Orton Bradley was passionate about trees and in the late nineteenth and early twentieth century planted 150 species from around the globe. The fine old specimen trees in the vicinity of the former homestead and farm buildings were planted by him. However his interest in trees was more than merely aesthetic.
He experimented with the timber potential of a range of exotic trees, from planting establishment through to milling the timber.
The arboretum is primarily a conifer collection, and has expanded from experimental plantings in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Most of the plant groupings can be seen from the Arboretum loop track. We have one of the largest macrocarpas in New Zealand. Its trunk girth is nearly 16 metres. A list of the trees in the arboretum is available here.
A Google Earth map of the Park Tracks and it’s other features is available here.
The Trees in Orton Bradley Park
Some time ago a team of volunteers started the job of identifying the trees in the Park. The work is incomplete and provisional but enough has been done to make some preliminary information available to the Public.
Visitors will see that some trees, both in the Main Park and the Arboretum have been numbered. These numbers correspond to the numbers on the attached lists which give the botanical and common names of those trees. Occasionally a generic name is followed by 'TBI' (to be identified) meaning that the species name is uncertain. Other gaps in the lists should be self-explanatory.
It will be some time before the job is completed and final lists prepared - some of the Eucalypt species in particular present special problems. However, enough has been done to demonstrate what a rich national treasure the trees in the Park represent. Enjoy your walk.
ENTRANCE FEE
As we are a private park, there is an entrance fee to enter the park. The entrance fee helps to maintain the tracks, buildings and other attractions within the park. Your co-operation is much appreciated.
The entrance fee is $5 per adult, $1 per child, to a maximum of $10 per car load.
WE ARE A DOG FREE ZONE
Due to Orton Bradley Park being a working farm, and also hosting many young children, we do not allow dogs on the property. There are kennels available for use at the entrance booth.
COMING AGAIN?
Become a "Friend of the Park" for $35 per year. You and your family can have unlimited entry to the Park, a 6 monthly newsletter, and concessions to special events. Join us and help us keep the park alive and healthy with your contribution.
The Park is run under an act of parliament and operates as a charitable trust.
HOURS
The Park is open from 8.30am to 5.30pm, 7 days a week. Please note, gates are locked outside these hours and a call out fee may apply.
The Park gates now close at 5.30pm.