'The gardens'
The 10 acres of gardens which lead down to the harbours edge were landscaped by Chris Parker back in 1976. Originally planted for year round interest with a large number of camelias and magnolias these provide spectacular winter blooms. A large number of ponds provide a haven for the bird life but also contain water lillies and fountains. There are several themed areas including the conifer gardens, silver gardens, azalea, and a rose garden. There is no shortage of mature trees including oak and elm, gums and conifer, birch and maple and of course the lovely golden willows. Winter 2006 and 2008 saw new plantings of Red Maple, Liquid Amber, Black Alder, River Birch, Pond Cypress, Pin Oak and Red Wood. Harbour access can be found at the end of the gardens with an area of salt marsh. The wetlands are home to a number of different bird life including a colony of shags and a small number royal spoonbill.
Kotuku symbolising everything that is rare and beautiful