Chamberlain Park

Chamberlain Park was chosen as the site of the Garden of Reflection as it met the criteria that would ensure it would be appreciated by both the local community and travellers passing through the township of Amberley as a resting place but a place of interest for the inquiring mind.

Chamberlain Park is very accessible to both young and old and those with disabilities with ample car parking available as well as public toilets. There are a number of other amenities to encourage and support people to enjoy the Garden of Reflection such as the modern playground, an aviary with an assortment of local birds and plenty of comfortable seating under the many mature trees. The park is also close to the townships retail centre for additional convenience.

Chamberlain Park also has a historical connection with China, as it was previously the site for Amberley School headmaster's house which was the home of Rewi Alley from between 1898 until 1907 while his father was the headmaster at Amberley School.

In many of the Rewi Alley's writings, he often refers to his time as a child in the Hurunui District with fondness and makes many references to the creek that meanders through Chamberlain Park which was the childhood backyard he played in.