Morrinsville Rose Garden

Where is it? 

Moorhouse Street, between Anderson and Thames Street. 

What is there?

Rose gardens that was established by the Morrisnville Horticultural Society in 1946. A flat grassed area, rose displays, seating and a cow sculpture.

Things to keep in mind?

The nearest public toilets is located at Thomas Park and the Studholme Street Carpark. Dogs must remain on lead at all times. The roses are maintained by Morrinsville Horticultural Society.

Murray Oaks Scenic Reserve

Where is it? 

This reserve is located on the corner of Murray Road and State Highway 26 approximately one kilometre northeast of Morrinsville.  It is bisected by the old Frankton-Thames Railway.

What is there?

The reserve consists of a large flat grassed area that features a large stand of mature and semi mature Oaks (Quercus robur and Q. palustris) as well as a picnic table. The oaks are identified as notable trees in the District Plan.

Things to keep in mind?

Parking is available along Murray Road and this reserve can be booked for events like markets or weddings. The railway line is active, please watch out for trains and keep away from the tracks. 

Make a booking

History 

Formerly the Piako Railway Station site, the reserve was released by New Zealand Railways in 1975. The name “Murray” came from an early Scottish settler, Mr William Murray, who was quite possibly the first European settler in the area over 120 years ago. He was not, however, the original land purchaser from the Tangata Whenua and later sold the land to Mr W. S. Allen in 1885 and moved to found a new settlement called Glen Murray near Rangiriri.

It is doubtful that the oaks were planted by Mr Murray as the railway line to Morrinsville was only completed in 1884.  They were however, of a reasonable size by 1910, evident in a photo taken at that time.

Morrinsville Historic Cemetery (closed)

Where is it? 

Between Thames Street and Memorial Rise, Morrinsville.

What is there?

A historic cemetery. 

Things to keep in mind?

This cemetery is no longer active. Access to Howie Park via walkway from Memorial Rise or via footpath along Waverley Ave (SH 26).

Howie Park

Where is it? 

Corner of Allen Street and Waverley Avenue in north eastern Morrinsville.

What is there?

Howie Park consists of a large undulating grassed area and features a Rhododendron garden, a Camellia garden, and a swing set. The upper part of the Park features a war memorial and cenotaph that overlooks the terraced ponds and ring road that meanders its way through the park. Howie Park provides elevated views of the area.

There is also a large collection of mature native and exotic trees on the park which include Dacrydium cupressinum, Acer palmatum, Phyllocladus trichomanoides, Podocarpus totara, Cordyline australis, Cryptomeria japonica, Platanus orientalis, Magnolia grandiflora, Quercus palustris, Q. robur, Fagussylvatica, Cedrus deodara and Taxodium distichum.

Things to keep in mind?

Parking is available along Allen Street. The pedestrian path from Allen Street is not accessible for people with mobility issues. The main entrance off Waverley Avenue is a better option for wheelchair accessibility. There is also a pedestrian access from Memorial Rise.

Dogs must be on lead at all times. There are no toilets at the park, the nearest public toilets are at the corner of Canada Street and Thames Street.

Howie Park can be also be booked for events.

Make a booking

History

In 1922 George Howie, among the first Councillors of the former Morrinsville Borough Council and the Mayor of Morrinsville from 1923 to 1925, gifted the Park to the citizens of Morrinsville as a memorial for those who died during the First World War.

Lindale Reserve

Where is it? 

This neighbourhood park is located between Lindale Street and Deanna Avenue in north eastern Morrinsville.

What is there?

There is access to the park from both Lindale Street and Deanna Avenue. Facilities at the reserve include seating and a playground.

Things to keep in mind?

Lindale Reserve consists of a large undulating grassed area with a gully that is partly planted and an open drainage channel. Dogs must be on lead at all times. 

Lockerbie Park

Where is it? 

This park is located between Willow Grove and Stirling Drive, with access also gained from George Street, in north western Morrinsville.

What is there?

The Park consists of a large grassed area with three gullys extensively planted in trees and shrubs, a playground (located near the George Street end), seating, and a footpath that meanders its way through the park lined with trees. A walking track shaded by mature trees also follows along the top edge of a gully.

Things to keep in mind?

Dogs must be on lead at all times. Cyclists are allowed but must give way to pedestrians - there is parking available on the side of the road. Please note that this is not the new community playground at Lockerbie State - see Davies Park for details. 

