About Us: The history of the Waterworks

The Waterworks, originally named Waiau Waterworks, was developed by Chris Oglivie on land that once was his father’s farm. Work commenced in 1989 by the Oglivie family, planting gardens from scratch, collecting cuttings from plants that locals had successfully grown over the years. An old miner’s cottage was brought all the way from Thames for the entrance building. Chris got busy making water powered gadgets and in November 1993 Waiau Waterworks opened to the public. As the gardens matured they provided protection for the naturally growing native foliage and these plants are again prevalent as you walk around the Waterworks. The park also provided Chris’s partner Kay an outlet for her pottery work; many of the sculptures that you’ll see at the Waterworks are Kay’s creations.

Current owners Jeff and Tatti moved to New Zealand from the U.K in 2007. They wanted to buy a sustainable tourism business in New Zealand and saw the Waterworks as a great opportunity. “It’s not your usual kind of fun park ... we love the fact that many people comment that they have never seen anything like it”, say Jeff and Tatti.

Jeff has a passion for food so has completely revamped the café! Tatti is originally from South America and is chief organiser of children’s birthday parties and incorporates traditions from her home country into the events.