PARKS AND GARDENS
Free Copy or download at www.visit.taranaki.info 8th Edition Ahititi Okau
Pukearuhe
3 Contents Welcome, haere mai Mim NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT page W i a Riv it e Uruti Taranaki has been known as ‘the Garden of New Zealand’ since a Ur r ra en Audrey Gale Reserve 5 W u 1 R i R a iv i pioneering times, a reflection of the region’s rich volcanic soil, iw e ve h r r a 2 Rotokare / Barrett Domain 6 k Motunui a encouraging environment and passionate gardeners. ih o Waitara Onaero 3 Marsland Hill 8 R Brixton Urenui From the edges of Mount Taranaki to the sparkling iv Bell Block e Okoki r 4 Matekai Park 10 surf coast, you’ll find countless parks and gardens New Plymouth Tikorangi 5 Te Henui Cemetery 11 Ta to explore and enjoy. From expansive public pu 5 Lepperton ae Hillsborough S 3 1 tr 7 19 6 Pukeiti 12 gardens to picturesque parks, picture-perfect ea m d 3A 8 n 20 a l Pukekura Park and Brooklands 14 3 p 7 private gardens to fantastic garden festivals, 2 U
P l 4 y Taranaki offers it all. This guide m 8 Tūpare 18 Ōākura o u Hurworth t h Waitui URF IGHWA R assembles many of the best H45Y Koro o STRATFORD DISTRICT a Egmont Village d Tarata and offers just a start point Ston y River U Tataraimaka Te Henui Kaimata 9 Thomson Arboretum 21 pp Inglewood er d P Korito a Pohokura to begin a Taranaki garden Ōkato it o o R King Edward Park 22 ne 10 O R 6 et Kaimiro m Puniho xf o re a experience like no other. o ad St h rd n r Ratapiko Pu R o u Prospero Place 24 n o gt D 11 ih ad in d W o rr a are R a o a R oa C R ive Warea d Egmont t r n 12 Victoria Park 26 o Tariki Tumahu m National g Te Wera E d a Kupe Huiroa o Windsor Park 28 R 13 Newall Park y North Egmont re W r Tuna Strathmore
Su Te Popo i Pungarehu r
itata Stream Reference Map Wa P u Taranaki Maunga arihak a Road R Midhirst
o Goodson Dell 31
a East Egmont 14
d Wharehuia Pe Pembroke Dawson Falls mbr Douglas Rahotu oke Ro 43 15 Hollard Gardens 32 eam ad ereere Str i Road 10 Punga garik M 12 N a n Stratford 16 King Edward Park 34 a 9 Toko i a 11 Cardiff Stream R 13 henua o Otuw ad a 17 Naumai Park 36 Ro d ta Oaonui ha aw Mahoe Finnerty Road m Ar i Strea d 18 Stark and Bridger Parks 38 aonu a Rowan O o d Ngaere R Roa 15 ake ia Makaka Ōpun a PRIVATE GARDENS OF SIGNIFICANCE Ih Kaponga Mangatoki 21 Taungatara Te Kiri ham Road Elt am Road d Elth a 18 Eltham d o Te Kainga Marire 40 a 19 Awatuna R Riverlea o
d R g a n Ōpunake o a i i R t 3 r i a s 20 Nikau Grove 42 e a iaua Riv ik n Lake a t a W a H P Auroa Kapuni M Matapu Rotokare d a Hofmans Garden 43 d 21 o R a Skeet Road Pihama o Mangawhero o Te Roti
R
e O a Oakley Garden 44 URF o 22 IGHWA r H45Y u A Okaiawa tream 23 Puketarata Garden 45 paeiti S Lake Waipae Oeo Otakeho Manaia Normanby Rotorangi Kaupokonui 22 23 Inaha Tokaora ream onui St 16 Kaupok Hawera Key Parking r 14 Rive 17 oro Park entrance/exit Lookout gong Wain Mokoia Path Picnic area Stream BBQ area
ver Manutahi Shelter Playground e Ri gaho Tan Swimming area Wheelchair access 3 Dog exercising i-SITE Kakaramea Dogs on leash No camping am Stre Patea Cover image credit: Rob Tucker eka Horse riding area No golf Wair Waverley Toilets No motorbikes
Whenuakura River Waitotara 1 Audrey Gale Reserve New Plymouth District Location: 257 Mangorei Road, New Plymouth Open: 7am–8.30pm New Plymouth offers a lively cosmopolitan base for exploring the many galleries and museums of North Once known as the Old Waterworks while two barbecue areas are ideal for Taranaki. Reserve, the name was changed in 1989 in picnics. There is a dog exercising area, recognition of Audrey Gale, a longstanding and a horse riding area on the right side New Plymouth sits alongside councillor and active community member. of the reserve. The park has many shaded the Tasman Sea and has A commemorative bronze plaque at areas through native bush and introduced Taranaki Maunga at its the park entrance outlines Mrs Gale’s planting, usually teeming with bird life, back. The city and its outstanding career. and offers a 9-hole flying disc/Frisbee golf surrounding district has a course. Two wood-fired BBQs are available Signs of the old waterworks can still be vibrant café and cultural – bring your own wood. scene, extensive events found in the far-east corner of the park. calendar and fantastic When first commissioned in 1883, the works The Waiwhakaiho River, which borders the parks and gardens. serviced the fast-growing town of New park, has its source on Taranaki Maunga Plymouth. and is highly valued for its aesthetic, Connecting the many ecological and recreational values. It is Access to the Waiwhakaiho River provides attractions is a network of particularly important for the native fish safe swimming, rock jumping and paddling, walking and cycling trails, and trout habitat. the most prominent of which is the city’s 13km Coastal Walkway. The walkway and NORTH the city’s museums and galleries have undoubtedly contributed to New Plymouth’s transformation WAIWHAKAIHO RIVER FROM in recent years. NEW PLYMOUTH
New Plymouth i-SITE Visitor Centre Puke Ariki, 65 St Aubyn Street,
New Plymouth MANGOREI ROAD Phone: (06) 759 0897 or 0800 639 759 SMITH ROAD Email: [email protected] FROM SH3 Street art by Owen Dippies.
