Karetu Downs
1731 Ram Paddock Road, Waipara Gorge
Park-like and enchanting
Karetu homestead sits proudly above a large sweeping lawn, encapsulated by majestic trees and under plantings of camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, and roses. Vibrant red and lime green tulips frame the pittosporum pom poms at the garden entrance. Large evergreen and deciduous trees such as golden elm, dogwoods, magnolia, and Oak give the garden structure Lavender edges create a sea of purple above a rock wall which separates the upper terrace from the main lawn.
Interconnecting paths weave alongside a creek leading to a woodland where exotics co-exist with natives and is home to an array of bird life. Steppingstones entice you across a creek to the young orchard where a newly planted olive grove featuring Olea europaea Chemlali sits above on the hillside. Wisteria, clematis, and roses adorn the pergolas. Karetu is a gardeners delight where peace and tranquillity reign.
EVENTS
Michael Wells Sculptures: Stunning designs made from Corten and Mild Steel. Available to purchase. When: Daily.
Karetu Downs Gift Shop: Gardening products and giftware. From garden gloves to art prints and beautiful homewares. Eftpos is available. When: Daily.
JB Catering: Delicious food, tea, and coffee available to purchase. When: Daily 10am – 2pm.
Fossils and concretions tour: Discover the history and uniqueness of the Waipara river on a guided tour with geologist Dr Kate Pedley. When: 12.30pm Sat 2nd and Sun 3rd Nov. For bookings and more information click on the book tickets button below or contact Karen@karetudowns.co.nz
Karetu Downs Fossil and Concretion tour
Very few places in the world have fossils carbon dated sixty million years old as in the Waipara Gorge. A 40-minute guided tour downstream on flat land to the junction of the north/south branches of the Waipara river, is where these magnificent concretions are. Dr Kate Pedley will talk about how these ancient concretions are formed and share insights about fossils and geological history of the area.
Karetu Downs is privately owned, and there is no Queens Chain on this part of the Waipara river. Please be mindful of the unique opportunity to explore this special place. Good walking shoes essential. Uneven terrain.
“Take nothing, leave only footprints.”
Tours:
Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd November starting 12:30pm.
Garden entry, lunch, and tour: $45 per person
Garden entry and tour: $25 per person
Bookings are essential.
On-site/off-road parking available
Toilets available on site
Tea/coffee available for purchase
Refreshments available for purchase
Picnic area (visitors may bring food)
Dogs allowed
Accommodation available
Garden opens at other times
Plants/produce stalls
Motorhomes welcome overnightFacilities: