Peacock Fountain
About the Business
Welcome to Peacock Fountain, a stunning establishment located in Canterbury, Christchurch. This magnificent park and point of interest is a must-visit tourist attraction in New Zealand.
The Peacock Fountain, also known as the H.L. Bowker Fountain, has been a part of the Victoria Square complex since 1931. It is an octagonal spray and water curtain fountain set in a large pool. The fountain holds great historical significance, as it was gifted to the city by Henry Layton Bowker, an early settler and city businessman. A bronze plaque on the fountain provides details about its provenance.
Designed by Victor Hean, the Peacock Fountain was the first illuminated electric fountain in Australasia at the time of its construction. It sits on the site of the former animal pound and is currently undergoing restoration. Once the restoration is complete, the fountain will return to its home in Victoria Park, adding to the beauty of the surroundings.
Adjacent to Canterbury Museum, you can also find information about another fountain in the Botanic Gardens on Armstrong Lawn. This highly ornate three-tier cast-iron fountain is a rare example of Edwardian design. Standing tall at 7.6 meters, it is adorned with dolphins, herons, lily leaves, and foliage. This fountain was purchased using a generous bequest from John Thomas Peacock, a wealthy businessman, and was erected in 1911.
Despite mixed opinions from the art elite, the Peacock Fountain has become an iconic symbol for many Cantabrians. Its restoration in the Botanic Gardens during the 1990s was supported by the public, and volunteers played a crucial role in its recasting, cleaning, earthquake strengthening, and painting. Today, it is cherished as an integral part of the Botanic Gardens.
The Peacock Fountain holds historical significance as one of only two Coalbrookdale fountains in New Zealand. The other one, known as the Falconer Fountain, can also be seen in Christchurch at the Mona Vale lily pond.
When visiting Canterbury, don't miss the opportunity to explore the beauty and heritage of Peacock Fountain. Experience the charm of this remarkable tourist attraction and immerse yourself in its rich history.
Photos
Location & Phone number
Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, Canterbury 8013, New Zealand
Hours open
Monday:
7:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Tuesday:
7:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Wednesday:
7:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Thursday:
7:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Friday:
7:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Saturday:
7:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Sunday:
7:00 AM - 8:30 PM
Reviews
"Beautiful iconic and historic water fountain that looks like a sculpture in Christchurchs Hagley Park Botanical garden"
"Very nice fountain at the entrance to the Botanic Gardens"
"Beautiful restful sound of the fountain. Lovely and amazing botanical garden that surrounds it. Well maintained lawn iivites you to basque in its beauty. To top it all. The Punting experience that highlights my visit. Sitting in the very comfortable boat. Listening to the chatter of the cicadas as well as the bustle of Christchurch metropolis. I also love Listening to the boatman reminisce the history of the place and people of Christchurch with the local passengers."
"One of the many interesting things to see at the Christchurch Botanic Garden is the Peacock Fountain, an ornate Edwardian style fountain purchased with the bequeathed sums of pioneer and honourable John Peacock in 1911. After nearly a half a century being left in storage due to deterioration, the fountain was refurbished and installed at its present location near the Rolleston Avenue entrance to the garden in 1996. This is how you see the Peacock Fountain today. The fountain spouts water upward, spilling into two levels of decorative basins and finally into a large pool. Additional smaller spouts send water outward from the from the levelled basins into the pool below. Amongst other ornamentation, there are white cranes decorating the fountain and four dolphins holding up the base. In the end, the Peacock Fountain a colourful and attractive fountain worth spending a few minutes to enjoy while taking in the various sights within the Christchurch Botanic Garden."
"We visited very early when there was no water flowing an when it was, very lovely fountain even if there are no peacocks."
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