Gore Public Gardens

The land was set aside in 1874 but not laid out until 1906 by David Tannock, of Dunedin, the horticulturalist largely responsible for the Dunedin Botanic Garden.

The present design is based on this historical layout and incorporates many mature trees such as the gigantic Wellingtonia and two horizontal elms. Among the exotic trees and shrubs are a number of rare and unusual specimens including those in the extensive conifer border.

No matter the season, there is always something to see at the gardens. Spring bulbs are accompanied by camellias, magnolia and enkianthus trees flowering; the peony border is spectacular in November and in summer the roses provide an impressive display.

In the autumn annuals continue to bloom as the deciduous foliage begins to turn on the maple trees, the enkianthus becomes a bright red and red berries appear on the sorbus trees. Winter features include the witch hazels that bear yellow flowers on bare branches after the yellow autumn foliage drops. And hawthorns (Crataegus) produce red berries through the winter after the white blossom finishes. The conifer border is also a winter attraction.

There is a winter garden complex open all year and an aviary attracts a lot of interest from locals and visitors alike.

With its abundant shelter, the gardens are an ideal venue for events such as the Gore Rhododendron Festival in October, and the Christmas in the Park concert in December.