This old Cedar of Lebanon is located within the grounds of the former Hanmer Springs Hospital. The tree is a large, mature specimen with form, stature, and condition consistent with late 19th to early 20th century institutional planting, likely associated with the establishment and early development of the hospital complex.

The soldiers block was built in 1916 so this planting may coincide with that as the building is now under the canopy of the tree.

During this period, hospital and sanatorium landscapes in New Zealand were intentionally designed as therapeutic environments. Trees and gardens were considered integral to patient recovery and wellbeing. Long-lived exotic conifers, including Cedrus libani, were favoured for their permanence, shelter, shade, and strong symbolic associations with endurance, health, and stability. Such species were commonly planted in hospital, spa, and health-resort settings, particularly in alpine or climatic locations such as Hanmer Springs.

The Cedar of Lebanon makes a significant contribution to the historic landscape character of the former hospital site. As a durable and significant exotic conifer, it represents an important example of early acclimatisation-era planting and reflects the role of trees in shaping New Zealand’s institutional and cultural landscapes.

This tree has high heritage, landscape, and amenity value and warrants continued recognition, careful management, and retention as part of the historic fabric of the Hanmer Springs Hospital grounds.

Hammer, J. R., 2025