Queens Park, the 81 hectare jewel in the centre of Invercargill city has something for everyone. It is recognised as one of the most important parks in New Zealand and is a popular retreat for Invercargill residents.

Queens Park is a venue for events, weddings and community festivals and concerts. Educational tours for pre-school and school-aged children to the animals, aviary and native sections are enhanced with tours by various interest groups to other parts of the park such as the Winter Gardens and Rose Gardens. Local historians and scientists take advantage of the natural fauna and flora by having evening owl hunts, fungi discovery walks and other science-related activities.

Queens Park provides an outstanding recreational hub for city residents and the park is used as an integral walking and cycling route for commuters to and from work or school. Community groups use the park for exercise and sports events. People enjoy the paths and trails for dog walking, biking, strolling, commuting and exploring the attractions. Outdoor gym equipment has been added to the existing fitness track to encourage more variety for exercising.

The Park is a children’s wonderland, with fun for all ages. It has brightly coloured adventure playgrounds, high slides and fast merry-go-rounds. The Waterplay Park has hands-on activities and a paddling pool.

Queens Park was originally native forest, which held spiritual significance to Māori who referred to it as Taurakitewaru. Over the years it has evolved to include an intricate blend of contemporary and heritage features, including an animal reserve and aviary, formal gardens such as the Stumpery, and sensory garden.

Its various botanical attractions provide vibrant displays whatever the season. Queens Park houses its world-renowned heritage rose collection, with the rarest roses in the world on display.

Invercargill’s sister-city relationships with Japanese city Kumagaya and Suqian City of Jiangsu province, China, are celebrated with respective Gardens.

NZ-sourced native and eco-sourced plants are planted within the gardens. A diverse range of garden displays are showcased with a rock garden, NZ Plant Garden and historic plants from the sub-Antarctic islands and features plants like the megaherbs found on remote southern islands and not normally found in mainland New Zealand.

Visit https://www.icc.govt.nz/parks-and-reserves/queens-park/ for more details.