Ian McKena Pinetum

IAN MCKEAN PINETUM

Photo courtesy of Manawatunz

Welcome to Ian McKean Pinetum.
You will discover the largest collection of conifers in the Southern Hemisphere

Founded in 1958, this pinetum is a lifetime of work by farmer and tree-enthusiast Rawhiti “Ian” McKean. The collection includes more than 300 species of conifers, including 90 of the 110 recognised pine, and is planted across 14 hectares of rugged hill-country land on the McKean family farm. Today, it is part of Queen Elizabeth II Trust and open for everyone to enjoy.

What is a pinetum?
Pronounced (pine-ee-tum), it is a plantation of pine trees or other conifers planted for scientific or ornamental purposes.

What is a conifer?
A tree which bears cones and needle-like leaves that are typically evergreen. Conifers are of major importance as the source of softwood, and also supply resins and turpentine.

Maintaining the Pinetum.
After Ian passed away in 1999, his friend and fellow farm forester Don Tantrum put his hand up to lead a small team of volunteers who have helped to maintain and improve the condition of the trees, the tracks, and access to the pinetum. The area has been hit hard by a number of weather events, including a particularly damaging easterly wind event in 2004, which wiped out close to a third of the trees.

About this collection.
It is described as the most comprehensive array of pines in New Zealand and boasts some of the rarest conifer species such as the Pacific yew, Cyprus cedar, Himalayan hemlock and Californian nutmeg.

Behind each tree is a story, rich in history. Not one to ever give up getting his hands on a rare seed, Mr McKean would go to great lengths to make sure his collection included some of the rarest trees in the world. He was known to beg, borrow or buy conifer seeds at any opportunity, and would take trips to Asia and North America to bring back seeds and grow what is before you today.

North American conifers were his favourite because they were easy to source and grew large, in a short time frame.

Getting there.
The Pinetum sits between Rangiwahia and Apiti. Turn into Renfrew Road at the Y intersection at Te Parapara Road and Main South Road. About 200 meters down the road the entrance to the Ian McKean Pinetum will be on the left. Park your car on the side of the road, cross over the stile into farmland and walk down the fence line, until you see an amazing collection of conifers stretching out in front of you. There are 8 hectares of conifers on the McKean family farm, which is set up as a QEII Charitable Trust. The terrain is fairly sloped, but there are many easy walking tracks, with seating, picnic tables and a gazebo for a cuppa or picnic. There are no toilet facilities. There is free access, but please respect the land - do not leave any rubbish behind.