Anderson Park

Sir Robert Anderson bought a rather neglected 300-acre block in 1910, attracted by the 50 acres of native bush on the property.

The couple had a passion for horticulture and although the property was first a sheep farm, extensive flower gardens were soon developed. Adding to that is the magnificent homestead, which was built in 1925 at a cost of £10,000.

The house was designed by the Christchurch architect, Cecil Wood, who specialised in the Georgian style. On 22 November 1984 the house was registered as a historic place Category 1 with the Historic Places Trust.

It was Sir Robert’s wish that on his and his wife’s death, the house and grounds, including the block of native bush, be gifted to the city for use as a public park.

The beautiful house has until recently been the home to the Anderson Park Art Gallery Society’s splendid collection of New Zealand Art, which began in 1951. This follows on from Sir Robert’s second passion, his collection of paintings and etchings.

The homestead was closed to the public on January 30, 2014 after being assessed as being a serious earthquake risk. The Anderson Park grounds and picnic shelter areas remain open to the public.

A well defined walking track leads the visitor through the native bush, which covers most of the park and is typical of what covered much of the Southland plains before the settlers arrived.