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North of Napier, near the village of Waikoau on the Pamerston North–Gisborne railway is the delightful arboretum known as Holt Forest Trust.

The establishment of the arboretum was the life long leisure project of Mr and Mrs Harold Holt who named it 'Rakautanu' - meaning "the forest of planted trees".

In 1933 Harold Holt purchased the area of 15 hectares and set about creating a "forest of fine trees" from an area of land covered in bracken and manuka. For over 50 years, he pursued this aim devoting most of his spare time to the project assisted by his wife Dorothy, resulting in a forest planted in a wide variety of ornamental and commercial trees and shrubs. The forest has been developed to show the quality, size, and the magnificence which trees can attain. Mr Holt collected and planted both indigenous and introduced trees and shrubs and the first trees to be planted were redwood, douglas fir and kahikatea.  These trees have now grown to towering magnificence. They are the first trees to be seen by the visitor approaching the arboretum gate.

Broad gravelled paths suitable for wheelchairs wind through the whole property. These tracks are bordered by native ferns and understorey plants providing an abundant food source for birds.  Introduced trees and shrubs have been planted to enrich the variety of nectar and berries so loved by tuis and bellbirds. Visitors to the Trust­ are rewarded by the sight and sound of these birds now present in considerable numbers.  Smaller birds such as fantails, grey warblers and wax-eyes dart around the visitor catching small insects or enjoying the berries and seeds of the smaller plants.

In the centre of the arboretum is the area known as the "Dell". This was the site of the bush camp, where The Holts lived while working on the forest.  It is now known for the many primroses which flower there in the spring. These are descendants of the original clumps planted by Mrs Holt in the 1930's.  Mrs Holt is also remembered as having planted the ornamental shrubs and trees in the area known as "The Acre" close to the entrance of the Trust. In the springtime this area is carpeted with bluebells and daffodils. 

Harold Holt - The Legacy

Harold Holt was born in Napier in 1900 and educated at Napier Boys High School. He began work for the Lands and Survey Department in Wellington in 1920 and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Victoria University in 1924.  He worked in the United States timber industry for a time before joining his father's company, Robert Holt and Sons Ltd in 1928. He rose to be Deputy Chairman of Carter Holt Holdings Ltd until he retired in 1975.

Harold Holt devoted his life to the forestry industry and Napier, and was a generous benefactor to many Napier developments in the arts and tourism area.  He established the Holt Forest Trust in 1960, appointing the New Zealand Guardian Trust Co Ltd as trustee and gifted the forest to the people of New Zealand.  The Trust area was proclaimed a wildlife sanctuary in 1962.  Mr Holt's services to Napier and forestry were recognised when he was awarded an O.B.E. in 1963.  He died on 27 May 1987 whilst working in his forest, leaving The Holt Forest Trust as a living testament to his efforts and energy in establishing a unique example of a great New Zealander's inspiration and foresight.

Holt Forest Trust is open to the public.  The Trustees hope that your visit is relaxing and enjoyable.