TERRACE STATION GARDENS

This homestead and garden date from the mid-1850s when the property was owned by the Studholme brothers. In 1861 John Hall bought this run and, together with his land to the west, called his property Rakaia Terrace Station. During the next forty years additions were made to the original three roomed house which had come pre-cut from Australia. Sir John Hall was the parliamentary advocate for the Women’s Suffrage Movement. New Zealand was the first country in the world where women could vote in parliamentary elections.
The extensive garden area of about 1 hectare has adapted from the Victorian formality of earlier times to a relaxed, informal style, with mass plantings of bulbs and woodland perennials. A tree walk winds beneath 19th century Sequoias, Douglas fir, Quercus ilex and other species.

It has evolved from a formal Victorian design into a informal country garden of about 1 hectare. The many magnificent trees within the garden are underplanted with woodland perennials and bulbs. During the year there are several open garden days when you can visit. Visitors can bring picnics to enjoy on the spacious lawns, or in shandy dells. Families are welcome, and some activities maybe offered.