King Edward Park
★★★★★
Begun in 1902, to a design by surveyor / engineer Henry Climie, King Edward Park is based around two intersecting grassed avenues. Planned for promenading, the park was also intended to be a source of inspiration for local gardeners, exhibiting collections of plants suitable for growing in the town and surrounding district. Remnants of the collection theme can be seen in the 15 varieties of hedge plant used across the park, the spring displays of daffodils and the heritage and modern rose gardens.
The park features several significant items of memorabilia; historic wrought iron gates, a marble statue of pioneering farmer Arthur Fantham and a bronze statue of Wendy, the companion piece to the Peter Pan in London’s Kensington garden. A purpose built model boating lake hosts an annual little ships regatta and the former tea kiosk and band rotunda is now Hawera’s observatory.
A 150 year old cannon has long been a favourite toy for children in the park along with a pirate ship and fort. Modern play equipment caters for toddlers and younger children, while seats, tables and an electric barbecue make the park a popular picnic venue.
As a public facility this park has no specific “best season to visit.” Winter sees Magnolias in bloom and festoons an aged Tawa with overwintering monarch butterflies, spring shows off the Azalea and Rhododendron collections, summer and autumn the rose gardens and annual borders. For 365 days a year, King Edward Park is truly a garden for all seasons.
King Edward Park is managed by the South Taranaki District Council.
Facilities and Amenities
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Children welcome
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Open throughout the year
Entry is free
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North
0.5k north of Hawera town centre, with the main park gates on the corner of Camberwell Rd and High Street
Closest access to;
- Public toilets and children's play ground via upper High Street
- Boating lake via Waihi Road
- Oriental garden via Camberwell Rd
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Physical Address: Upper High Street, Hawera
Phone: 06 2780555
Email: contact@stdc.govt.nz
Website: http://southtaranaki.com
