Wharepuke means ‘house on the hill’. Wharepuke Subtropical Garden is located on the Stone Store Hill in Kerikeri in the Bay of Islands.

Wharepuke Subtropical Garden showcases Robin Booths lifetime collection of rare and unusual plants and began in 1993 on a site that was his parents old citrus orchard. Robins 50 years of experience as a nurseryman and landscape designer show.

A plantsman's garden here is an eclectic collection of trees and plants that grow well in the subtropical conditions. There are also group plantings of bromeliads, agaves, many different orchids growing on and under the trees and a huge variety of mature trees from many different parts of the world. A collection of edible subtropical fruiting trees is of considerable interest.

A new development started by my daughter Tania and her partner Mark Graver is a sculpture trail along the garden path of approximate 35 changing works from artists from around NZ. There is also an Art Gallery and a nontoxic printmaking studio and restaurant onsite

It is possible to stay in one of the cottages at Wharepuke which means entrance is free to the gardens and sculpture park at any time during your stay

We have at least 30 bird species coming to our subtropical gardens. 

Also check www.subtropicalgarden.co.nz

The Wharepuke property has been in the family since 1938 when Stan and Joyce Booth built their house on the hill and planted and grew citrus and kiwifruit organically.  The owner Robin Booth has a wealth of experience as a nurseryman and landscaper and he began developing the garden in 1993 in a valley running down to the historic Stone Store in Kerikeri. 

Our Bay of Islands garden covers 2 hectares.

Wharepukes subtropical is a perfect Wedding Venue. A sunken amphitheatre for your wedding ceremony provides great viewing for your friends and family. Lots of photo opportunities in the gardens. 1km to Kerikeri town and one minute to the Historic Stone Store Basin. 

Our Art Park exhibits selected artworks from artists around NZ and International. It is set within and compliments the gardens through almost 1km of track. The contemporary artworks are crafted with wood, stone, ceramics, glass, metal, plastic, sound and print and change throughout the year.

A purpose-built Art Gallery exhibiting mostly International printmaking or works on paper but also some exceptional works in other media. A changing exhibition space of solo or group shows, museum shows, and international open submissions.

Our Kerikeri accommodation showcase fine art prints and paintings by resident artist Mark Graver who has his work in numerous collections both public and private around the world. 

Artist holidays are offered in our Kerikeri accommodation at Wharepuke. These artist residencies are suited to painters, printmakers, writers, academics and others (just ask!)