Edwards Pit Park is a 6.5-hectare restored quarry site in Palmerston North, set up as a community-led nature and heritage reserve on the footprint of the former Robert Price Edwards clay pit which began operating in 1900. The site once supported the historic Hoffman Kiln, built in 1904 to fire bricks (capable of firing 9,000 bricks at once), and was a Totara forest before the clay-pit era.
The site languished as disused wasteland for decades before a passionate local group, the Pit Park People, drove a long-running restoration. Today the park combines over 2 km of easy lime/gravel walking paths through restored plantings and wetlands, the surviving Hoffman Kiln, native bird and frog habitat, and picnic areas. The neighbouring Skoglund Park sports ground extends the reserve.
Practical Information
| Location | Palmerston North (next to Skoglund Park) |
| Size | 6.5 hectares |
| Established as park | Restored from former quarry through community-led work by the Pit Park People |
| Historic features | 1904 Hoffman Kiln (capable of firing 9,000 bricks at once); the original Robert Price Edwards clay pit from 1900 |
| Walking | Over 2 km of easy lime/gravel paths through restored plantings, wetlands and open spaces |
| Wildlife | Native birds, frogs and restored wetland fauna |
| Cost | Free |
| Best for | Walking, birdwatching, industrial history interest, picnics |
About Edwards Pit Park
Edwards Pit Park began life as a Totara forest before being cleared and developed as a clay pit for brick-making in the early 1900s. The quarry was established by Robert Price Edwards in 1900, and a Hoffman Kiln was built on site in 1904 – a circular brick kiln of a type used internationally for continuous brick firing, capable of producing 9,000 bricks at once.
Once the brick-making era ended, the site became a disused 6.5-hectare wasteland for many years. The transformation into the modern Edwards Pit Park was led by a local community group, the Pit Park People, who drove the restoration with extensive native plantings, weed control and wetland recovery work alongside Palmerston North City Council.
The result today is a low-key but valuable urban nature and heritage reserve. The site preserves the industrial heritage (the Hoffman Kiln) alongside restored wetlands and native bush plantings, making it one of the most-distinctive walks in the city.
Hoffman Kiln Heritage
The Hoffman Kiln on site dates from 1904 and is the surviving piece of the brick-making operation. The Hoffman kiln design (a long circular tunnel kiln in which firing chambers move around the fire) was the international standard for industrial brick firing in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, and the Edwards Pit example is one of the few remaining intact Hoffman kilns in New Zealand.
The kiln is preserved on site as a heritage feature, with interpretation panels covering the brick-making process and the role of the quarry in Palmerston North’s industrial development. (For a dedicated post on the kiln itself, see the linked Hoffman Kiln spoke.)
Walking, Wetlands and Wildlife
The park has more than 2 km of easy lime/gravel walking paths winding through the restored plantings, the wetlands and the open grassed areas. The paths are flat and suitable for buggies, casual walkers and dog walkers (check current dog rules on the council page before bringing dogs).
The restored wetlands are the highlight for wildlife. They support a range of native birds (tui, fantail, kereru, kingfisher seen by visitors) and re-introduced native frog habitat. The plantings include native species selected to support biodiversity and complement the wetland recovery.
The neighbouring Skoglund Park is the sports-ground side of the same reserve area, used for local football and other sport. The two are linked by the wider council walks network.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors consistently describe Edwards Pit Park as a hidden gem – a low-profile but rewarding combination of industrial heritage, restored native habitat and easy walking. The community-led restoration story (Pit Park People), the surviving 1904 Hoffman Kiln, the restored wetlands with native birds and frogs, and the 2 km of accessible paths all draw positive specific mentions.
Practical observations: the paths are flat and buggy-suitable; early morning gives the best bird activity; bring binoculars for the wetland birding; check dog rules on the council site; the Hoffman Kiln is the standout heritage feature; combine with the neighbouring Skoglund Park for sports field options or with the wider Riverside walks for a longer outing.
Where to Learn More
PNCC: Edwards Pit Park: official Palmerston North City Council page with park facilities, walks and dog rules.
PNCC: Edwards Pit Park – Skoglund Park walks: council walks page covering the 2 km of paths and the linked Skoglund Park area.
Manawatu NZ: Edwards Pit Park Reserve: tourism listing with the Robert Price Edwards / 1900 quarry history and Hoffman Kiln detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Edwards Pit Park?
In Palmerston North, next to Skoglund Park. The two are connected reserves.
How big is the park?
6.5 hectares of restored former clay-pit and brick-making site.
Who built the Hoffman Kiln?
The kiln was built in 1904 on the Robert Price Edwards quarry site established in 1900. The kiln was capable of firing 9,000 bricks at once.
Who restored the park?
A passionate local community group called the Pit Park People drove the restoration alongside Palmerston North City Council, with native plantings, weed control and wetland recovery.
How long are the walking paths?
Over 2 km of easy lime/gravel paths through restored plantings, wetlands and open spaces. The paths are flat and buggy-suitable.
What wildlife can I see?
Native birds (tui, fantail, kereru, kingfisher) and reintroduced native frog habitat. The restored wetlands are the highlight for wildlife observation.
Is the park free?
Yes. Free public reserve.
For more historical and natural reserves, see the historical and cultural sites hub, the parks and reserves hub, or the dedicated Hoffman Kiln post.