A 40-acre garden and outdoor sculpture park in Clevedon, about 45 minutes from central Auckland. The land holds a growing collection of permanent works by New Zealand sculptors, currently 21 pieces, set among established ornamental, native and fruit trees, ponds and open paddocks.
Visitors can walk the trail on their own, or take a guided walk with the owner, Guy Blundell, who tells the stories behind the works along the way. Groups can book a guided tour, and private tours are available. Bookings and the self-directed walk can be arranged online, and there is a seasonal newsletter for updates and offers.
The property has a family history. It was a dairy farm and later an orchard, run by Guy's parents, and Guy began planting trees on it to build an arboretum. His eldest daughter Katie is an artist who helped build the sculpture collection, and his youngest daughter Sophie does the administration. Grandchildren help with the planting.
The garden suits families, art lovers and anyone who wants a quiet walk among trees, and the place has a particularly calm feel with the ponds and the changing seasons.
The garden is at 331 North Road, Clevedon. Our pick in Clevedon for a slow afternoon walk with a guided story behind the art.