Tūpare

Tūpare is an idyllic landscaped garden and homestead on the outskirts of New Plymouth. It is difficult to fathom the work of Russell and Mary Matthews - who bought the property in 1931 - when the whenua was wild; covered in blackberry, gorse and bracken, with just a single mahoe tree on the site.

Today Tūpare is a beautiful testament to the couple’s love of horticulture. Secret vistas, heritage flora, pristine gardens and pruned hedgerows are up for discovery in a place that begs to be investigated. Pack a picnic and seek out one of the many serene spots to relax in meadows of green. A network of winding paths, carved into the hillside, will aid you in your exploration. In the summer months, we recommend packing your togs so you can dip in the Waiwhakaiho River, and for the more sporting types, there’s an open paddock for a roll of the arm or footy and use of the tennis court is wholly encouraged as well. 

The Tudor inspired homestead, architecturally designed by Chapman-Taylor, is open to the public year round, and can also be booked for a guided tour. Built in the style of Arts & Crafts, inside you’ll learn more about the history of the Matthews family and their huge undertaking at Tūpare. From the kitchen door of the house, take a moment to admire the view past the Redwoods down into the Waiwhakaiho Valley. It is a truly remarkable place. 

Tūpare is a transportive experience, a gentle celebration of nature’s blossoming and waning seasons.