New Zealand Walk: Virginia Lake Reserve once a town water supply
ABy Judy Eva t the time of the European settlement in the mid- 19th century the Virginia Lake Scenic Reserve in Wanganui was known as Rotokawau.
It was part of Virginia Farm owned by the Hair family and after prolonged negotiations in the 1870s was acquired by the then Wanganui (before the name was changed to Whanganui) Council as a water supply for the town.
Better sources of water were subsequently provided by Westmere Lake and the Okehu Dam. The council organised a design competition for the reserve in 1903 and with the assistance of many volunteers and local residents the winning design was implemented in stages by the Wanganui Beautifying Society.
The reserve is 18.51 hectares (45 acres) in area with access from six points surrounding it in the suburbs of St Johns Hill.
There are many features to marvel at on this beautiful reserve. The Tainui Statue, commissioned by the Wanganui Historical Society as a memorial to one of it’s life members, and the Peter Pan Statue crafted by the renowned English sculptor Cecil Thomas, the Band Rotunda erected in 1912.
The Leapfrog Statue the work of Hamish Horsley and commissioned in 1984, the Pura McGregor Memorial a decorated Maori canoe, the Winter Gardens an art deco styled conservatory with flowers, ferns, water features, tropical plants and themed gardens are features worth visiting.
The Higginbottom Fountain funded by local philanthropist Percy Higgenbottom is a unique structure in the shape of a large water lily when fully lit up at night is worth a visit.
A Gazebo at the southern corner of the lake on top of the original water pump house and a free flight Aviary, that was opened in 1979, are a favourite with both children and adults.
I started my walk at the main entrance to the lake off the State Highway 3 at the car park on the south side of the Whanganui Township by the delightful little café walking clockwise along and around the lake.
There are numerous tracks at different levels going off at different points into exits and entrances to the park. I more or less kept to the main track closest to the lake as it was the best point to view the wildlife and fauna and I wasn’t disappointed.
There are numerous amounts of friendly ducks, geese not so friendly and wild fowl, and I was intrigued with the friendly white swans gliding slowly and gracefully along through the calm water.
Being used to only seeing the black swan in New Zealand it was a unique experience to stumble across the white ones. Further around the lake I came across a group of geese with young ones trailing along behind, and muscovy ducks sleeping peacefully on the grassy bank. There are plenty of seats for those who wish to relax and enjoy the lake and its inhabitants.
There are boardwalks situated at various points, some meandering through little pockets of bush and different areas of interest as I made my way around the lake and some delightful
rustic little bridges.
The Wanganui Beautifying Society with the assistance of many volunteers and local residents have made this delightful reserve into a most charming and enjoying stroll and with the added interest and display of many of its features and attractions is a bonus. After having completed the circle and heading back across the grassy hill area to the main car park expect to be accosted by many ducks and geese surrounding you and hoping for tid bits. I felt a bit like the pied piper as they trailed along behind and beside me hoping for treats. Be careful where you tread as the grass is littered with bird droppings.
The delightful café alongside the Winter Gardens is worth a visit and was once the former park manager’s house. There are brochures available with information on all the attractions in the café, also toilets for those in need.
I found this walk a delightful experience and considering I had passed along it on the main highway many times and had never stopped to take the time to explore it I am glad I did so at long last. This reserve is a hidden beauty a lot of which is it not seen from the road.
Estimated time to do the complete circuit is probably 40 minutes sticking to the bottom main track. That time does not take in exploring the other tracks. I took about 1 hour 30 minutes taking photographs and just enjoying the beauty. Next time I pass the Virginia Lake on my way south I will be sure to enjoy the experience once again.