This page contains information about the two main public gardens in the Whangarei city centre named after prominent people.
Updated:
17/05/2012 8:35 a.m.
Laurie Hall Park
Laurie Hall Park is a central city park, which features a man-made waterfall and a spectacular hillside of floral gardens. There are open grassy areas for picnics, games, seating and a childrens playground. A car park is adjacent and the park opens onto Bank Street by a flight of steps.
The park is named after Laurie Hall who was the town clerk in Whangarei for 15 years, and a tireless civic worker. He received an MBE in 1964 at the age of 44. He was actively involved in the Hora Hora school committee, Whangarei Girls High School PTA and Rotary prior to his untimely death at the age of 49.
Cafler Park
Cafler Park is one of the best known parks in the central city. The park can be accessed from Water Street, from the city end of First Avenue or from the Forum North carpark.
The park is named after the Cafler family. Edward Eugene Cafler, born in France 1797, served in the battle of Waterloo and after many adventures around the world, settled in Whangarei in 1855. He was an enterprising businessman who built a majestic home near what is today the Town Basin, and later a cottage in the vicinity of the park. Cafler built Whangarei’s first hotel, first store and first post office. He died in 1893 at the age of 95.
Within the park are the city's rose gardens and numerous sculptures, manicured laws and well kept flower gardens. The Waiarohia River is on its western boundary. The park also contains the citys Art Museum.
Across the river is the citys unique Conservatory and Fernery, which has colourful displays of subtropical flowers and houses containing cool, green ferns and filmy ferns.