User:Gunnersplit

Te Puna Quarry Park

Te Puna Quarry Park

Te Puna Quarry Park is situated at Te Puna,12 kilometers north of Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty, North Island of New Zealand, at the end of Quarry Road.

In 1993 The Te Puna Quarry Park Society was formed thanks largely to the efforts of Shirley Sparks, a local resident. Three years of planning and negotiation followed before the status of the reserve was finally changed to "Quarry Reserve Community Use" in November 1996, and work on the development could commence.

From the upper levels there is a panoramic view out over the Bay of Plenty. There are ponds, tree ferns, cymbidium orchids by the thousand, native tree plantings and exotics such as vireya rhododendrons. Special garden areas being developed include irises, cacti and succulents, an Australian area, a native Arboretum, a Bonsai corner, a South African area and a Palm Grove.

Featured throughout the Park, are stone sculptures by local artists. The quarry is now becoming popular as an exhibition area for outdoor art and also for weddings. The walking tracks are easy for the moderately fit. This is a place to enjoy, a place of nature and tranquility, of stunning views and great art.

Entry to the park is free although the voluteers greatly appreciate any donations.