BOULEVARD DRIVE NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT 5 New Plymouth District Plymouth New
2 Rotokare / Barrett Domain Location: Roto Street, New Plymouth
Open: all hours
This is a circular walk in a 36ha blend you come to the Rayward Bush Walk sign At the T junction you can either go down At the top of the hill are three tracks. The of open spaces, plantations, bush and on your right. to a small gully the stream has carved out track on your right will take you to the a wetland area (Barrett Lagoon). The (note this is a dead-end track), or continue Rayward Bush Walk. The other two tracks Walk over a grassed area, keeping the small domain is also a wildlife refuge. Explore an up the hill to your right towards the lagoon. will take you to Barrett Lagoon. pond on your left. Follow a grassed track up abundance of native bird life, wetland and a small hill and enter the bush near the top lake habitats and indigenous vegetation in of the sign. This area has regenerating forest Points Of Interest this urban oasis. plants, which include tawa and kohekohe. 1 Kororako Pā site 3 Mangaotuku Stream Gully There are three different tracks you can On exiting the bush you will find yourself in 2 Sir Victor Davies Memorial Planting 4 Riding For The Disabled walk in Barrett Domain. an open grassed area. From here you can Cowling Plantation Walk (10 mins) continue on your right towards the lagoon As you enter the domain from Roto St. or return to the main entrance. To get to KEY walk about 200m down a gravel track; the the main track walk across the paddock Main Track Rotokare Crescent Lagoon Bush Walk start of this walk is on your right. There is a towards the entrance to the lagoon and Entrance 1 Rayward Bush Walk cemented stone seat, which on 17 February then follow the track around to the left Kororako Cowling Plantation Walk Pā Site 1966 was unveiled as a memorial to Mr Fred towards a gate. Other Tracks
Rotokare/ Dogs Prohibited Cowling. The majestic kauri trees he planted Barrett Lagoon Lagoon, pond and wetland areas Lagoon Bush Walk (30 mins) Pipitea are now more than 50 years old and provide Place Dogs on Leash This walk can be entered via the Davies Rd. a tranquil area in which to walk. Viewing entrance or from the main entrance off Roto Deck & Picnic This track continues to Alba St. and exits St. From Roto St. continue down the gravel Area Rayward Bush Manuka the domain, or you can instead cross the track until you come to an open grassed Place bridge and walk through the trees until you area. To your left is the beginning of the 2 come to a grassed area. At this point you Lagoon Bush Walk. Barrett Aspen Lagoon Sir Victor Davies Place Viewing Memorial Planting Point can continue on to the Rayward Bush Walk Pond Cowling This walk follows the Mangaotuku Stream, 3 Lagoon Plantation Bush Map & or return to the main track. Mangaotuku Stream Gully Picnic which runs through the domain. After Area Memorial Rayward Bush Walk (20 mins) Seat Alba Street reaching the bridge follow the lower track 4 Entrance Riding For The This short bush walk begins from the main that runs alongside the stream. About 500m Disabled area - entrance off Roto St. Walk down the gravel along you will come to a T junction. be aware of horses Redwood track past the Cowling Plantation sign until Crescent Roto Street Entrance
Davies Road NORTH Entrance
6 www.visit.taranaki.info NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT 7 New Plymouth District Plymouth New
3 Marsland Hill Location: 51 Robe Street, New Plymouth
Open: all hours
First settled in the 1730s by the Governor General Lord Islington in memory Points Of Interest Nga-Potiki-taua hapu of the Taranaki iwi, of the Taranaki men who fell in the Anglo- 1 Interpretive sign 4 South African War Memorial Marsland Hill was originally known as Boer War. 2 Carillon 5 The Observatory Pukaka Pā. Since then, the strategic position The Observatory (5) was opened in of the hill has seen it have many uses and 3 New Zealand Wars Monument 6 Charles Armitage Brown Grave 1920, following the formation of a local today it is a popular, accessible and scenic Astronomical Society. The building has recreational reserve. expanded from the original 1920 dome with Designated a cemetery from 1841 additions in 1936 and extensions