Reflecting in Oamaru Public Gardens

The light down the south coast of New Zealand is glorious in May. It is the best time to go for Autumn’s deep colours, nature’s majesty and that hypnotic chiaroscuro that precedes the depths of winter. The nights are chilly and the mornings frosty, then the days open up splendidly. A leisurely walk through Oamaru’s public gardens is one of the highlights of this wonderful town. It’s a place of reflection for some: for the energetic, it’s a place to run: for children and the young at heart, it’s a fairyland, with sculpted mushroom tables and chairs, hidden stone grottos, and mysterious dark places to explore. It is also a place to consider the foresight of Victorian planners, who, in 1858, set aside 34 acres as a public reserve. Oamaru Gardens opened on this site in 1876, making it one of the oldest in the country.

Some highlights of the gardens include the Japanese Red Bridge, the Oriental Garden, the Fragrant Garden and the large trees around the band rotunda. Details from the Victorian era can be seen everywhere – a sundial, croquet lawns, a wishing well, an aviary and a peacock house.

Oamaru public gardens, South Island, New Zealand
Oamaru public Gardens
Oamaru public Gardens
Oamaru public Gardens
Oamaru public Gardens
Oamaru public Gardens
Oamaru public Gardens
Oamaru public Gardens
Oamaru public Gardens
Oamaru public Gardens

 

 

20 thoughts on “Reflecting in Oamaru Public Gardens”

  7. Pingback: Reflecting: Ice-cream Man | What's (in) the picture?

  8. What a lovely story and very timely as we are planning our October holiday in the South Island at present. Omaru was already on the list after your Steampunk post but this is just another reason to visit.

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