Karetu Downs

Karetu meaning ‘sweet scented grass’, derives its name from Mt Karetu, which was part of the original farm in the 1900s. The Karetu Downs homestead overlooks a large sweeping lawn, encapsulated by majestic trees and under plantings of camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas and roses. Large evergreen and deciduous trees planted in the nineteen sixties gives the garden its structure.

Interconnecting paths weave alongside a creek, taking you through to the native section of garden, which is home to kereru and other bird life. This continues onwards through to the rhododendron garden and out under a wisteria and clematis clad pergola.

Karetu Downs is also a large hill country property with farm stay accommodation. It even has a gorgeous little gift shop jam packed full of gardening products and beautiful giftware. Nature walks, farm animals, farm tours, sheep shearing are all part of life at Karetu.