NORTH to 1842, burials at Marsland Hill included for a second telescope in the 1970s. Charles Armitage Brown (6) whose A 37 bell Carillon (2) donated by George memorial is located on the slope behind Kibby in memory of his late wife Mable the Cathedral Church of St Mary, after being was installed in 1971. It received a major 5 rediscovered by local historians in 1921 refurbishment in early 2014. Together the following an extensive search. The cemetery brass bells weigh over four tonne and play was officially closed in 1908. daily at 10am, 11am, noon, 2pm, 4pm and In 1855, the top of the hill was levelled, 5pm. BRO M TREET 4 reducing its height by some 12 metres to The surrounding reserve has grown over the create the headquarters for the imperial decades to now encompass 3.78 hectares, 1 regiments stationed in Taranaki. Between which were declared a historic reserve in 2 1874 and 1880, the barracks provided 3 1987. The reserve has many recreational temporary accommodation for newly uses and with its great views over the city arrived settlers, and in 1891 the remaining is a popular picnic, heritage and lunchtime 6 section was relocated to Taranaki Maunga T R K running destination. C T EDR L as tourist accommodation, where it is now C RC O ROBE TREET T M RY known as The Camphouse. TREET In 1909, Governor General Lord Plunket unveiled the New Zealand Wars Monument (3), and the South African War Memorial (4) followed in 1911, unveiled by
8 www.visit.taranaki.info NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT 9 New Plymouth District Plymouth New
4 Matekai Park 5 Te Henui Cemetery Location: Location: 19 McKellar Street, Ōākura Cnr Lemon Street and Watson Street, New Plymouth Open: all hours Open: all hours
Matekai Park was established in 1980 with Matekai Park boasts a wide range of One of New Plymouth’s hidden gems, Te The cemetery is lovingly tended by subsequent land being purchased to create tree species, including puriri, karaka, Henui Cemetery covers approximately dedicated volunteer gardeners and New a 6.5 hectare area that is a popular link tītoki, pukatea, rewarewa, kahikatea, rimu, 24 acres and boasts an eclectic mix of Plymouth District Council's parks staff, and between Ōākura’s shopping village and the cabbage tree, māpou, lemonwood and plantings designed to provide a year-round is an inner-city sanctuary with a magic beach. kōwhai. The wetland has been identified display. Pōhutukawa, cherry blossom and that is unlike anywhere else. With a five- as an area of national importance by the crabapple trees enhance the city’s oldest star attraction rating on TripAdvisor, and The park provides opportunities for walking Department of Conservation and consists of public cemetery (opened in 1861), and beds featuring in national magazines such as NZ in bush-like settings, and with its large raupō, flax and carex, creating a habitat for of flowers provide colour and vibrancy, Life & Leisure and NZ Gardener while also wetland area and natural open spaces, it a number of rare bird species. attracting native birds and providing a appearing in the Taranaki Garden Festival, gives good views of manu/birds and other home base for the spectacular Monarch this tranquil garden steeped in local history wildlife. A perimeter track is supplemented Over recent decades Matekai Park has butterfly. is a must to explore and enjoy. by three grass paths with rustic bridges that been the focus of an ongoing planting cross the wetland between the upper and programme, which has centred on re- lower tracks. establishing native and introduced trees, which now attract bird life to the reserve. A number of clearings and seats have been established to make the most of the views The Matekai Park loop track can be used to and landscape. walk dogs without a lead and at the upper end of the reserve is a large area of open space used for horse riding activities, with a large parking area.
10 www.visit.taranaki.info NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT 11 New Plymouth District Plymouth New
6 Pukeiti Location: 2290 Carrington Road, New Plymouth
Open: all hours Jane Dove Juneau Jane Dove
Pukeiti is open all day, every day and entry For further information go to is free. It’s owned and managed by the www.pukeiti.nz Taranaki Regional Council.
