The Ian McKean Pinetum is a 14-hectare conifer collection at Rangiwahia, in northern Manawatu about 90 minutes drive north of Palmerston North. Founded in 1958 by farmer and tree enthusiast Rawhiti ‘Ian’ McKean, the pinetum is the largest collection of conifers in the Southern Hemisphere, with more than 1,500 trees representing over 300 species, including 90 of the 110 recognised pine (Pinus) species in the world.
Ian McKean was a third-generation sheep and beef farmer whose passion for conifers led him to plant every tree in the pinetum from seed across decades of dedicated work. He passed away in 1998; the pinetum is now protected under a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant and remains open to visitors on the McKean family farm.
Practical Information
| Location | Rangiwahia, northern Manawatu (Manawatu District) |
| Distance from Palmerston North | About 90 minutes drive north |
| Size | 14 hectares of conifer collection on the McKean family farm |
| Founded | 1958, by Rawhiti ‘Ian’ McKean (third-generation farmer) |
| Collection | More than 1500 conifer trees; more than 300 species; 90 of the 110 recognised pine (Pinus) species; more than half of the world’s 600 conifer species |
| Significance | Largest collection of conifers in the Southern Hemisphere |
| Protection | Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant |
| Best for | Conifer / tree enthusiasts, NZ farm forestry interest, day-trip from Palmerston North, picnic in a unique setting |
About the Pinetum and Ian McKean
Rawhiti ‘Ian’ McKean was a third-generation sheep and beef farmer at Rangiwahia, but his real passion was growing and planting conifers. He started planting the pinetum on a 14-hectare block of rugged hill-country land on the family farm in 1958. He planted every tree from seed, choosing conifers because of their hardiness to the cooler Rangiwahia climate.
By the time of his death in 1998, the pinetum held more than 1,500 conifer trees representing more than 300 species. The collection includes 90 of the 110 recognised Pinus (pine) species in the world, plus a wide range of other conifer families – more than half of the 600 conifer species in the world, drawn from native New Zealand and exotic sources.
The pinetum is now protected under a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant, securing the planting against future land-use change. The McKean family continues to manage the site, and the pinetum is open to visitors. NZ Farm Forestry and Environment Network Manawatu both maintain the public face of the collection.
Why the Largest in the Southern Hemisphere
The Ian McKean Pinetum is widely cited as the largest collection of conifers in the Southern Hemisphere, with the species count (over 300) and the share of the world’s known conifer species (more than half) the key measures. The collection is more diverse than the better-known formal arboreta of New Zealand specifically because McKean made the deliberate choice to source seed of as many Pinus and related species as he could.
The 14 hectares of planting are not formally laid out as a botanical garden; this is a working farm pinetum, planted on hill-country pasture and grown over decades. Visitors should expect a more rustic experience than a city botanical garden.
Visiting From Palmerston North
Rangiwahia is in the northern Manawatu, about 90 minutes drive north of Palmerston North via the inland route. The drive includes rural and back-country sections; check directions and conditions before setting off, particularly in winter. The pinetum is on the McKean family farm so respect the working farm environment.
Combine the visit with other northern Manawatu stops including the wider Rangiwahia area scenic and walking options, or the Pohangina Valley if returning south.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the pinetum as one of New Zealand’s most-significant tree collections and a unique day trip from Palmerston North, particularly for anyone with a forestry, botanical or general tree interest. The scale of the planting (14 ha, 1500+ trees, 300+ species), the Ian McKean story (every tree from seed, started 1958, dedicated to a single farmer’s lifetime work) and the rugged hill-country setting all draw positive specific mentions.
Practical observations: this is a working farm site, not a formal botanical garden, so set expectations accordingly; allow most of a day from Palmerston North given the 90-minute drive each way; bring water, a picnic and good shoes; check conditions before winter visits; respect the family farm environment.
Where to Learn More
NZ Farm Forestry: Ian McKean Pinetum: NZFFA Middle Districts page with the most-comprehensive history, species detail and visiting information.
Environment Network Manawatu: Ian McKean Pinetum: regional environmental directory listing for the pinetum.
Manawatu NZ: Ian McKean Pinetum: official tourism listing with location and visiting information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ian McKean Pinetum?
Rangiwahia, in northern Manawatu, about 90 minutes drive north of Palmerston North.
Who was Ian McKean?
Rawhiti ‘Ian’ McKean (d. 1998) was a third-generation Rangiwahia sheep and beef farmer whose passion was conifer trees. He started the pinetum in 1958 and planted every tree from seed.
How big is the collection?
14 hectares, with more than 1500 conifer trees representing over 300 species, including 90 of the 110 recognised pine (Pinus) species in the world.
Is it really the largest in the Southern Hemisphere?
Yes. The Ian McKean Pinetum is widely cited as the largest collection of conifers in the Southern Hemisphere, both by species count and by share of the world’s known conifer species (more than half).
Is it protected?
Yes. The pinetum is protected under a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant.
Can the public visit?
Yes. The pinetum is on the McKean family farm and is open to visitors; respect the working farm environment.
How long does a visit take?
Allow most of a day from Palmerston North once travel time is factored in (about 90 minutes drive each way).
For more day-trip and nature options, see day trips from Palmerston North or the parks and reserves hub.