Bannerman Park
Things to do in Bannerman Park
Deer Park
Bannerman Park is home to Romeo the resident red stag, along with his hinds and fawn. Cared for by the local New Zealand Deer Stalkers Association, they’re a much-loved highlight of the park and a must-see for visitors.
Bannerman Park Walk
Take a stroll along the sealed walkway through Bannerman Park, with gravel tracks branching off into hidden corners of the gardens. A gentle stream winds its way through the park, edged by seasonal shrubs, flowers, and native plants that create colour and interest all year round.
Spectacular Spring
Early spring is announced by the daffodils, meconopsis, camellias, cherry blossom and magnolias. The rhododendron collection includes large beds of R. Yunnanense, R. Decorum and R. Spinuliferum. These were all grown from seed gathered in the wilds of the Yunnan Province, in China.
In November the streams and ponds are lush with gunneras, hostas, irises and candelabra primulas. Native ferns, astelias and Chatham Island forget-me-nots also edge the streams. Peonies, daylilies and ajuga groundcover add to the colour as summer progresses.
Autumn colours
The deciduous foliage provides brilliant autumn colour from the weeping maples to the oaks, twisty willows and silver birches shading the picnic tables. Then winter brings the hellbores into flower.
Most of the plants in the park are named.
Pick your own daffodils
A recent addition is the 'daffodil paddock' where specimen decidious trees are underplanted with donated daffodils, which are able to be picked by the public in spring.
The first tree to be planted here in 2009 is a Fraxinus excelsior 'Pendula' (weeping ash), which commemorates the life of Irene McGregor. She was patron of the Gore Garden Club whose members annually donate trees and bulbs to this area.
There are also three specimen Magnolia Campbellii, donated by Soroptimist International of Gore.
Visit Bannerman Park
Facilities
Bannerman Park in Gore offers a range of family-friendly and accessible facilities to ensure a comfortable visit for everyone:
- Rubbish Bins
- Dog-friendly drinking fountain
- Seated area
- Playground
- Doggy Poo-Bag Dispenser
Dogs
Dogs are allowed at Bannerman Park if they are on a lead.
Access
Bannerman Park provides convenient visitor access through two main entry points. The primary entrance is located on Martin Street, with an additional access point available from the top of Crewe Street.
Parking
Free parking is available at the main entrance on Martin Street and there is also on street parking on Crewe Street at the top entrance.
History
Bannerman Park was full of gorse and broom until the 1960s. Grass was sown and the springs drained, there were extensive plantings of rhododendrons, conifers and silver birches and a deer park was created.
The creek beds were developed 20 years later with bog plants, and since then herbaceous perennials have been extensively planted. Today streams meander throughout the valley bordered by sealed pathways.