Te Iringa Track Summit Track To Richardson Walk I 45 minutes to lookout Legend Over seven decades, Pukeiti has built up one of Graham 1 hour Smith the world’s biggest and most diverse collections Walk Rainforest of rhododendrons and other exotics, their rich Rhododendron Collection Swing bridge Rainforest Centre and Lodge Garden colours bursting into life against a backdrop of lush Goudie Walk Lawn The Valley Rhododendron Stroll (35 min) native rainforest. The 360ha property also boasts a Of The Giants White Walk Valley of the GiantsW alk (50 min) great range of free, family-orientated activities and H Ireland Walk Giant Rata Other tracks Lookout walking tracks for all fitness levels. Tracks under development Corrigan Walk Corrigan Walk Rainforest Pukeiti’s giants awaken in July. The enormous G F Way-finding signposts Maxwell Goudie Walk Shelter flower trusses of the large-leaf rhododendrons Large Leaf Walk Rhododendrons Treehouse Patuha Track along The Valley of the Giants Walk contrast Pett son Walk Toilets to swing bridge 1 hour er C with the rainforest foliage. By October, the Hudson Walk
Rhododendron Stroll is aglow with hundreds of Gordo n Walk Ayckbourn Walk Walk vibrant and gorgeous flowers. Explore the secret Matthews Misty Knoll and visit the Keiller Garden to get B Larcom Walk Brewster Walk inspired to grow rhododendrons at your place. Richardson Williams Walk Walk The Rainforest Centre and Vireya Walk give visitors Kynoch Walk Weka F Wetland the chance to enjoy and learn, whatever the weather, Matthews Burns Walk
Walk Waerenga A y Croker Walk c with a state-of-the-art visitor centre, a huge display k bo ur n W of vireya rhododendrons and a treetop lookout alk Misty Knoll D overlooking Pukeiti’s famed waterwheel. Families A Enlargement E Stead Walk can pick up a Treehouse Trail bag and enjoy kid- Cook Walk focused activities as they explore. ENTRY Main Lawn Vireya Walk The modern Rainforest Eatery has stunning views Café Founders Lawn Carrington Rd Rainforest Centre Carpark Keiller over the garden and serves delicious lunches, snacks Bublitz Garden Education Kōkopu Centre and coffee. Open 10am–4pm, the opening days Treehouse vary with the season. October to February, it’s open Assembly Point h every day, March to May, open Wed–Sun and June To New Plymout See enlargement to September, opening days are Fri, Sat and Sun. It’s To Waterwheel Carpark To Pitone Rd 0 50 100m Davies Walk and 45SH Taranaki also open all public holidays except Christmas Day. Waterwheel Scale Regional Council
12 www.visit.taranaki.info NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT 13 New Plymouth District Plymouth New
7 Pukekura Park and Brooklands Location: 10 Fillis Street, New Plymouth
Open: 7.30am–7pm and until 8pm during daylight savings
The garden estate area of Brooklands is Relax by the Main Lake and Band Rotunda includes the Mishima Gate, a traditional the home to the acclaimed TSB Bowl of (12) where you can enjoy refreshments red Japanese torii gate, officially opened by
Brooklands (44), one of the country’s with views of the iconic Wisteria Pergola at Mishima City Council Chairman Mr Hajime
foremost open-air venues. In February 1958 the recently refurbished Teahouse on the Shimura and Deputy Mayor Peter Tennent Pukekura Park is a world-renowned park the natural outdoor amphitheater opened Lake (16), open 9am–4pm daily, except to mark the sister city’s 10th anniversary located in the heart of New Plymouth city. with the first Festival of the Pines event and Christmas Day. in 2001. Beginning its life as a barren and swampy has since been the venue for many iconic valley, it has been shaped into one of the The use of water is a common theme Pukekura Park is also home to The Gables musicians including Paul Simon, Sting, Jack best inner-city parks in New Zealand and is throughout the park including Fountain (31) – the oldest hospital still standing Johnson, Cat Stevens and Elton John. the backdrop for the annual TSB Festival of Lake (5). The fountain was installed in 1954 in New Zealand. Erected in 1848 on Lights – a free spectacular event held from A highlight of a visit to the park is to mark the visit of Queen Elizabeth II, the the current site of New Plymouth Girls’ mid-December to late January. Brooklands Zoo (32), a free, family- year before. It has 14 spray combinations High School, the hospital was built on focused zoo featuring a modern aviary with its main jet reaching 15 metres. Nearby the instructions of Governor Sir George The park covers approximately 52ha and with tropical manu/birds, a mini farmyard is the man-made 10-metre high Waterfall Grey to provide integrated care for Māori contains a diverse range of landscapes, full of playful animals, a close-up view (11). The popular Poet’s Bridge (24) paid and Europeans. In 1904, The Gables was including many plant collections, exotic of swimming and sunbathing otters, for by the generosity of Park Board member purchased by Mary King, wife of Newton specimen trees, formal gardens, lakes and enclosures of cheeky monkeys whose J.T. Davis from winnings on a horse called King, and relocated to its present site. walking trails through native bush. antics will amuse, and other exotic animals. The Poet, crosses the Main Lake, and the The 2000 Year Old Puriri Tree (36), the To mark the opening of the park in 1876 A children’s