New Zealand Walk: Audrey Gale Reserve beautiful in all seasons
Tucked away at the bottom of a hill is a delightful 5 acre reserve probably not that well known if you don’t live in New Plymouth.
It is a very popular for dog lovers, walkers, swimming, picnicking, rock climbing, and paddling. There is also spread around the park nets on stands for those that wish to play a game called disc golf.
Audrey Gale is a large park located beside the Waiwhakaiho
River. Audrey Gale was involved in local politics. She was the first woman to chair a committee of the New Plymouth City Council on which she served from 1956 to 1977.
As chair of Parks and Reserves (1965 to 1977) she made a marked impression on the city. She became president (1966) and a life member of the N.Z. Institute of Parks and Recreation Administration in New Plymouth and in 1989 this New Plymouth Park (formally known as Merrilands Domain) where she swam and played as a child was renamed after her. She died on the 27th July 1992.
The New Plymouth Borough water supply scheme was opened in 1883. It consisted of a weir (now removed) on the southern end of the Domain.
A concrete and earth water race then led 4-500 metres downstream to a pumping station which lifted the water to the circular concrete reservoir on what is now the playing field of the park. The concrete remains of the pumping station was unfortunately damaged by contractors working in the area in the 1980’s
The large picnic area in the domain was called the Old Water
Above left: Part of the domain. Below right: One of the walks along the river.
Works Reserve until 1989 when its name was changed to Audrey Gale.
Some evidence of the old water works can be found tucked away in the far east corner of the park. When first commissioned in 1883 the works pumped enough from the Waiwhakaiho River to service the fast growing town of New Plymouth.
Take in the beauty of this amazing park and native bush in a riverside setting.
There are two barbecue areas with purpose built fire places and summer houses, ideal for summer picnics. You must supply your own wood. There are also toilets.
This delightful park has open areas for dogs and children to play in and lovely old bush walks for those that prefer such. There are many little tracks leading to different parts of the park, some beside the river.
There are signposts in the park warning of certain dangers such as the river which is quite often flowing fast and dangerous depending on the weather.
There is a large parking area overlooking the river where there are little areas for paddling.
In all and all this park has something for everyone.
It is the winter when my sister and I walked through it, and it is beautiful in all seasons.
If you are visiting New Plymouth it is a delightful peaceful place for short walks.
The reserve is situated on Mangorei Road opposite Smith Road. The entrance is by the Merrilands Domain Sports Club buildings and sports ground. It is signposted from the entrance on the footpath.
The walk takes about an hour but longer if you wish to linger and spend more time.