Hokowhitu Lagoon was once an important fishery for Rangitāne that had a thriving eel population. Nowadays, this place is a hotspot for water sports, or an ideal place to go for a walk with a view. Come on down for an easy outing or stroll.

Hokowhitu Lagoon is the only one of the original 5 lagoons, present when Europeans first settled Palmerston North, remaining . As part of the Hokowhitu Reserve the lagoon remained in Maori ownership until 1892-1893, becoming part of what is now known as the Caccia Birch estate and used privately. In 1940 the lagoon was acquired by the Palmerston North City Council as a public reserve, and, as part of the Centennial celebrations of New Zealand in 1970 a road was built on the eastern side of the lagoon, named Centennial Drive. In the 1960s the area was developed and the footbridge constructed across the lagoon.