playground sits at the centre upper lake can be crossed by the Boat largest of its species in New Zealand, sits an oak for Great Britain, a puriri for New of the zoo, complete with a picnic area. Shed Bridge (25). south of the park and is easy to find, as is Zealand, a Norfolk Island pine for the South The zoo is open 9am–5pm daily, except Two gardens were installed to celebrate the historic giant Ginkgo Tree (39) tree Pacific islands and a Monterey pine for Christmas Day. the sister city relationships that the New located down in the valley, slightly north- America were planted on Cannon Hill (14). The park’s Sports Ground (2), which was Plymouth District Council has with Mishima east of the puriri. The park includes the Fernery and a major location for the Tom Cruise movie (Japan) and Kunming (China). Kunming Other popular attractions include Display Houses (19) and is open The Last Samurai, regularly hosts matches Garden (30) is a traditional Chinese Monument Hill (27), and the Chinese 8.30am–4pm daily, except Christmas Day. between regional teams competing in garden created by Chinese craftsmen and Plant Collection (38) as well as the The facility is recognised internationally cricket and football. The grassed terraces local landscapers, featuring a moongate Rhododendron Dell (47), which is fringed by horticulturalists for its house design, provide a bird’s-eye view of the ground. entrance and pavilion connected by a by an impressive mixed grove of tōtara, propagation expertise and consistently Cricket publishers, Wisden, named meandering pathway. The Japanese rimu and kōwhai. high-quality plant displays. Pukekura Park one of the six best grounds in Hillside (6), designed and planted to the world to watch cricket. reflect a typical Japanese hillside forest,
14 www.visit.taranaki.info NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT 15
C O R O N AT I O N AV E N U E S H 3 New Plymouth District Plymouth New
C O R O N AT I O N AV E N U E
Pukekura Park T E E R T S I U N A R A M KEY N
Park Entry / Exit Gates Dogs not and Brooklands permitted Toilets in the L I S T S T R E E T playgrounds, Accessibility Toilets zoo and Parking fernery H I G H L A N D S 0 1 0 0 m I N T E R M E D I AT E Accessibility Parking RACE COURSE S C H O O L Playground
R O G A N S T R E E T Paths & Tracks S TA B L E S Lakes & Streams
38
39 S C O U T GOVER STREET 41 D E N
T E N N I S
T E E R T S T R E B L I G C L U B 37 2 M A S O N D R I V E T E E R T S S I L L I F 36 40 42 4 T E E R T S N H O PJ U 3 43 20 3 T S B S TA D I U M 45 44 21 33
T T E E R T S ATA M I A K S O M E R S E T S T R E E T From 46 T E E R T S L L WA N R O C
34 T E E R T S R E T E X E New Plymouth
19 18 22 City Centre 17 T S LY L E V O L C 2 47 LIARDET STREET 32 1 1 35 23 31
15 16
B
4 R
13 O
O
26 K L 30
14 12 10 A
9 N 5 D
8 25 S
8 24 D 28 R
I V 29 9 27 E 11 7 5 B R O O K L A N D S R O A D C 7 6 A S T R R U R V I C TO R I A R O A D A I T R U B Y K I N G N
N 6 D E L L W G A L T S K W O H AY N O S R
T T
L A N D
S T
Park Entry / Exit Gates 1 Main Gate, Fillis St 2 Rogan St 3 Mason Dr 6 Shortland St 7 Victoria Rd 8 Gilbert St 9 Fillis St 4 Kaimata St 5 Newton King Memorial Gate, Brooklands Dr Points of Interest 1 Main Gate, Sanders Memorial 7 Water Wheel 13 Jubilee Drinking Fountain 19 Fernery and Display Houses 25 Boat Shed Bridge 31 The Gables 37 Upper Maranui Gully 43 Pinetum 2 Sports Ground 8 Palm Lawn 14 Cannon Hill 20 King Fern Gully 26 Upper Lake 32 Brooklands Zoo 38 Chinese Plant Collection 44 Bowl of Brooklands 3 Practice Cricket Wicket 9 Hatchery Lawn 15 Sunken Dell 21 Band Room Lawn 27 Monument Hill 33 Brooklands Chimney 39 Ginkgo Tree 45 Brooklands Stage 4 Bellringer Pavilion 10 Main Lake 16 Teahouse on the Lake 22 Stainton Dell 28 Goodwin Dell 34 Brooklands Lawn 40 Lower Maranui Gully 46 Aotearoa Sculpture 5 Fountain Lake 11 Waterfall 17 Fred Parker Lawn 23 Eastern Hillside 29 Kauri Grove 35 Ambush Gully 41 Scanlan Lookout 47 Rhododendron Dell 6 Japanese Hillside 12 Band Rotunda 18 Curator’s Office 24 Poet’s Bridge 30 Kunming Garden 36 Puriri Tree 42 Bowl Lake
16 www.visit.taranaki.info NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT 17 New Plymouth District Plymouth New
8 Tupare Location: 487 Mangorei Road, Hurworth
Open: all hours
Experience Tūpare's beautifully restored garden and home. Sculpted from a hillside overlooking the Waiwhakaiho River, this is a premier landscaped garden. Tūpare is an Arts and Crafts-inspired property established in 1932 by the Matthews family. It features a Chapman-Taylor house set in grounds with secluded garden rooms, elegant borders and majestic trees. Sir Russell carefully planted stately trees, including magnificent redwoods, which set the atmosphere and framework for the property. He favoured rhododendrons, azaleas and hydrangeas. Deciduous maples, copper beeches and dawn redwoods stand out as the seasons change. The River Flat retains an idyllic pastoral feeling with simple plantings of specimen trees, complemented by the sound of the river. A great spot for family picnics, complete with free gas barbecue in its own shelter. Friends of Tūpare host free tours of the house at 11am, Fri–Mon from October to March. Tūpare is open all day, every day and entry is free. It’s owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council. For further information go to www.tupare.nz.
