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New Zealand Oak Open Days 2025

Originally scheduled for 2020 (canceled to due to the Covid pandemic), this four-day event will feature visits to legendary Hackfalls Arboretum and Eastwoodhill Arboretum, the National Arboretum of New Zealand, and the oak collection at Guthrie-Smith Arboretum in Tutira. The event will begin in Napier, where visits are still being planned. This event is being organized in conjunction with the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association (NZFFA) and led by Kathryn Hurr (IOS member and Secretary of Oaks New Zealand, an Action Group of NZFFA) and Eric Cairns (President of Oaks New Zealand).

Itinerary
Day 0: Wednesday, May 14
Arrive in Napier
Day 1: Thursday, May 15
Morning: Visits near Napier, guided by David Cranwell (recipient of an IOS Special Service Award) to view Quercus leucotrichophora near Havelock North planted for diverse purposes (kiwifruit hedging, retention of eroding soil, 20-year old trees for timber)
Drive to Gwavas Garden for lunch and an afternoon tour of the garden
Accommodation: Napier
Day 2: Friday, May 16
Drive to Guthrie-Smith Arboretum and Education Centre, visit the oak collection, including many Mexican oaks sourced from Hackfalls Arboretum
Drive to Gisborne
Accommodation: Gisborne
Day 3: Saturday, May 17
Drive to Tiniroto, visit Hackfalls Arboretum
Return to Gisborne for dinner at Knapdale Eco Lodge
Accomodation: Gisborne
Day 4: Sunday, May 18
Visit Eastwoodhill, visit the National Arboretum of New Zealand
Accommodation: Gisborne
End of Oak Oak Open Days