Holliss Reserve is a neighbourhood park in Cashmere, Christchurch, rated 4.4 from 34 Google reviews, with visitors most often praising its playground, shade and picnic spots — and the pond with its curious cypress knees. A good suburban reserve earns its keep in the details: toilets within easy reach of the playground, picnic tables under proper shade, and paths long enough to make a walk of it. The New Zealand sun is fierce, so regulars arrive early for the shaded tables — on a fine weekend they go quickly. Ponds bring birds and interest but need a close eye with toddlers, and it pays to check whether there is a working drinking fountain before you set out. The playgrounds families come back to are those built for a spread of ages rather than just the under-fives. Set at the foot of the Port Hills, Holliss Reserve gives Cashmere families a ready-made picnic and playground stop close to home.