18 www.visit.taranaki.info NEW PLYMOUTH DISTRICT 19 StratfordDistrict 9 Thomson Arboretum Stratford District Location: Cloten Road, Stratford Open: all hours Located in the heart of Taranaki, Stratford is indelibly linked to its namesake Stratford-upon- Developed in 2001, the arboretum was former Gondwana continent, which Avon, the famous home made possible by a bequest to the formed present day Antarctica, Africa, of William Shakespeare. community from the late Percy Thomson, South America, Australia and New Zealand. a former mayor of Stratford who died in The works of that The arboretum adjoins Windsor Park and 1962. The bequest also funded a virtual town’s favourite son are the Carrington Walkway, covers around herbarium, which can be found at immortalised in Stratford 4000 metres, and a looped path provides an www.taranakiplants.net.nz. through street names, easy walk. parks and the distinctive The arboretum represents the native The arboretum was planned only a few Glockenspiel Clock Tower, flora of New Zealand. This brief has been years ago so it is still very young in terms of which performs passages expanded to illustrate New Zealand’s plant growth. Plantings of rimu, miro and from Romeo and Juliet at ancient connection to the Gondwana native conifers will eventually become a 10am, 1pm, 3pm and 7pm landmass, through links to Australia and patch of rainforest as the trees mature. daily. Chile. A number of plants in the arboretum Stratford is the gateway are the living descendents of those on the to Taranaki Maunga and Egmont National Park, which offers walks and E TO TREET NORTH alpine tramps or a night at BRO DW Y L ET TREET the historic Ngati Ruanui Stratford Mountain House. CLOTE RO D To the east lies the Forgotten World Highway, which takes you on a drive back in time punctuated by the heritage village of Whangamomona.
P Stratford i-SITE Visitor Centre T E R Prospero Pl and Miranda St, Stratford ER Phone: (06) 765 6708 or 0800 765 6708 Email: [email protected] Website: www.stratford.govt.nz
STRATFORD DISTRICT 21 StratfordDistrict 10 King Edward Park Location: Corner Fenton and Portia Streets, Stratford
Open: all hours
Located within easy reach of the town Rhododendron plants from the Exbury Points Of Interest centre, King Edward Park is an ideal Estate in Southampton were planted in 1 Malone Gates 2 McCullough Rhododendron Dell sanctuary to experience countless varieties the 1950s along with seeds from the Royal of plants, mature trees, bird life and fast- Botanic Gardens in Edinburgh. Named flowing mountain streams. after a Parks and Reserves Committee Chairman, Mr Edward Wallace McCullough, To mark the coronation of King Edward VII the McCullough Rhododendron Dell in 1902, a variety of trees and a suspension (2) includes a pond, selections of RE TREET NORTH bridge were planned to span the Pātea rhododendron hybrids, azaleas, hydrangeas River between the Page Street Reserves and and native and exotic shrubs and trees. the town centre. The planted area became known as King Edward’s Park and later the Surrounding the Scout Den, a sloping lawn KEY reserves on both sides of the river were leads to a grassed stage with views of the Carrington Walkway incorporated into the park. Pātea River. To the east is a shaded picnic Three Bridges Trail Clemow Walk OCKEY area. PORT TREET The main access to the park is through the T R historic Malone Gates (1) on the corner of Today, the park encompasses the Stratford Fenton and Portia Streets. The concrete Holiday Park, TSB Swimming Pool Complex, gates were built in 1923 as a tribute to playing fields, netball courts, a children’s Colonel William George Malone, who was playground, and the Centennial Rest Room RD killed at Chunuk Bair in 1915. Nearby, a built in 1949. CO RT commemorative lone pine tree was planted 2 1 in 1968 with a seedling from Gallipoli’s Lone Pine Ridge. ER R E P T M T B POOL E R COMPLE T BRECO RO D T E P TO BRO DW Y OL D Y P RK P E TREET
22 www.visit.taranaki.info STRATFORD DISTRICT 23 StratfordDistrict 11 Prospero Place Location: Broadway, Stratford
Open: all hours
Named after a character in Shakespeare’s This building, whose architectural feature Points Of Interest play The Tempest, Prospero Place is at the is an outline of Taranaki Maunga, became 1 Glockenspiel clock tower 2 Bust of William Shakespeare heart of Stratford’s business district and possible following a bequest from former links the Stratford District and Centennial Stratford mayor Percy Thomson, who died Library and Percy Thomson Art Gallery to in 1962. The building also hosts the i-SITE the main shopping area. and a café. In keeping with the mountain
theme, the landscaping incorporates alpine BRO DW Y Once a large gully with a stream running planting. NORTH through it, the area was purchased in the 1950s to enable the development of The paving has also been upgraded, with a shopping mall. Though the idea never specimen trees and the existing gardens eventuated, pedestrians began using and lawn area revamped to create an the area as a walkway, and in the late informal enclosed space in the centre of the 1950s a formal pedestrian route had been business district. This area has now become developed. a focal point of the town with street market days, Taranaki Garden Festival events and L BR RY Prospero Place has reflected the changing 1 outdoor exhibitions. face of Stratford – from concrete planters and raised gardens in the 1970s to the Across Broadway stands New Zealand’s brown timber painted fences and tile-edged only glockenspiel clock tower (1), which 2 lawns of the 1990s. In 2016 the library plays a five-minute sequence from Romeo received a $1 million redevelopment and and Juliet, and on occasion in Te Reo M R D TREET upgrade, and in 2002 Prospero Place was Māori. Overlooking Prospero Place is a chosen as the site of the Percy Thomson bust of William Shakespeare (2), further C E Art Gallery. linking Stratford-on-Pātea to its namesake Stratford-on-Avon.
