Nelsons Gardens

Stroll some of Nelsons many gardens our city comes alive with colour each year

Queens Garden

The Queens Gardens are a beautiful example of a classical Victorian ornamental park and are centrally located on Bridge Street east of Collingwood before reaching the new Normanby Bridge.

opened in 1892 to celebrate the Jubilee of Queen Victoria the Queens Gardens were designed around the residual part of the Maitai River called the Eel Pond – a food gathering place for the Maori.

The first European settlers used the land where the Gardens now exist as a meat market (abattoir) until the 1880s. In 1887 the area was dedicated the 'Queens Gardens' and the following year a competition was held for its design. Mr Antequil Somerville won the competition and began design work right away. In the early 20th century, the Memorial Gates and the Boer War Memorial were added.

The Gardens are inspired by an intimate, Victorian garden. They reflect the growth and development of the city. Visitors will find a diverse plant and Notable Tree collection and also a place for social and civic gatherings, public relaxation and enjoyment.

Stroll around and enjoy the park’s sculptures, which include The Cupid Fountain, the Water Wheel, the Boer War memorial, Sentinel and fine memorial gates at both main entrances.

Miyazu Garden

The Miyazu Gardens are little slice of Japan offering a quiet place for a stroll or a spot of contemplation.

The Gardens celebrate Nelson's relationship with its Japanese sister city. As soon as you walk through the gate made from old timber recycled from the port, the street noise is screened out with an immediate feeling of enclosure. Still reflective ponds, trickling bamboo spouts and melodic cascades enhance the sense of serenity. Doing a circuit of the garden from the entrance you come first to the Dragon Pond, overhung by Jim's Pine, a weathered and windswept 30 year old bonsai.

Isel Park

A woodland garden incorporating trees planted as early as 1845.

Isel Park contains many remarkable trees as you stroll through the park discover the heritage woodland that bursts alive in a glorious show in spring, provides cool restful spaces in summer and celebrates autumn with a riot of colour.

 

 

Isel Park was part of the land purchased by early settler Thomas Marsden. His property was bounded by Songer Street , Main Road Stoke, Arapiki Road and extended up into what is now known as 

Marsden Valley. Marsden and his wife Mary eventually built their home where Isel House now stands. Thomas and his son James commenced a series of plantings from 1845-1865, some of which can be seen today. Isel Park is famous for containing one of the oldest stands of mixed conifers and other exotic trees in New Zealand.

 

BroadGreen Historic House & Rose Gardens

Extensive grounds including the Samuels Rose Garden. (1855)

One of Nelson's oldest residential buildings, Broadgreen House is located at 276 Nayland Road Stoke. The charming cob cottage was built in 1855 for Mr and Mrs Edmund Buxton, and their six daughters. In 1855 Mr Buxton, originally from Derbyshire, founded the firm 'E. Buxton & Co. Merchants' in Nelson which sold "everything from firearms to sausage skins". His house was built on the 100 acre property he bought in Stoke, Nelson in 1854.  

The Samuels Rose Garden is the biggest rose garden in Nelson, with approximately 3,000 plants. The impressive collection includes around 560 named varieties. Beds are replanted on a regular basis. 






 

Anzac Park

ANZAC Park is located between Haven Road and Rutherford Street just off Halifax and recognizes Nelson's contribution to world wars with the iconic ANZAC Park Cenotaph that memorialises those who gave their life in service.

Following World War 1 (1914 - 1918) the reserve was dedicated to soldiers from New Zealand and Australia who had been lost in wars, and named ANZAC Park - after the Australia New Zealand Army Corps.

During this time the Canary Island palms, which give the park its unique style, were planted. Approx 1954 new storm water drains were laid, and the park was cut up in a major way. A new layout was created which led to the present-day design of the park.