Mona Vale, Christchurch

Mona Vale, located in the charming suburb of Fendalton in Christchurch, is a serene public park spanning over 4 hectares. Initially named Karewa, this estate boasts the Mona Vale Homestead, a stunning architectural gem designed in 1899 by the renowned architect Joseph Clarkson Maddison for Frederick Waymouth, the manager of the Belfast Freezing Works, and his wife, Alice.

The estate's architecture embodies the Old English Revival style, featuring half-timbered upper floors, leadlight windows, and steeply pitched roofs. Inside, dark-stained timber paneling and a notable array of fireplaces create an elegant ambiance. During the Waymouths' residency, the interiors were styled in Arts and Crafts, highlighting natural motifs and handcrafted elements like honeycomb door knobs.

Bordered by the Main North Railway to the west and the Avon River to the east, Mona Vale's northern edge begins at Fendalton Road and extends south to Matai Street East, neighboring Christchurch Girls' High School. Notably, the park features a 19th-century weir on the Avon River, creating the Mona Vale mill pond, a historical element that remains today.

Mona Vale's grounds feature rose and iris gardens, woodland plantings along the Avon River, and color-themed borders. Over time, the addition of magnolias, various Ericaceae, herbaceous perennials, and beds of annuals have enriched its botanical diversity.

Mona Vale serves as a tranquil retreat amidst mature trees, sloping lawns, and vibrant herbaceous borders. Its sheltered environment is home to several significant regional historic buildings, making it a prominent tourist destination in Christchurch.