History of Woodlands

Woodlands was a 98,000 acre estate purchased from the Crown in 1872 by The Piako Swamp Company for the sum of 2/6 (25 cents) an acre - plus an understanding to drain and clear the swamp, fence the same and build roads throughout the area. The land was covered in Manuka and rushes although some areas were too wet to grow even these.

Much of the 8 hectares (15 acres) of the estate, as it stands today, were planted over 135 years ago and is surrounded by extensive reclaimed agricultural land.

The Homestead which is restored to its former glory, was built as a Manager's residence between 1872 - 1875. It is largely made of Kauri and still features some of the original weatherboards and iron on the roof.

The Homestead was surrounded by a 'village' of farm buildings, large two storied stables, woolshed, single men's quarters, bakery, blacksmith's shop, waterwheel, joinery shop, butchery, two storied implement shed and extensive stockyards for sheep and cattle.

These buildings were removed in 1928 when Don & Irene Riddell took up residence at Woodlands.

The gardens around the homestead contain four notable trees - one is regarded as New Zealand's largest Eucalyptus, another a Liriodendron which is believed to be the finest in the Waikato, and an American Ash and Juniperus chinensis, are considered to be of National interest.

The display of the country's most significant collection of old camellias, many of which were brought from Britain in the 1870's, is further enhanced with plantings of old fashioned roses.

The pathways lead to the lake with its Monet-style bridges and gazebo.

The garden features wide vistas across expansive lawns, a cricket oval and a croquet lawn.

The all-weather paths are disability friendly and garden development is on-going, making Woodlands worthy of more than one visit, and certainly worth experiencing at different times of the year.

Woodlands, a founding property of the New Zealand Gardens Trust, is rated by NZGT as a Garden of Regional Significance www.gardens.org.nz, for its beauty and historic significance.