PERCY T OM O RT LLERY
24 www.visit.taranaki.info STRATFORD DISTRICT 25 StratfordDistrict 12 Victoria Park Location: Orlando Street, Stratford
Open: all hours
Dating back to 1885, Victoria Park gained its A poignant reminder of the sacrifice made Points Of Interest name and many of its trees in 1897, when by Stratford’s young men in the Great War 1 Central lake 3 Rhododendrons and flowering £5 was spent on the purchase stands at the corner of Fenton and Orlando 2 Victoria Park Memorial Gates cherry trees and planting of trees to commemorate Streets in the form of the Victoria Park 60 years of reign by Queen Victoria. Memorial Gates (2), unveiled on ANZAC Day 1926. From its early days, Victoria Park has hosted organised sport – it is home to Stratford’s In 1997, the Fenton Street boundary was
rugby, cricket, amateur athletics and planted in rhododendrons and flowering NORTH croquet clubs. cherry trees (3). Now mature, these trees and shrubs give an attractive spring display The park is divided by a central lake (1), of colour each year. formed by a natural creek and originally developed as a perch pond. The lake A playground and skate park are popular was once used by anglers, boaters and features of the park. swimmers before becoming a refuge for waterfowl. A well-established walking track follows the lake edge through native plantings and offers many seats for picnics 1 and reflection.
3 2
TO BRO DW Y
26 www.visit.taranaki.info STRATFORD DISTRICT 27 StratfordDistrict 13 Windsor Park Location: Cloten Road, Stratford
Open: all hours
Located on the bank of the Pātea River, Featuring an “island” of three giant Points Of Interest this small park gets its name from miro trees and other natives, along with 1 Riverbank beach Shakespeare’s play The Merry Wives of plantings of exotic trees, this park is Windsor. Gently sloping towards the river, frequently seen in the background of local and shaded by established trees, Windsor wedding photos. E TO TREET Park offers a tranquil escape. Sunny grassed Windsor Park once included a pathway areas can also be found and there are many under the rail bridge to Broadway, marked picnic spots. by several large magnolias, which now NORTH In the 1880s, E Burgess and Sons forms part of the Carrington Walkway.
established the Stratford Sash and Door TO BRO DW Y One of the park’s highlights include Company on the site, which included a standing on the stony riverbank beach (1) tunnel to divert the Pātea River to a water L ET TREET while looking for fish in the river as they wheel powering the factory. Adjacent to this travel downstream. was Johnston’s Aerated Cordial factory.
The park was created in the 1930s by a CLOTE RO D group of locals with a vision of a riverbank garden.
1
ER PATEA RIV
28 www.visit.taranaki.info STRATFORD DISTRICT 29 South Taranaki South District
14 Goodson Dell South Taranaki District Location: Corner Cameron and High Streets, Hāwera
South Taranaki spans a Open: all hours large portion of the region, from Ōkato on the coast, around the mountain Originally part of the home garden of four walking friends from the Hāwera to Eltham and south to community leader and farmer Charles Women’s Club – known as the Goodson Waitotara. At the heart of Goodson, the Dell was first developed as a Guerrillas – decided to do something about this lush dairying district is swimming pool by damming a small spring. it. Together the group created the gorgeous the main centre of Hāwera, The swimming hole was lined by tidy Goodson Dell. concrete steps (1), and a bridge stretched a town with a rich history This park offers many pleasant over the spot where many Hāwera children and an impressive array of opportunities to sit and enjoy the pretty learnt to swim and paddle a boat. The Dell’s attractions and facilities. vistas the Guerrillas have developed trees, many of which are over 100 years old, and enhanced. There is also a chance of The district boasts some include a magnificent Swamp Cypress. of the best tramping, meeting one of them spending an hour or fishing and surfing in New Over the years, the garden has been divided two weeding or pruning, perhaps adding a Zealand, and is home to and sold. The swimming hole was drained seedling or two and ensuring the Goodson the remarkable Tawhiti and the garden fell into rack and ruin until Dell is picture-perfect for future generations. Museum, regarded as the Points Of Interest best private museum in the country. The towns of 1 Steps South Taranaki offer friendly communities, cosy cafés and a delightfully eclectic array TO WER CBD TREET of shops, studios, parks and NORTH gardens.
