Discover Gordon Park: A Glimpse into Whanganui's Natural Past
Gordon Park is a small yet significant native forest reserve located just outside Whanganui, approximately a 10-minute drive from the city centre. Although it may not be widely advertised, this reserve provides a rare opportunity to experience the landscape as it existed before much of the region was transformed into farmland over a century ago.
Explore the Kahikatea Forest
The forest within Gordon Park is primarily composed of mature kahikatea, thriving in a remnant swamp. This area is rich with native birdlife and a peaceful environment for walkers. The reserve features a loop track that takes about 30 minutes to complete, including boardwalks that allow you to traverse the swampy terrain. As you walk through the forest, you can reflect on the historical significance of this untouched landscape, a rare example of much of the lowland North Island's original ecosystem.
How to Get There
To visit Gordon Park from central Whanganui, take the Dublin Bridge over the Whanganui River to State Highway 4, cross over the highway on the roundabout to Jones Street and follow this to Duncan Street. Turn east on Duncan Street, which becomes Wakefield Street, then No. 3 Line (yes, a real road name). No. 3 Line takes you into farmland and then to the intersection with Kaimatira Road, with Gordon Park on the northwest corner. The forest is easily identifiable as the only one in the area. There are two entrances to the loop track on Kaimatira Road: one located about halfway along the forest's length and another at the end, where you'll find a larger car park.
Other places to visit around the region include Durie Hill, Kowhai Park, Queens Park, Moutoa Gardens and Lake Virginia.
