Without warning, they dashed towards us and surrounded our car, looking intimidating and dangerous. Who in their right mind would get out from their car in such a situation?
It matters not that they are shorter, fatter and … fluffier. Unity is strength and a group of virile roosters and exotic-looking chickens look no less dangerous than thugs on one’s front porch.
(Chasing us relentlessly after we got off the car.)
Last Thursday, the BFF brought me to the Trees’ Park, known otherwise as the Taitua Arboretum.
It was a cool grey day and the winds were working extra hard. Undeterred, we headed towards our destination – forgoing the museum for a day in the great outdoors. Upon arrival, the chickens clucked their way towards us in turbo speed and managed to look menacing (to me only, the BFF was amused).
Located at Hamilton, the Taitua Arboretum covers 20 hectares of trees and open pastures with 2.3km of easy grade walkways. Strolling the entire trail will take approximately 1.5hour. Before you think that it sounds like a boring attraction, think again! This park has been hailed as a hidden gem and it actually houses more than 1500 species of indigenous, exotic trees and shrubs! Beyond that, I am awed by the seemingly unlimited expanse of land and greenery. For the first time in my life, I am distinctly aware of being a city bred individual/city dweller. Yet, I am falling in love with this natural landscape.
(Terrorising cute ducks because I am a bully. Duckies are cute but chickens are not!)
(Winter means bald trees – melancholy or menacing?)
Depending on the season of your visit, you shall get to see unique landscape beauty as well as different types of rewards. During the autumn, the BFF picked (FREE) walnuts and chestnuts. This winter, all that was left for me to pick were fallen leaves. Nonetheless, I am happy to learn more about the plants.
Admission: Free
Opening hours: Daily, 8am to half hour before dusk
More info: www.hamilton.co.nz/
More photos:
The above information has been complied based on various sources, including my own experience and should only be used as a reference.
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