Riddiford Gardens — Attraction in Wellington

Riddiford Gardens stretches from Queens Drive to Myrtle Street and consists of several sections: wide lawns fronting the Lower Hutt Memorial Library, a skate-boarding / basketball enclave between QD and Laings Road, a Playground with an aviary ( "Birdie Park" ), Rose Garden-Gibbes Watson conservatory, a carpark behind the Library and a new carpark opposite the Dowse, plus new public toilets.

New or upgraded paths, bridges and walkways interconnect all these sections and complement the newly revamped HCC offices and the newly erected Events Centre, with clever use of lighting for visibility and night glamour. And aesthetic landscaping after the HCC rebuild, has transformed the whole of RG into a high-end Park which is appreciated by the communities.

It is popular both day and night with all groups who use the main areas or the many smaller, intermediate spaces, nooks and seats, to meet up, play, skateboard, jog, stroll, meditate and more. The front lawn is often used for community fitness activities and is handy for hosting events such as the popular Light Festivals of the...

This little slice of heaven is like an oasis in the middle of an urban desert! It's got something for everyone to relax and disconnect from a chaotic life. Children and adults can skate, toss a ball around, play ping pong. Younger kids and families can enjoy a nice little children's play ground, walk around the park and enjoy nature as well as ro get some exercise. Bring a book from the library next door and read under a tree with beautiful flowers, spreading fragrance and splashing colors. The birds chirping in a nearby aviary and sound of a little stream flowing through the gardens. It's a treat for all our senses and a treat no matter what the...

While the gardens are undergoing some lively renovations that are already coming to fruition, some of Lower Hutt’s seedier side is far to apparent.

Clean crisp cut lawns are matched with big trees and a canal that’s being repaired to enough the flock of ducks have a long term habitat. Make a quick trip to the Avery to meet some very colourful chaps.

Avoid the gardens in the late evening and night though, a fair bit of drug peddling is evident from the early...