Luttrells White Pine Gardens And Museum

Story
Luttrells is a family owned enterprise which prides itself on 'doing its part to preserve the natural and historical heritage of New Zealand for the benefit of present and future generations through awareness, appreciation and education'.

Tim and Carol Luttrell purchased the first five acre block of 'uneconomical farmland' in 1985, however, due to an effort to have a conservation covenant placed on the title concerning an existing stand of Kahikatea, title was not granted until March 1986. The then Dept. of lands and survey advised that due to stock grazing, lowered water tables, flooding and drainage there would be permanent detrimental effects. With the trees survival questionable, the stand of Kahikatea did not meet the criteria for conservation covenants. The previous lessee/owner had already listed the stand of Kahikatea in the Pohangina County District Scheme as being a place of Historic and Scientific interest and with that we have had to be content.

As has already been noted, the area had been heavily grazed, and water tables lowered by rural drainage systems. To rectify these problems livestock were removed and protective fencing put in place. Pathways were made to keep foot-traffic isolated, and two ponds were created to raise the water table. Natural regeneration has been relatively quick and the variety of plant species now growing is very pleasing.

This is an ongoing project; the land area has been extended and more wetlands developed. With pest control, regeneration of bushland and wetland areas there has been a noticeable increase in birdlife with many native and introduced birds being permanent residents. Side by side with the natural heritage is the Museum containing a large assortment of tools and farming machinery, recreational and domestic articles from rural N.Z.

We are open by arrangement and provide tours, educational programmes. Please contact us for further information. We look forward to hearing from you.