Last updated June 2026
Naumai Park is a man-made native bush reserve at the southern end of Hāwera’s High Street in the South Taranaki District. It offers visitors a peaceful setting with lakes, walking paths and mature trees, roughly 75 km south of New Plymouth. The park was created in the 1920s on a former rubbish dump and horse paddock through volunteer efforts and was officially named in 1926. It features a 1927 kauri grove, stone walls, a recirculating waterfall and ornamental gates from the original Hāwera Hospital erected in 1932. The site serves as a popular local spot for picnics, short walks and community events while celebrating its centenary throughout 2026.
Practical Information
| Location | Gladstone Street / southern end of High Street, Hāwera, South Taranaki District |
| Distance from New Plymouth | Approximately 75 km (about 1 hour drive) |
| Opening hours | Open at all times, no entry fee |
| Facilities | Picnic tables, walking paths, lakes, summerhouse |
| Dogs | Dog-friendly (on leash where required) |
| Management | South Taranaki District Council with Friends of Hāwera Parks |
| Accessibility | Well-maintained paths suitable for easy walking |
About Naumai Park
Naumai Park was established in the mid-1920s when local volunteers transformed a former rubbish dump and horse paddock into a planted reserve. The area received its official name in 1926 and quickly became a community focus with extensive native tree plantings.
The park developed around a central group of three small lakes, one featuring a recirculating waterfall. A kauri grove planted in 1927 remains a highlight, alongside impressive stone walls and a whare-like summerhouse constructed in the 1940s and decorated with a mural.
Ornamental gates and pillars from the original Hāwera Hospital (opened 1894) were donated and installed at the park entrance in 1932. A plaque at the gates honours the founding volunteers.
Today the reserve provides an immersive native plant setting despite its entirely created origins. It functions as a quiet picnic destination and venue for local events, supported by ongoing volunteer maintenance through the Friends of Hāwera Parks.
History and Heritage
Control of the park passed to the Borough Council in 1936 after early volunteer development. The site has hosted theatrical and musical events and served as a film location. In 2026 the community marks 100 years since the official naming with a year-long programme of activities and a commemorative history booklet.
Walking and Nature Trails
Well-maintained footpaths wind through the native plantings and past the lakes, offering easy, short walks suitable for all ages. Visitors can observe local birdlife and enjoy the sense of being in established bush. The paths connect picnic areas and key features such as the kauri grove and summerhouse.
Picnicking and Visitor Activities
Scenic picnic spots with tables are scattered throughout the park, many near the lakes. The setting suits relaxed outdoor meals, though tall trees limit sunny areas outside summer. The park also hosts community gatherings and occasional performances.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe Naumai Park as a hidden gem with a surprisingly natural feel, praising the peaceful lakeside spots for picnics and the easy walking paths through native trees. Many note the charm of the historic gates and summerhouse and appreciate it as a quiet local retreat ideal for families or a short break.
Reviewers frequently mention the park’s dog-friendly nature and well-kept appearance thanks to volunteer efforts. Some highlight seasonal events and the sense of community pride, while others enjoy spotting birds around the water features.
Where to Learn More
South Taranaki District Council: Official page with park details and centenary events information.
Taranaki tourism listing: Overview of features, history and visitor facilities.
Puke Ariki heritage record: Detailed account of the hospital gates and early park development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an entrance fee for Naumai Park?
No, entry is free and the park is open to the public at all times.
Are dogs allowed in Naumai Park?
Yes, the park is dog-friendly, though dogs should be kept under control in line with local bylaws.
What are the main features to see?
Key attractions include the 1927 kauri grove, three small lakes with a recirculating waterfall, stone walls, a 1940s summerhouse with mural, and the 1932 ornamental hospital gates.
Is the park suitable for picnics?
Yes, picnic tables are available near the lakes and paths, making it a popular spot especially in summer.
Are guided tours offered?
No guided tours are regularly available; visitors explore independently on the walking paths.
Who manages Naumai Park?
South Taranaki District Council manages the park with support from the Friends of Hāwera Parks volunteer group.
Is parking available?
Yes, parking is available nearby on local streets.
Are there any accessibility features?
The well-maintained paths provide easy access for most visitors, though some areas may have uneven surfaces.
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