Picnic in the Pinetum

Pack a delicious picnic and spend the day exploring the Ian McKean Pinetum while listening to live music by Bullfrog Rata.

Located in Rangiwahia, northern Manawatū, the pinetum is one of the largest collections of conifer (cone-bearing) trees in the southern hemisphere. The pinetum is the life's work of sheep and beef farmer and tree enthusiast Ian McKean who began planting on his family farm in 1958.

Come see some of the world's largest, tallest, smallest and rarest trees with over 300 species of conifers. A network of walking tracks make it easy to explore, however some parts are steep so we'd recommend good walking shoes. On a fine day the views stretch across hill country farm land all the way to Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe and Mt Mangaweka.

The Picnic in the Pinetum is about celebrating Ian's work and the dedicated volunteers who continue his legacy.

Bring your own food and drinks and enjoy the day's activities or simply explore and get lost in this incredible pinetum.

Activities include:

11am - forest bathing / meditation
12pm - 2pm - live music with Bullfrog Rata
1.30pm - tree tour

There will be a rock painting station for children and a marshmallow toasting pit available all day.

Bring along your friends and whānau and spend the day enjoying this beautiful and unique place in northern Manawatū.

Thank you to Manawatū District Council for generously supporting this event.