Murray Oaks Scenic Reserve

This reserve is 2.5842 hectares in size and is located on the corner of Murray Road and State Highway 26 approximately one kilometre northeast of Morrinsville. The reserve is bounded to the north and east by Murray Road and to the south by State Highway 26. It is bisected by the old Frankton-Thames Railway Line. The Operative District Plan identifies the site as a Reserve in the Rural Zone.  The Oaks are listed as significant trees (register no. 73). The reserve consists of a large flat grassed area that features a large stand of mature and semi mature Oaks (Quercus robur and Q. palustris) as well as a small rest area. History Formerly the Piako Railway Station site, the reserve was released by New Zealand Railways in 1975 to the Department of Lands and Survey for a scenic reserve. The name “Murray” came from an early Scottish settler, Mr William Murray, who was quite possibly the first European settler in the area over 120 years ago. He was not, however, the original land purchaser from the Tangata Whenua and later sold the land to Mr W. S. Allen in 1885 and moved to found a new settlement called Glen Murray near Rangiriri. It is doubtful that the oaks were planted by Mr Murray as the railway line to Morrinsville was only completed in 1884.  They were however, of a reasonable size by 1910, evident in a photo taken at that time. The reserve was classified in 1976 as a scenic reserve.

Murray Oaks is a popular venue for holding events and markets - contact us to make a booking!