History

The park is named after Thomas Morrin, who purchased land that was to become the township of Morrinsville in 1874 from tangata whenua. He called it Lockerbie Estate after his ancestral home near Lockerbie in Scotland.

Davies Park

Where is it? 

Fairway Drive, Lockerbie Estate. There is vehicle access from George Street, Fairway Drive and Cobham Drive. Pedestrian access from George Street, Fairway Drive, Studholme Street.

What is there?

A community playground at corner of George Street and Fairway Drive. There is also a pathway under historic London plane trees, seating and a cultural monument. The park also captures great views of the Kaimai Range and Mt Te Aroha.

Things to keep in mind?

There is currently no public toilet at the park. The nearest public toilets are at Thomas Park and the isite on Canada Street. Dogs must be on lead at all times. The historic plane trees are protected by an open space covenant. 

Morrinsville Library Playground

Where is it? 

Corner Canada and Thames Street. 

What is there?

Small neighbourhood playground suitable for younger children.

Things to keep in mind?

There are public toilets next to isite. Off street parking between library and playground. Please supervise children at all times - the playground is located between a carpark and a busy road.

Morrinsville Lions Skatepark

Where is it? 

64 Canada Street, Morrinsville.

What is there?

A small skatepark and seating.

Things to keep in mind?

Public toilets are next to isite on the corner of Canada & Thames Streets. 

Thomas Park

Where is it? 

This neighbourhood park is located on the corner of Anderson Street and Moorhouse Street in central Morrinsville.

What is there?

Thomas Park consists of a flat grassed area with a playground and swings, a public toiletwith baby change facilities, picnic tables, seating, and border gardens. There are also several mature trees on site that provide shade these include Platanus orientalis, Liquidamber spp, as well as some smaller trees Melia azedarach and Podocarpus totara.

Things to keep in mind?

No dogs are allowed at the park, there are plunket rooms are currently located in the south western corner of the park. There is on street parking along Anderson and Moorhouse Streets. Toilets and some play equipment are accessible for those with mobility issues. 

History

In 1931 Margaret Thomas donated the Park to Morrinsville and named it in the memory of her late husband James Thomas who was the Piako County Council Chairman from 1914 to 1920 and a long serving Councillor on the Morrinsville Borough Council and Piako County Council.

Waterworks Road Reserve (Te Miro Forest)

Where is it? 

Waterworks Road, between Kiwitahi and Te Miro.

What is there?

Mountain bike tracks managed by the Te Miro Mountain Bike Club. A picnic area with view of the reservoir and native bush. There is a toilet and parking available at the reserve. 

Things to keep in mind?

There are no rubbish bins on site, please be a tidy kiwi. The main sealed carpark is on Waterworks Road. The lower unsealed carpark at is on the western park boundary. Toilet and picnic shelters are at the main carpark.

For more information visit the Te Miro MTB website, no camping, no open fires, dogs must be on lead. The native forest area is ecologically significant – please respect this by keeping to the formed tracks. Volunteers from Te Miro MTB Club maintain the bike tracks and volunteers from Piako Catchment Forum carry out pest control in the native forest. For track information click here.  

Morrinsville Recreation Ground

Where is it? 

Between Avenue Road South and Cureton Street.

What is there?

Sports fields (cricket, soccer, polo) and events space. Tennis courts, Swim Zone Morrinsville (seasonal). Clubrooms, public toilets, neighbourhood playground and access to river walk. 

Things to keep in mind?

Pools are seasonal (only open during summer) keep up to date at www.swimzonepools.co.nz. Public toilets at Cureton Street entrance. Dogs on lead except in the fenced polo fields area if not in use for events. Short stay parking for self-contained motor caravans at Cureton Street carpark (max stay 4 nights). A Dump station at cureton street carpark. 

Tahuna Domain

Where is it? 

This park is located off Tahuna-Ohinewai Road - approximately 18km north of Morrinsville. Pedestrian access is also available off Rimu Street. Right next to Tahuna primary school.

What is there?

Rugby field, tennis courts, club rooms, public toilets and parking. 

Wisley Reserve

Where is it? 

End of Rushton Road in north western Morrinsville. Pedestrian access only from Wisely Place and Meadowview Drive.

What is there?

Sports fields (cricket) and a neighbourhood playground.

Things to keep in mind?

There are no public toilets at this reserve and parking is limited at the end of Rushton Rd.