Jellicoe Park

This park is the oldest park in Onehunga but I feel like not that many people know about it, or if they do it just doesn’t come to their minds when thinking about a nice trip out. But in fact if you dedicate an hour to this park you will find that you will have a really great time. It’s a memorial park that was renamed in 1921 for the Governor General so you can get an idea of what it is like. It’s like stepping back in time to the Victorian era with it’s 100 year old pine trees, big old fountain, historic buildings and beautiful archways. The flat grassy areas are perfect for a picnic or to play a game of rugby with friends and family. Opposite the park are some beautiful old houses too which can make your day at Jellicoe even better if you come on the first and third Sunday of each month between 1.30 and 4pm as they are open to the public on those days.

Jellicoe Park is one of those War Memorial parks that we have all over our country and as well as reminding us of the lives lost at war, the monuments of the 1920s and 30s somehow define our national character. To me this park is Kiwiana at its prettiest.
It’s been around for more than 100 years and is now home to several historic buildings alongside its gorgeous entrance arch, fountain and flowerbeds. The Norfolk pines are majestic and I love coming here for the lighting of the Christmas Lights every year. The largest of the trees is festooned, the switch flicked and the atmosphere makes it my favourite of all Auckland’s community events. There is something about the history of Onehunga and its strong Pacific population that sees the most diverse people come together for a night of family festivities that perfectly reflect this suburb’s individuality. The Fencible Cottage and Blockhouse are open and the people of the ‘Hunga feel the love. (If you don’t know about the Fencibles, look it up — it’s a fascinating and fairly obscure piece of Auckland history.) The buildings are occasionally opened up at other times by The Onehunga Historical Society and are well worth a look if you get the chance.
Otherwise, just come play in the playground, relax and enjoy, it’s a beautiful place.