Hanmer Forest, 7395, Canterbury Region, New Zealand
“Tucked up behind one of Canterbury’s most popular holiday towns, Hanmer Forest Park is a walking and cycling paradise.”
Hanmer Forest contains some of New Zealand’s oldest exotic plantings. Between 1900 and 1901, reserve land was set aside for planting exotic trees.
The lowland Hanmer Basin was then a treeless tussock grass-land exposed to strong winds and climatic extremes. With the clearing, fencing, and drainage of the area, a tree nursery was established. Planting began in 1902–03. Prison labour used between 1903 and 1913, was important in establishing Hanmer Forest.
Epic New Zealand Culture & Adventure Route © Monika Newbound
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