Planting at Te Puna Quarry Park commenced in 1997 with all the work and maintenance being carried out by volunteers. By keeping some areas as specialised plant groups, we hope to make this a park of botanical interest. Spring 2001 has seen the commencement of planting Australian plants in a dedicated area and also an area to be known as the Palm Grove has been started. Development of a South African area forproteaceae and bulbs commenced in 2002. Some of the areas being developed at present are listed below.

  • New Zealand native plantings are around the entrance car park area and the Rotary Pond.  An educational Native Plant Arboretum on the western track was begun in 2000.
  • Heritage Roses were first planted in autumn, 2000.  The entrance pathway to this area has 170 rosa frau dagma.
  • Irises - many species represented in this area.
  • Cacti and Succulents - an interesting selection is thriving in arid conditions.
  • Bromeliads - this attractive collection is enjoying conditions under the pongas.
  • Orchids were one of the first plantings at the Park after a local commercial grower donated over1000 cymbidiums.  They now number up to 3000 and are a major attraction from April to November, all growing outside. Many other species have now been added to the Orchid area including catteleya, odontoglossam, and cypropedium.
  • Vireya Rhododendrons - Over fifty now planted and always some in flower.
  • Rhododendrons -  several species are represented in this collection of seventy. 
  • Palms - a variety of palm species have been planted with the asssistance of the N.Z. Palm Society. Over 50 Nikau palms (native to New Zealand) have been planted in a grove and are thriving.
  • Herb Garden - a comprehensive herb garden has been establish by local herb enthusiasts and now contains one of the national thyme collections for the Herb Federation of New Zealand.
  • Mixed Ornamentals  Planting commenced in 1999 including Acer, Prunus, Michelia, Magnolias, Trachelospernum, Betula, Lavendula, Rosmarius, and Hibiscus.  Also of interest are Cercis Forest Pansy, Hagenia abyssinia, and Quillaia saponaria. A small tropical planting includes Rhoeo, Sanseveria, Damaropsis, and  Strelitzia nicholai.