Queens Gardens is just east of the Nelson town centre, bounded by Hardy St, Bridge St, and Tasman St. It is almost right next to Maitai River. It is a relatively small public garden but very pretty, with a wide range of exotic plants, water features, and outdoor sculptures.
Antequil Somerville designed the Gardens as an intimate Victorian garden, which explains the more ornate features. They opened in 1892 to celebrate Queen Victoria’s jubilee. The location was a section of the Maitai River known as the Eel Pond, which had been a food gathering place for Maori.
Today, Queens Gardens is registered as a historic place. The Suter art gallery is on the west side of the garden, and a popular cafe with views over the gardens is nearby.
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