Parks in Auckland

Western Park

Ponsonby Road/Beresford St, Freemans Bay

Dating back to the mid-19th century, Western Park is one of the city's most distinguished open spaces. The park falls away from the Te Rimu Tahi (the lone Rimu tree) ridge. Orea (eels) were caught from the Tuna Mau stream, that once flowed through the centre of the park out to Waiatarau - Freemans Bay. The original park consisted of a coffin-shaped wedge extending from Ponsonby Road to Beresford Street, with access to the park being gained from a very narrow Ponsonby Road frontage.

In 1873, the council put forward the considerable sum of ten guineas as prize money for the best new park design, and 11 different concepts were submitted. The winners were Messrs Hammond and Blackmore with an intricate design entitled 'Lily of the Valley'. The new park was finished, and in 1874 the City Parks Committee noted that "the committee have caused upwards of 1100 deciduous and coniferous trees of the choicest kind to be planted in the park."

The park was vested to the City Council in 1875 and in 1897 the Auckland Star reported that the city had followed the example of 'the civilised world' when the park was officially opened.

Recent tree planting and improvement work followed the original 'Lily of the Valley' design and has strengthened the parks initial plan. Several distinctive sculptures have been added on the Ponsonby Road frontage created by sculptor John Radford. The three works represent buildings that once stood in Auckland. There is also some sophisticated park furniture created by local artist and silversmith Matthew von Sturmer, with a hint of art nouveau.

Access to the park, and a viewing platform looking to the harbour, have been built at Hopetoun Street.

Click here for more information about Western Park and its facilities.