Thanks to @julizmaioro and @yorkeshirekiwi for identifying this tree in my project last week. Thought you might like a closer look so took some shots of another one that was closer to the road. Found out lots of interesting info about it the tree.
This deciduous tree is also known as Chinese cedar, although it is actually a member of the mahogany family (and one of the cold hardiest). A highly esteemed food plant in China, it is extensively cultivated for its new shoots and leaves. These can be boiled or used in stir fries, egg dishes and for pickling and seasoning. They have an aromatic oniony flavour and smell. The leaves also have many medicinal uses, and can be used as a tea substitute. The wood is perfumed and small twigs and branches can be burnt as incense, whilst the mature wood, which resembles mahogany, is good for furniture making, window frames and guitars as it is durable and easily worked and polished. Although this tree can grow to 20m tall, it can easily be pruned to keep it manageable in a small urban garden. It is tolerant of most soils but prefers a moist but well-drained loam. It needs a sunny spot, and is extremely frost hardy, although new shoots may get damaged in spring frosts. (Info courtesy of a Kahikatea Farm's web site. Love these trees so think I might buy one from them.)
Wow you really did your homework.. they are beautiful this time of year .. but they do sucker badly and can become a bit of a weed.. so take care where you plant it..
@julzmaioro Thanks for the tip - maybe in a big pot for a while would be a good idea.