Heritage ParkKimbolton, Manawatu
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| Owners: |
Heritage Park Rhododendron Charitable Trust |
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| Address: |
Haggerty Street,
Kimbolton,
Manawatu |
| Phone: |
+64-4 905 4403 |
| Email: |
treasurer@heritagepark.co.nz |
| Website: |
www.heritagepark.co.nz |
| Open: |
9am to dusk, daily all year |
| Groups: |
yes |
| Fee: |
$7 per adult, children free; or $6 pp for groups 20+ |
| Size: |
large 4ha (10 acres) |
| Terrain: |
undulating |
| Facilities: |
Visitors' chalet with toilets and self-serve tea/coffee;
Partial wheelchair access. |
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| Heritage Park is a woodland garden, with rhododendrons and azaleas flowering from early spring right through into January. With many mature deciduous trees, the Park is also very colourful in autumn. First established in 1970 as a home for the New Zealand Rhododendron Association’s large collection of rhododendrons, then under the care of Dr Yeates at Massey University, Heritage Park has grown and expanded over the years, to provide interest throughout the seasons. The site at Kimbolton was chosen for its high altitude, “sharp” distinct seasons, excellent free-draining soil, and good rainfall. Heritage Park has become an educational showplace for rhododendron hybrids and species in a park-like setting overlooking the countryside. There are now over 2,000 mature specimens of rhododendrons, azaleas trees and shrubs. Ownership of Heritage Park was transferred to the Trust in 2006.
Spacious lawns are bordered by rhododendrons with a backdrop of mature trees. Rhododendron-lined grassy avenues lead to six linked ponds. Rhododendron blooms are reflected in the waters edged with hostas and primulas, while waterlilies blossom in summer. Some of Dr Yeates’ lilium auratum hybrids are grown in the park beneath silver birches, chestnut trees, ginkgoes, maples, oaks, blue spruces, and other conifers, as well as native kowhai trees that attract the tui. The peak time for viewing the rhododendrons is October and November. Other gardens worth visiting in Kimbolton include 3 woodland gardens on the outskirts of Kimblton village just 3 minutess down the road, Friars Glencolyn, Woodland Grange, and Woodlands Garden Then 3 minutes drive up the road is Cross Hills.
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Directions:
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From Palmerston North, travel north to Feilding and take Kimbolton Rd north for 28km to Kimbolton village. Continue 1km and turn left into to Haggerty St. Travel 500m to Heritage Park on right. Or from Sanson travel east to Feilding, then as above. Or from Taihape take SH 1 south to SH 54. Turn left and travel to Cheltenham. Turn left into Kimbolton Rd. Travel 14km to Kimbolton village, then continue 1km north and turn left into haggerty Street. Travel 500m to the Heritage Park on right. |
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