Last updated June 2026
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 holds the most comprehensive 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.
Ian McKean was a third-generation sheep and beef farmer whose passion for conifers led him to plant every tree from seed across decades. 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 | Renfrew Road, Rangiwahia, northern Manawatu (Manawatu District) |
| Distance from Palmerston North | About 90 minutes’ drive north |
| Size | 14 hectares on the McKean family farm |
| Founded | 1958 by Rawhiti ‘Ian’ McKean |
| Collection | More than 1,500 conifer trees; over 300 species; 90 of the 110 recognised pine species |
| Significance | Most comprehensive collection of conifers in the Southern Hemisphere |
| Protection | Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant |
| Access | Open to the public; park on Renfrew Road, cross stile and follow fence line |
| Facilities | Walking tracks, seating, picnic tables, rustic gazebo; no other amenities |
About the Pinetum and Ian McKean
Rawhiti ‘Ian’ McKean was a third-generation sheep and beef farmer at Rangiwahia whose real passion was growing conifers. He began planting the pinetum in 1958 on a 14-hectare block of rugged hill-country land on the family farm. McKean sourced seed from around the world and planted every tree himself, choosing species suited to the cooler inland climate near the Ruahine ranges.
By the time of his death in 1998 the collection included more than 1,500 trees across more than 300 species. It features 90 of the 110 recognised Pinus species plus a wide range of other conifer families. The site sits on a steep north-facing slope that provides ideal growing conditions, with cold winters, frequent frosts and occasional snow.
The pinetum is protected by a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant. The McKean family continues to manage the land, and the site is open to visitors. NZ Farm Forestry Association members and volunteers help maintain public access and information.
Why the Most Comprehensive Collection in the Southern Hemisphere
The Ian McKean Pinetum is widely recognised as the most comprehensive collection of conifers in the Southern Hemisphere because of its species diversity and the deliberate effort to include as many Pinus and related species as possible. The 14 hectares are planted on working hill-country pasture rather than in a formal botanical garden layout, giving visitors a more rustic experience.
Not every tree is labelled. A grove of redwoods was planted in memory of Neil Barr, one of the founders of the NZ Farm Forestry Association. The collection continues to be valued by farm foresters and dendrology enthusiasts.
Visiting From Palmerston North
Reach the pinetum via the inland route through Mangaweka and Rangiwahia. Turn into Renfrew Road at the Y intersection with Te Parapara Road and Main South Road. Park on the roadside, cross the stile into farmland and follow the fence line downhill to the collection. The drive includes rural and back-country sections; check conditions, especially in winter.
Allow most of a day for the round trip from Palmerston North. Bring water, a picnic and sturdy shoes. Respect the working farm environment and leave gates as found. Combine the visit with nearby stops such as the Mangahuia Wetlands.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the pinetum as one of New Zealand’s most significant tree collections and a rewarding day trip from Palmerston North for anyone interested in forestry, botany or trees. They highlight the scale of the planting, the story of Ian McKean’s lifetime work, the rugged hill-country setting and the views toward Mt Ruapehu.
Practical notes include that this is a working farm site rather than a formal garden, so visitors should set expectations accordingly. Most recommend allowing a full day including travel, bringing a picnic, wearing good footwear and checking road conditions before winter visits.
Where to Learn More
NZ Farm Forestry Association: Detailed history, species information and visiting guidance from the Middle Districts branch.
Iron Gates: Family-linked site with access directions, maintenance notes and current visiting information.
ManawatuNZ: Official regional tourism listing with location and practical visitor details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Ian McKean Pinetum?
Renfrew Road, Rangiwahia, in northern Manawatu, about 90 minutes’ drive north of Palmerston North.
Who was Ian McKean?
Rawhiti ‘Ian’ McKean (1917–1998) 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 1,500 conifer trees representing over 300 species, including 90 of the 110 recognised pine species.
Is it the largest collection in the Southern Hemisphere?
Yes. It is widely recognised as the most comprehensive collection of conifers in the Southern Hemisphere by species count and diversity.
Is it protected?
Yes. The pinetum is protected under a Queen Elizabeth II National Trust covenant.
Can the public visit?
Yes. The pinetum is open to visitors. Park on Renfrew Road, cross the stile and follow the fence line. Respect the working farm environment.
What facilities are there?
Walking tracks, seating, picnic tables and a rustic gazebo. There are no toilets or other amenities.
How long does a visit take?
Allow most of a day from Palmerston North once travel time (about 90 minutes each way) is included.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.