Last updated October 2026
Sheep, deer and rare-breed livestock still graze part of Donovan Park, a council park on the northern edge of Invercargill that is part parkland, part working farm. The land was the Donovan family’s farm until they sold it to Invercargill City Council in 1964, and the farmed sections have stayed in use ever since.
At over 79 hectares, the park joins Queens Park and Thomsons Bush to the south with Anderson Park to the north, so it sits where the city gives way to the countryside.
A duck pond draws ducks, geese, swans, pied stilts and gulls, and most of the park is a designated dog exercise area. There are two ways in: Bainfield Road on the south side and 87 McIvor Road on the north side.
Practical Information
- Address
- Bainfield Road, Waikiwi (south entrance); 87 McIvor Road, Anderson Park (north entrance)
- Distance from the city
- On the northern edge of Invercargill, next to Anderson Park
- Size
- Over 79 hectares (Invercargill City Council)
- Managed by
- Invercargill City Council
- Dogs
- Designated dog exercise area; dogs may be off lead except around the duck pond, which the council’s dog policy lists as a dog-prohibited area. Marked sports fields are also excluded.
- Status
- Invercargill City Council: Donovan Park page
About Donovan Park
At first sight the park looks flat, but the council describes the ground as gently contoured and rolling. The old Donovan farm was never wholly turned into parkland: some sections are still farmed, so the park mixes paddocks of stock with open grass.
The council calls the park a link between Invercargill and the rural land beyond the city boundary. To the south, Queens Park and Thomsons Bush carry the green space towards the centre of town; to the north, Donovan Park runs up to Anderson Park.
In the council’s words, the park fills the transition “from the organised cityscape to the informal rural aspect outside the city boundary”.
Two clubs have a home here. Waikiwi Rugby Football Club leases the sports grounds and clubrooms in the south-west corner, and the Lorneville-Makarewa Pony Club uses part of the land for its activities and events. The council has a Donovan Park Management Plan, available through its reserve management plans page.
The Farm and the Duck Pond
The council names sheep, deer and rare-breed livestock among the animals on the farmed land, and says the public can enjoy the rural setting while the farm keeps operating.
Besides ducks, geese and swans, the council lists pied stilts, black-backed gulls and black-billed gulls among the birds that visit it.
Walking a Dog at Donovan Park
Most of the park is one of the council’s designated dog exercise areas, where dogs can run off lead. The exception is the duck pond, where dogs could disturb the wildlife: the council’s dog control policy for reserves lists the area around and in the pond as a dog-prohibited area, and it also leaves marked sports fields out of the exercise area.
Off-lead dogs still need to be under effective control. The policy says the person with the dog must carry a leash, be able to call the dog back straight away by voice or whistle, and pick up after it.
Where to Learn More
Invercargill City Council: Donovan Park: the park’s history, farm, duck pond, dog rules, clubs and entrances.
Invercargill City Council: Dog Control Policy for Council Reserves: the dog exercise areas in council parks and the rules for using them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Donovan Park?
On the northern edge of Invercargill, between Queens Park and Thomsons Bush to the south and Anderson Park to the north. The entrances are on Bainfield Road, Waikiwi, and at 87 McIvor Road.
How big is Donovan Park?
Invercargill City Council gives its size as over 79 hectares.
Is Donovan Park still a farm?
Partly. The council bought the Donovan family farm in 1964, and the farmed sections are still worked, with sheep, deer and rare-breed livestock.
Can I take my dog to Donovan Park?
Yes. It is a designated dog exercise area and dogs can be off lead, except around the duck pond, where the council’s dog policy does not allow dogs. Carry a leash and pick up after your dog.
What birds visit the duck pond?
The council lists ducks, geese, swans, pied stilts, black-backed gulls and black-billed gulls.
Which clubs use the park?
Waikiwi Rugby Football Club leases the grounds and clubrooms in the south-west corner, and the Lorneville-Makarewa Pony Club uses part of the park for its events.
Who looks after Donovan Park?
Invercargill City Council, which has a management plan for the park.
Spotted something incorrect on this page? Let us know.