Discover Bannerman Park
Bannerman Park is a garden-filled gully in central Gore, linked directly to the adjoining Deer Park, and a good reason to slow down in eastern Southland. The park sits in a shallow valley with a gentle stream and ponds, and the sealed paths make it easy to wander at your own pace while the colours shift through the seasons. Starting at Deer Park and its deer adds a feature to the walk, then continue into the gardens for a longer loop. The paths are largely sealed, there are picnic areas and family-friendly spaces.
Streams, Ponds, Hostas and Others
Bannerman Park’s signature experience sits right beside the water. In late spring and early summer, the stream edges and pond margins fill out with broad-leaf foliage, and the substantial collection of hostas becomes the standout, thriving in the damp shade alongside other moisture-loving plants. The water gardens feel close and immersive, with small bends and crossings that follow the gully’s contours.
Rhododendrons are another defining feature, planted in generous beds that create a strong seasonal peak when they bloom. In the same areas, you will also notice taller specimen trees and a mix of conifers and deciduous plantings, which is why the park still feels interesting outside the main bloom season.
The main sealed loop is an easy wander, with side paths that let you peel off into quieter corners and back again without feeling like you have committed to a long walk. You can do the park quickly, but it is far more satisfying if you take your time, read the plant labels, pause by the ponds, and follow the stream as it threads through the valley.
Pick-Your-Own Spring Daffodils
Spring is a headline season here. Early flowers appear first, followed by a strong run of colour as the garden beds wake up properly. Bannerman Park also has a daffodil paddock, and during Spring, you can pick daffodils, which gives the place a distinctly local, community-made feel rather than a look but don’t touch garden.
Autumn Colour, from Gold to Red
Autumn is the other time Bannerman Park tends to impress. The brilliant deciduous colour, including weeping maples, oaks, willows, and silver birches, explains the strong gold-to-red palette you see as the season turns. Even if you are not usually a “garden stop” person, the combination of water, trees, and short, easy paths makes Autumn here feel like a worthwhile detour.
History and local context
Bannerman Park grew from land set aside as early as the 1870s, but was transformed in the 1960s through clearing and major planting. It was named in 1977 to honour RB Bannerman, who helped secure additional land for the reserve.
How to Get There
From central Gore, take State Highway 94 north, then turn left onto Preston Street after 500 metres. Drive to the end and turn right onto Ardwick Street, then immediately left onto Martin Street. The car park is at the end, next to Deer Park, a few minutes from central Gore.
Gore is on State Highway 1, a 115-minute drive and 150 km from Dunedin, and a 50-minute drive and 64 km from Invercargill.
Nearby places to visit include Tapanui, Dolamore Park, Whiskey Creek Track, the Hokonui Moonshine Museum and Distillery and the Eastern Southland Gallery.
