Victoria Park
Victoria Park is set in 6.8 hectares of beautifully maintained grounds in the heart of Waimate township. The park is the perfect spot for families to enjoy the outdoors. Walk amongst the beautiful gardens and established trees (a great place for a fish n’chip tea or picnic). Visit the animal enclosures where you can view the large bird aviary or wallaby enclosure. Play disc golf course or burn off some energy in the modern playground.
Keep an eye out for the colourful Waimate rocks hidden around the park, there are also geocache sites throughout. There is a scented garden for the blind, it's situated over by the sundial and is planted with strong scented plants including Jasmine and Azaleas. The velodrome at the park is used by skaters and cyclists and is the site for the annual Caledonian Games which are held in January.
Address: Naylor Street, Waimate
Phone: 03 689 0000 or 0274 392 759
History
The park area was set aside for recreational purposes in 1881, soon after the proclamation of the Borough in 1879.
The construction of a banked cycling track was authorised in February 1891, the oval within the track was levelled and sown in fine grass and the outer area planted in oaks and other English trees. The track and oval have its greatest use on the day of the Caledonian Society's annual games and dancing, and with the formation of the Amateur Athletic Association in the 1920's athletic events have continued to this day.
With the onset of the financial depression of the thirties and the availability of subsidised labour to the Borough Council, it was decided to make a curator's house.
Additions to the park at intervals were the aviary (presented by Mr A Richards of Waihao Downs), the animal closure, the bowling green and pavilion. The original glass house was presented by Dr Galway, an eminent musician from Dunedin who retired in Waimate. The latter glass house has been rebuilt and enlarged and is now called the 'Alex McRae Show House' as a mark of appreciation of his long term service as mayor.