Broadwood: River Walk, Art and Local History

Broadwood’s history and community life take tangible form: in an honour roll, a chainsaw carving, mosaic works and memories of events. There is also a river walk that connects a suspension bridge with the A&P Hall and leads back to the main road. When planning your trip, you can choose between local history, public art and a walk.

Remembering people and local history

An honour roll commemorating those who died in the First World War hangs in the entrance of the Anglican St Mark’s Church on Takahue Saddle Road in Broadwood. Its dedication gives this memorial site a clear point of reference. Anyone interested in a place’s history will find a tangible tribute here, preserved at a specific location in Broadwood.

A chainsaw carving in Broadwood commemorates the farmers and drovers who contributed to the development of this area. Together with the honour roll, it presents two distinct historical themes: remembrance of those who died in the First World War and the contribution of farmers and drovers to the region’s development.

Public art and picnic area

A public artwork in Broadwood also serves as a memorial and picnic area. The picnic area includes decorative sculptures depicting Kūkupa, or native pigeons. These motifs give the site a recognisable connection to native birdlife, while the memorial presents another facet of its public art.

Mosaic art is another tangible feature: one mosaic artwork includes three theft-proof mosaic tables. A community mosaic from Kaitāia was reinstalled in Broadwood as a public artwork. During your stay, you can discover different aspects of the art, from the decorated tables to the reinstallation of a community work from Kaitāia.

Broadwood’s rest area includes raised garden beds and plantings of native plants. It was established when the Twin Coast Discovery Route was planned to pass through the town. The raised beds and native plants give the rest area a distinct garden design; its origins are linked to the route that was planned to pass through Broadwood at the time.

River walk and nearby leisure spots

The river walk in Broadwood connects the suspension bridge with the A&P Hall and leads back to the main road. Its named landmarks provide clear points of reference for planning your visit. If you’d like to explore Broadwood on foot, you can make this walk a focus and distinguish it from the town’s memorials and art.

The picnic area is next to the town’s public swimming spot. For planning your day, these are two neighbouring landmarks: a place to picnic and the public swimming spot. Broadwood can therefore also be explored through its leisure spots, not just its art and local history.

Event traditions in Broadwood

Broadwood’s Settlers’ Society began holding annual picnics on the Glass property in 1908. These included running races and equestrian events, including steeplechases. These details paint a picture of the community events of the time: athletic competitions and horse events were part of the picnics.

The Broadwood A&P Show featured tree-felling and sheep-shearing demonstrations in bushland settings. Joan and her family usually returned to the A&P Show in Broadwood every year. These two details show different sides of the show: demonstrations of rural work and its recurring importance to this family.

Broadwood as a holiday rental destination

If you’re looking for a holiday rental or holiday home in Broadwood, you can choose what to explore based on what interests you most. The river walk, public art and memorials offer different highlights; events add local traditions to the picture. This lets you choose Broadwood as a destination based on specific interests, rather than deciding solely by accommodation type.

More places to explore on their own pages: Whangaroa, Paihia, Kerikeri, Haruru, Okaihau, Coopers Beach, Waipapakauri and Waipoua Forest.

For the wider travel overview: Far North District.