1
C MERO TREET South Taranaki i-SITE Visitor Centre 55 High Street, Hāwera
Phone: (06) 278 8599 TO Email: [email protected] Website: www.southtaranaki.com
Rob Tucker Rob SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT 31 South Taranaki South District
15 Hollard Gardens Location: 1686 Upper Manaia Road, Kaponga
Open: 9am–5pm (winter hours) 9am–8pm (daylight saving hours)
Established in the fertile rural landscape south of Taranaki Maunga by renowned plantsman Bernie Hollard in the 1920s, this property boasts a plant collection of national importance. It features many rhododendrons and unusual plants, and offers delightful contrasts. The vibrant colour of The Swamp is a must-see in spring. Later in the year, deciduous trees give a bright display of changing colours. Year-round, the garden buzzes with the sound of insects and manu/birds feeding on the diversity of seasonal flowers, fruit and seeds. The family corner has an inspiring children’s playground and there are free gas barbecues. Also check out Bernie’s Home Garden where different food-growing methods are demonstrated and popular workshops are held. Hollard Gardens is open all day, every day and entry is free. It’s owned and managed by the Taranaki Regional Council. For further information go to www.hollardgardens.nz.
32 www.visit.taranaki.info SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT 33 South Taranaki South District
16 King Edward Park Location: High Street, Hāwera
Open: all hours
King Edward Park offers pleasant picnic pond that reflects surrounding trees and floral the park’s observatory (5), which began piece to the statue of Peter Pan in spots in tranquil locations, spectacular borders, and is home to many ducks and the life as a band rotunda over a tea kiosk, were London’s Kensington Gardens and has floral borders and rose gardens, dramatic occasional model yacht or power boat. both installed in 1912. been in place since 1951. seasonal changes and a wide range of The park gates (2) were erected to mark A unique feature is the Wendy Statue Built by the local Lions Club the pirate ship amenities and attractions. Commissioned the Hāwera Industrial Exhibition of 1904 (6), created in England to commemorate and tree fort (7) continue the Peter Pan in 1875 and opened in 1902, the park and the District’s troops lost in the South Hāwera mayor James Campbell, who died theme and offer a popular playground. commemorates the coronation of King African War. The statue of pioneer farmer in office. The sculpture is the companion Edward VII. The two oak trees standing near Albert Arthur Fantham (3) has surveyed Points Of Interest the main entrance were planted during the 4 Old naval cannon the park for a century. opening ceremony. 1 Model boating lake 5 Park observatory Constructed in 1851, the old naval cannon 2 Park gates Intended to showcase plants suited to the 6 Wendy statue (4), which never fired a shot in anger, and South Taranaki environment, the park has 3 Albert Arthur Fantham statue 7 Pirate ship been designed around a formal base of two STAN LAY intersecting avenues. ENTRANCE
Championed by community leader and RO D C MBERWELL horticultural enthusiast Charles Goodson, 5
W RO D 1 many of the specimen trees and plants 7 he introduced still remain today, notably 3 the tōtara hedge planted in 1905, along 4 WEDDING GARDEN with extensive daffodil beds, of which he ROSE GARDEN was a noted breeder, and scented Luculia, 6 a species he introduced to New Zealand. 2 After his death, the Hāwera Horticultural Society created the Goodson Memorial
Garden, which offers spectacularly colourful TREET rhododendrons and azaleas. THE Equally spectacular is the park’s model VICTORIA NORTH CROSS boating lake (1), an expansive man-made GARDEN
34 www.visit.taranaki.info SOUTH TARANAKI DISTRICT 35 South Taranaki South District
17 Naumai Park Location: Gladstone Street, Hāwera
Open: all hours
Renowned as a goblin park and a of native plants and impressive stone walls, Points Of Interest native plant park, Naumai Park offers the waterfall (2), which operates through 1 Kauri grove 3 Summerhouse an overwhelming sense of being in an a re-circulating pump in the upper lake, 2 Waterfall 4 Ornamental gates untouched native bush environment. and the whare-like summerhouse (3), built in the 1940s and decorated with a striking Formerly known as the Horse Paddock, mural. Yarrow Park, Miro Park and East End Park, it was officially named Naumai Park in 1926. The ornamental gates (4), from the Despite its largely native plant content, original Hāwera Hospital, were donated Naumai Park is not a natural feature of to the park in 1932. NORTH the Hāwera landscape, but a man-made The park provides a popular summer picnic transformation of a former dump site, STEPS destination, though its tall trees limit the created by a group of dedicated volunteers number of sunny spots at other times of the in the 1920s. year. The park has also been used to stage Developed around a central core of three both theatrical and musical events and 2 small lakes (the upper of which has been recently provided a film set for the movie 1 abandoned), Naumai Park contains several Predicament based on the book by Hāwera notable features. These include the 1927 author Ronald Hugh Morrieson. Kauri grove (1), a comprehensive collection SEAT