Parks, Reserves and Gardens

There are more than 100 Council maintained, parks, gardens and reserves across the South Taranaki District. They range from street corner gardens to popular community play grounds and pocket parks, from the idyllic scenic reserves at lakes Rotorangi and Rotokare, to dramatic beach front esplanades along the Tasman Coast and Surf Highway 45.

All of South Taranaki’s urban communities are well served with play grounds and sports facilities and several contain parks and walkways deserving of a visitor’s attention. Notable among these are the three main parks in Hāwera’s portfolio, King Edward and Naumai Parks and Goodson Dell, while in nearby Eltham, Stark and Bridger Park’s link together to provide a charming and restful centrepiece to a town increasingly recognised for its unique history and historic buildings.

King Edward Park

Entrances on High Street, Waihi Road and the corner of Camberwell and High Streets (Hāwera) welcome you into a large spacious park currently under redesign but featuring well established trees, lake, camellia and rose gardens. Childrens’ playground and clean public toilets available.

For more detailed information about King Edward Park click here.

Naumai Park

Some call it the goblin park, others a native plant park. But situated at the southern end of Hāwera’s High Street, Naumai Park, which offers an overwhelming sense of being a “natural” native bush environment, is lauded by most visitors as a gem.

Hollard Gardens (Kaponga)

Hidden paths, expansive lawns and swamp gardens are all part of the wonderful showcase of colour and horticultural drama that is Hollard Gardens. This garden of National Significance features an extensive collection of trees, rhododendrons, shrubs and perennials gathered over the past 77 years. Interesting all year round, the garden is most colourful from September until late November when many plants, especially the rhododendrons, are in flower. Hollard Gardens is open daily 9am – 5pm (except Christmas day) and admission is free.

For more information go to www.trc.govt.nz/hollard-home/

Goodson Dell

Situated on the corner of High Street and Cameron Street (Hawera), Goodson Dell is a tranquil, woodland setting offering a picturesque walk among native and exotic trees and plants.

Bridger Park

Bridger Park Lane, Eltham. The park behind the CBD is a natural amphitheatre; it has a picnic area and a bush walk through to Stanners Street. The children’s toy wall, created by the late Fay Young, is adjacent to the park.