Hagley Park, Christchurch

Standing here in Hagley Park, Christchurch — this is the largest urban open space in the city, about 164 and a half hectares. It was set aside back in 1855 by the Provincial Government, and their decree said it would be "reserved forever as a public park, and shall be open for the recreation and enjoyment of the public." That’s exactly what it still feels like today — all those trees and broad open spaces stretching out in front of me.

The name Hagley comes from an estate in England belonging to Lord Lyttelton. He became chairman of the Canterbury Association in March 1850, just a few years before the park was established. So every time you walk through here, you’re standing in a piece of history that was deliberately saved for everyone’s use. Not bad for a bit of green in the middle of the city.