Government Gardens
A garden that has been planned over time is one way of describing the Government Gardens in Rotorua. Once covered in native plants like manuka, kanuka and mingimingi, it now boasts a combination of native and exotic plants, buildings, man-made ponds, geothermal areas, a gardeners cottage, monuments and a sculpture trail. This huge garden covers approximately 48 hectares of land, has a strong link to local Maori and is a historical landmark. Originally known as Paepaehakumana, it was the site of several significant battles. Now visitors can admire the rose gardens and sit in the shelter of the pavilion or watch a game of bowls.
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| Government Gardens 2017. Kete Rotorua. Photograph by Alison Leigh |
Kuirau Park
Kuirau Park is another stunning area that features a large beautiful geothermal pool. It covers 50 acreas and was gifted by Ngati Whakaue. In 1930 it became a permanent recreational reserve and was developed from a swampy scrub covered area to what it is now. Today the park is made up of an Aquatic Center, sports fields, parkland and geothermal areas.
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| Toot & Whistle Train at Kuirau Park, Rotorua. Kete Rotorua. |
Inner City Beauty
Throughout Rotorua's Central Business District there are stunning displays of colour and art that draw the eye. The city gardens are maintained by a dedicated team from Rotorua Lakes Council and are scheduled for regular change. These inner city gardens also feature in some events such as the Tulip festival which is run annually and organised by 'The Inner City of Rotorua' group. During the festival, the group showcases gardens and celebrates spring by showing over 40,000 tulips.
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| Tulip Festival 2014, Arawa Street. Kete Rotorua. Photograph by Alison Leigh. |
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| Tulip Festival 2014, Lakefront Rotorua. Kete Rotorua. Photograph by Alison Leigh |
Garden Features
The orchid gardens (now part of the Tamaki Village Gardens) once boasted a spectacular 'Water Organ' which was installed in 1988. The parts for the organ or fountain were made in West Germany, and fully assembled stood at 12 metres by 2 metres. The organ played every hour for 20 minutes at a time.
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| Water Organ at The Orchid Gardens. Rotorua Daily Post 1988, Rotorua Library Newspaper Collection. |
In 1995, the Annand family found a Kaka in their garden. It was only the second to have been seen in the area in 30 years.
Do you have photos and memories of a garden? How about sharing them on Kete Rotorua. Please contact Alison Leigh at Rotorua Library on 351-7025.
This post has been compiled with information sourced from the Rotorua Library's newspaper collection and Kete Rotorua, and written by Ani.
