Parks and
reserves
Free family fun.
Waimate’s parks and reserves are easy places to spend time.
Bring the kids to the playground, walk the dog, throw down a picnic blanket or head out for a wander under the trees. Some are right in town, others just a few minutes away.
Knottingley Park and Arboretum
Just 2km from town, Knottingley Park and Arboretum is a peaceful 36-hectare park filled with mature exotic trees.
It has a campground with powered and non-powered sites (and it’s pet friendly), a playground and picnic area, and a flat loop track popular for walking, biking and dog walking. The park is also home to Waimate’s 18-basket disc golf course, and an orienteering course - both wind through the arboretum.
An equestrian cross-country course runs through the park and is managed by the Waimate Pony Club.
Dogs allowed off-leash, except in campgrounds/play areas
Address: Waihao Back Road, Waimate
Knottingley Park and Arboretum
Seddon Square
Right in the middle of Waimate, Seddon Square is a lovely reserve to sit for a while - stretch out on the grass, enjoy a picnic, or watch the town go by from the rounda.
The square dates back to Edwardian era, with beautiful old gates. The band rotunda opened in 1911, while the Māori house shelter was built for Waimate’s 50th jubilee in 1929. You’ll also find the statue of Dr Margaret Cruickshank, who died caring for patients during the 1918 flu epidemic.
The Waimate tennis courts sit alongside the square, so does the Library and Information Centre.
In December it fills with people for Strawberry Fare and Christmas in the Park, while through the year it’s also home to the Saturday Community Market and the finish point for the Christmas Parade.
Dogs aren’t allowed here.
Address: Queen Street, Waimate.
Victoria Park
A five-minute walk from the centre of Waimate.
Victoria Park is a great place to go for a walk, have a picnic, and use the multiple sporting facilities including netball courts, a velodrome, and outdoor bowls.
There’s also a great playground designed by kids for kids, a bird aviary and a wallaby enclosure. A 9-hole disc golf course is a must-do. The velodrome is used by national and international cyclists and skaters, as well as the local athletics club. There is a scented garden for the blind here, and a small glasshouse featuring sub-tropical plants. The campground onsite is a great place for families.
Dogs allowed on leash, excluding play/sport areas
Address: Tennant Street, Waimate
Victoria Park
Waimate Dog and Agility Park
The place to take your dog to play, exercise or socialise with other dogs.
Enjoy the fully fenced one acre site beside the Southern Canterbury A&P Association grounds with your furry friend.
Open daily from 8am to 6pm. Donations welcome.
Address: 46 Hakataramea Highway, Waimate
Wainono Lagoon
A ten-minute dive from Waimate, Wainono Lagoon is on the coast near SH1 and enjoy a walk, bird-watching, and beautiful views inland to the Hunters Hills.
The lagoon covers 350 hectares. It is a conservation area managed by DOC and provides habitat for some 57 different bird species, many resident and others migratory.
The car park and walking track entry is opposite Nosh Cafe.
William Boland Park
Next to the Norman Kirk Memorial Swimming Pool, it’s a wonderful place to bring your kids for a play date.
There's a skateboard park, swings, rope climbing, and the pool to explore. Just behind the pool is a fun BMX track where the dare devils can catch some air!
It’s also the starting point for The Waimate Trail for a lot of people.
Rotary raised funds for exercise equipment, and the Lions Foundation funded the benches where you can sit and relax.
Dogs aren’t allowed here.
Address: Queen Street, Waimate