Queen Elizabeth Park, New Zealand

The park is bordered by Paekakariki, Raumati South, two state highways (SH 1 and SH 59), and the North Island Main Trunk Railway.

The main entrance is at Mackays Crossing; secondary entrances are in Raumati South and Paekakariki.[1]

The park is steeped in history including pā sites at Whareroa Beach and Wainui Beach. The tangata whenua of the park are Ngati Haumia, a hapu of the Ngāti Toa iwi and Te Atiawa ki Whakarongotai,[2] who occupied the area for hundreds of years until the mid-19th century.[3]

The number of European settlers grew during the 1830s, and European farmers started to dominate the area from the mid-1850s.[3]

During World War II, the park was the location of two United States Army and Marines bases, Camp MacKay and Camp Russell. U.S. troops were stationed at the camps in 1942–44 prior to being sent into combat in the Pacific Ocean theatre. Today, little evidence of the 20,000 strong military camps remains.[2][4]

The park was named for Queen Elizabeth II before her coronation and was opened during the 1953 Royal Visit. Many recreation facilities were developed in the 1950s and 1960s.[2]

Wetland scene at Queen Elizabeth Park

Two areas of wetland were created within the park in the 2000s near Mackay's Crossing, using excavation and plantings to restore the habitat. There is a renmant of native bush adjacent to the restored wetland.[5]

In 2021, about 25 hectares (62 acres) of highly modified peat land on the north-eastern corner of the park was replanted, to restore it to wetland and native forest by about 2026.[6][7] Environmentalists wanted other farmland in the regional park to also be restored to wetland.[8]

Several expansive lawn areas near Whareroa Beach and the southern entrance at Paekakariki provide plenty of space for picnics and recreational activities. Public toilets are located at the car parks at the end of the road to Whareroa Beach, and near the playground and car parks at the Paekakariki entrance.[1]

A coastal walkway and an inland walkway run the length of Queen Elizabeth Park from Raumati South to Paekakariki. Near the main entrance, a loop walkway leads through a wetland area and bush remnant with mature kahikatea.[1]

The park also includes Wellington Tramway Museum and several campgrounds.[1]

The park is open from 8am to dusk, year-round. Dogs are permitted, but must be kept on a leash in picnic areas and are not permitted on or near farmland. Fireworks are prohibited at all times.[1]

Media related to Queen Elizabeth Park, New Zealand at Wikimedia Commons

Media related to Camp McKay, Paekakariki at Wikimedia Commons

• Queen Elizabeth Park at Greater Wellington