This Arboretum was one of the first to be established in New Zealand. It contains a large range of native and introduced plant and tree species. Arboretum in its narrowest sense means a collection of trees only.
John William Hall observed first – hand the effect rains had on the denuded hillsides of Thames; the trees on the surrounding hillsides had been cut for pit props
for the mines. However, he also planted for habitat
provision and research. Mr Hall was an amateur
naturalist in the best tradition of the Victorian era.
Prior to Mr Hall’s plantings in Thames, the
Government passed the Forest Trees Planting
Encouragement Act in 1871. The Government of
that period was concerned about the large loss of
trees being felled throughout New Zealand, with
no sustainable planting taking place to preserve the
environment. The Act was economically driven; no
research had been done previously on New Zealand
natives and so the Act was geared toward encouraging
the planting of exotic trees.
Mr Hall, a local Chemist, started planting his three acre
property in Parawai, Thames in 1872. About 100 of his
trees survive today and form an eclectic collection of
plants from around the world. Many of them are of New
Zealand natives. He fastidiously recorded the progress of
all his plantings and the Hall’s Totara is named in his
Link to Article
How To See It
The arboretum has four entrances: Brunton Crescent, Korokoro Crescent, Currie St and Mount Sea Road. A small car park is at the top of Mount Sea Rd.
If arriving at Mount Sea Rd the arboretum is best viewed in two halves. A full circuit of the arboretum is best done by first heading downhill from the car park. The full circuit of both halves of the arboretum can be completed in 40-60 minutes.
The track heading downhill from the car park links directly to Currie St. This track was built in 2015 thanks to a grant from the Thames branch of Forest and Bird. It links the lower and upper sections of the arboretum.
What our customers say
"This Arboretum is the best. I am so happy with what I saw." Michael Roe, Hamilton
"One word... WOW!!" John Doe, Canada
"Absolutely amazing, from the trees to the views. It couldnt be better." Chandler Bing, Alice Springs Australia
There are a wide range of activities occurring at the Arboretum all year round.
Guided Walk
Saturday January 28th 2017
Members of the public are invited to join in a guided walk through Hall's Arboretum in Thames on Saturday, January 28.
The walk, which is being held by Thames Forest and Bird and Thames Coromandel District Council, will begin at 9am at the Currie St entrance.
David Wilton will take the walk and describe the significance of John Hall's botanical work in 19th century Thames, his very clear foresight, and the value of the arboretum to the community at the present time.
The history of Hall and his family will also be discussed.
It's estimated it will take 90 mins to complete the lower part of the Arboretum, which has a good walking track.
Those who wish may join afterwards in a ramble over the upper (and larger) part of the Arboretum.
Thames Branch Forest and Bird's Ken Clark said ongoing care for the Hall Arboretum was provided by council, a group of local helpers and the Thames Branch of Forest and Bird.
Guided walks have been held to mark various occasions, while the general public continues to use its walking tracks on a daily basis.
Over the past year, guided walks have been led by Mike Oates of the Wellington City Council, Graeme Platt, David Wilton and Marcia Sowman.
Date: January 17th 2017
Annual Tree Planting
Saturday February 2019
9am, Bring Gum Boots and a spade!
Path Extension Work
Saturday March 16th 2019
An extension to the path in the upper Arboretum will take place rain or shine.
Volunteers and members will meet in the Mountsea Road Car Park ay 8.00am. Bring a spade and gumboots. Do not forget to disinfect your footwear and tools using the disinfection station provided by TCDC to prevent Kaui die back!.
Education
The arboretum provides a range of education material and practical activities involving staff and students from local schools as well as visiting teachers and experts. In the photo Thames-Coromandel District Council parks projects officer Ric Balfour shows students how to plant native plants. More educational material is shown below. please click on the button to read more about educational opportunites provided by the Arboretum.
Information on Trees
Information on New Zealand Native Species provided by DOC (Department of Conservation).
Totara
Effect of Possum control on Halls Totara
