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Osmanthus Garden

This traditional Chinese garden was established at Cornwall Park in 1996 to commemorate Hastings' 15th anniversary of our sister city relationship with Guilin. 

The garden takes its name from the Osmanthus family of plants which have been extensively planted throughout and includes highly scented shrubs and ground covers, along with group plantings of pine trees and bamboo.

Chinese gardens are rich in evocative symbolism and the Osmanthus Gardens are no different. At the heart of the garden is a large pond and pavilions at its edges. There is a curved Friendship Bridge across one side of the lake and the Crooked Bridge across the other. The garden displays a skilful combination of Chinese and New Zealand elements and plants. As such, it could be seen as a perfect symbol of the Hastings-Guilin link. Enjoy a wander through the gardens before checking out the native plant area or the large duck pond.

The lighting of the Osmanthus Gardens is an annual event held in March in tribute to this relationship.