TOP SIGHTS ON THE THREE GARDENS NELSON CITY WALK
Heritage buffs, garden lovers indulge in an intimate exploration of Nelson.
Church Hill Gardens have a commanding position at the top of Trafalgar Street with the Anglican Christ Church Cathedral as a centrepoint in the garden. Look for interpretive panels behind the cathedral and alongside the steps point out trees and historic features.
THREE GARDENS WALK, NELSON CITY
Church Hill Garden, Hallowell Cemetery, Fairfield park, Queens Garden
3.7 km easy stroll on Nelson city pavements
WALKING DISTANCE: 3.7 km
CAMERA STOP: 15 and counting
Best time to go: Spring (November) to Autumn (mid-March)
Selfie photo location is the Cawthron steps with views looking up to the Church Hill gardens
Enjoy reading tombstones in the historic Hallowell Cemetery. Hallowell Cemetery is one of Nelson’s oldest burial grounds. It is also known as The Old Burying Ground and Shelbourne Street Cemetery. There is little evidence of graves but a display board reveals some names of people originally buried in the cemetery.
The infamous Maungatapu murderers are buried there, but outside the walls, as their crimes were considered too heinous to allow them resting places on sacred ground.
Hallowell Cemetery is located on Shelbourne Street, off Nile Street East.
Fairfield Park is characterised with sweeping lawns, playground, large trees with a rotunda overlooking the natural amphitheatre. The seven acre park is where summer concerts are often held. Relax in the Lady Newman Gazebo and wonder about the former cemetery now the Fairfield Park.
Fairfield Park was once the Trafalgar Street cemetery, operating from 1851-1909. Look carefully among the mature trees for the faded grave headstones.
South Street is a stroll through history… South street is the oldest preserved street in New Zealand that people actually live in. The street is a photography hot spot with several accommodation cottages available in the Historic South Street Precinct.
QUEENS GARDEN NELSON CITY is a garden constructed to commemorate the jubilee of Queen Victoria.
Today Queens Garden is a park retreat for city workers and a place for shaded walks and picnics. Look out for sculptures including The Cupid Fountain and the Water Wheel, A water wheel was chosen as a symbolic reference to the Rotary emblem.
The three gardens walk finishes in the Queens Garden enjoy the nearby Suter Art Gallery and cafes.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT:
Nelson heritage cemeteries & beyond
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