers (formerly known as PD - Periodic Detention), has overseen over $.5 million worth of tracks, dams, fencing and other capital works.

Guthrie-Smith Arboretum is open Sundays from 9am to 5pm. Entry is $10 per person, with school children free. (Cash only as no EFTPos available). Alternatively, join Friends of Guthrie-Smith for $25 a year and get free entry all season, plus other benefits.

Entry does not include the adventure course and as there is no food outlet on site, visitors are urged to bring their own refreshments. The Arboretum is not open to dogs.

The trip takes 30 minutes from Napier and is well signposted. As it can be wet and cooler at Tutira, visitors are urged to bring appropriate clothing and footwear.

More information can be found at www.guthriesmith.org.nz

ENDS

© Scoop Media