Come and discover top New Zealand artworks amongst the trees.
Constructed in 2023, the Waihi River Trail follows the banks of the Waihi River, connecting via the Kennedy Park footbridge and the Todd Park road bridge. Flat and wheelchair/stroller accessible, this trail winds through a peaceful stretch of forest on the Kennedy Park side of the river and passes beneath arching trees in Todd Park.
In spring, blooming rhododendrons draw the eye with vibrant splashes of colour in the stretch of forest between Todd Park and the town centre, while the trees in Todd Park are laden with flowers.
Sculptures on this trail
In Todd Park, the trail’s sculptures unfold among the trees along the river. Five marble and black serpentine works from the Aigantighe Art Gallery offer calm, tactile forms against the forest. Lock n Love n adds colour and humour with its track-shaped design and play on “lock” and “love.” Gerry, the Old Man of Raukapuka, carved from a standing tree stump, reimagines the Green Man in timber almost three metres high — a face shaped by grain and foliage. Wander slowly here; each piece is meant to be discovered in its setting.
Artists on this trail
This trail features sculptures by South Island artists Iain Cheeseman, Pat Foster and Daniel Holland, discover these in the Todd Park area of the trail. Iain Cheeseman creates objects that bridge sculpture with painting and poetry, often infused with humour and crafted by hand from diverse materials, while Pat Foster worked extensively with wood and stone, particularly serpentine, creating ‘spiritual self-portraits’ influenced by Inuit and ancient Meso-American sculpture and Daniel crafting with his chainsaw.
