Centennial Park (formerly known as the Rotorua Tree Trust) is a grassy, tree-dotted parkland situated on the slopes of Tihiotonga at the southern side of Rotorua. The area consists of 20 hectares of rolling land with some quite steep gullies. The idea behind the development was to provide an area of land for people to dedicate trees for family members or local dignitaries.
The area is being established as a rural reserve: land will not be under intensive maintenance, such as at Government Gardens or Kuirau Park, but is instead grazed by sheep with appropriate cutting taken in other areas. Ultimately, the tree growth will establish woodland-type conditions.
Highlights of the park include the beautiful Maple Grove and Peace Memorial. In early spring, you might hear native tui birds singing in the flowering trees.
History of the park
The late Hal Thomas was the driving force behind the establishment of the original Rotorua Tree Trust in 1990, when Tasman Forestry Ltd (now Timberlands) and Rotorua District Council (now Rotorua Lakes Council), jointly established the Trust and Hal became its first Chairperson. The Trust was created to promote and support the beautification of the Rotorua District by the establishment and development of public parks and by undertaking the planting of trees and other flora in parks. In 2007 the Tree Trust ceased, and tree sponsorship now lies solely with Rotorua Lakes Council.
