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Located on the scenic southern shores of Lyttelton Harbour, Orton Bradley Park is a treasured New Zealand landmark with a rich history spanning nearly two centuries. The park’s origins trace back to the mid-1800s with its first European settlers, but it was Reginald Orton Bradley, the visionary who inherited the property in 1892, who shaped its enduring legacy.
Orton Bradley, a man of science and diverse interests, was deeply passionate about ecology and horticulture. He devoted his life to experimenting with a wide array of exotic and native trees to determine which species would thrive in the region’s unique maritime conditions. His extensive plantings became a living arboretum, which remains a key feature of the park today, featuring some of the country’s largest and most magnificent trees.
After Orton Bradley’s death in 1943, the property was entrusted to the community for public enjoyment, fulfilling his wish for the land to benefit the people of New Zealand. The park, officially opened in 1981, is managed as a private, not-for-profit enterprise run by a charitable trust. It continues to be a vibrant hub for recreation, offering over 25 kilometers of walking tracks, a children’s adventure playground, and facilities for camping and events. In addition to being a popular destination for families and individuals, the park is an ideal location for school camps and outdoor education programs, providing an environment for a wide range of activities.
The park also serves as a living museum, preserving several historic buildings and machinery, including a restored stone cottage—believed to be the oldest in Canterbury—and a millhouse powered by a water wheel. These historical elements, combined with its natural beauty and recreational offerings, make Orton Bradley Park a destination that honors its past while providing a sanctuary for present and future generations.
