Last updated June 2026
Turnbull Thomson Park is a large public reserve in Invercargill, New Zealand, spanning multiple sections on either side of the Otepuni Creek and serving as a key venue for sports, recreation and community activities. The park features extensive playing fields, formed walking and cycling tracks, a playground and open spaces that support both organised sport and casual use. It is maintained by the Invercargill City Council and attracts locals and visitors for rugby, football, hockey, cricket and other pursuits. The park also includes a dedicated playground at the Tay Street entrance with climbing and sliding equipment plus swings. Its central location south of Tay Street and east of Elles Road makes it easily accessible for residents across the city.
Practical Information
| Location | South of Tay Street, east of Elles Road, Invercargill |
| Operator | Invercargill City Council Parks Division |
| Facilities | Rugby, football, hockey and cricket fields; skateboard park; playground; walking and cycling tracks; dog exercise area |
| Playground | At Tay Street entrance (435–441 Tay Street); play module, swings and climbing features |
| Access | Vehicle entries from Elles Road and surrounding streets; pedestrian pathways including Otepuni Walkway |
| Status | Open all year; free casual use of most facilities |
| Bookings | Contact Invercargill City Council for field reservations |
About Turnbull Thomson Park
Turnbull Thomson Park covers approximately 40 hectares and is divided into four main sections by the Otepuni Creek, Lindisfarne Street and the Main South railway line. The park provides a mix of formal sports grounds and informal recreation areas, with grass fields, scattered trees and formed tracks that link to broader walkway networks in Invercargill.
The reserve supports a wide range of sporting codes and hosts clubrooms for several organisations. It also serves as a community gathering place for events, casual play and dog walking, with designated off-lead exercise zones. Environment Southland manages adjacent stop-bank land, while the council oversees day-to-day maintenance, weed control and playground safety checks.
Visitor experience centres on the combination of active sports facilities and quieter green spaces. The park’s flat terrain and track network make it suitable for walking, running and cycling, while the playground and open areas cater to families. Weather in Invercargill can be changeable, so visitors should prepare for wind and rain common to the region.
Sports Facilities
The park contains multiple rugby fields, football pitches (including an artificial turf field installed in 2010), hockey areas and cricket grounds. Additional spaces support touch rugby, bowls and other codes. A walking and cycling track runs from Inglewood Road to Elles Road, and a skateboard park is located in the north-west section.
Local clubs based at the park include Southland Football, various rugby clubs, Southland Touch Association, Metropolitan Cricket Club and others. The facilities are available for casual use and organised competitions, with clubs responsible for their own buildings and car parks.
Playground
A playground is located at the Tay Street entrance to Turnbull Thomson Park. It features a play module with climbing and sliding elements, swings and other equipment suitable for children. The playground receives routine safety inspections by the Invercargill City Council to meet New Zealand standards.
The playground complements the park’s sports facilities by providing a dedicated family recreation area. It is easily reached from Tay Street and forms part of the broader network of pathways and open spaces within the reserve.
History
Around 70 percent of the park land was gifted to Invercargill in 1933 by the daughters of John Turnbull Thomson, New Zealand’s first Surveyor General, together with funds for landscaping and planting. The park was used for crop cultivation during World War II, which improved soil conditions.
The Turnbull Thomson Pavilion was constructed in 1965. A tree nursery operated in the 1960s and 1970s to supply shelter trees for city reserves. The skateboard park was added in the 1990s during stop-bank works, and the main walking and cycling track was completed in 2003. The Invercargill City Council Parks Division continues to manage development and maintenance.
Access and Parking
Vehicle access is available from Elles Road and other surrounding streets, with parking provided at multiple points. Pedestrian pathways connect from Tay Street and nearby roads, including the Otepuni Walkway. Public transport routes serve the area; visitors should confirm current bus stops and timetables with local services.
The park is within reasonable walking or cycling distance from central Invercargill via formed tracks along raised flood banks. Accessibility features include pathways suitable for a range of users, though specific facilities vary across the different sections.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors appreciate the variety of sports fields and the convenience of multiple clubs operating from one location. Families note the playground is well maintained and a good spot for children while adults use the tracks or watch games.
Many locals describe the park as a reliable community space for both organised sport and relaxed walks or dog exercise. The central location and free access are frequently mentioned as advantages.
Where to Learn More
Invercargill City Council: Official page with park description, facilities and contact details.
Wikipedia: Detailed history, facilities list and club information with references to primary sources.
Invercargill City Council Playgrounds: Information on the Turnbull Thomson Park Playground equipment and location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there fees for using the sports facilities?
Casual use of most fields and tracks is free. Bookings for organised events or club memberships may involve costs; contact the relevant club or council for details.
Can fields be reserved for private events?
Yes, fields can be booked through the Invercargill City Council Parks Division. Advance notice is recommended to check availability.
Is the playground suitable for young children?
The playground includes a play module, swings and climbing features designed for a range of ages and receives regular safety checks.
Are dogs allowed off lead?
Designated areas of the park are dog exercise zones where dogs may be off lead but must remain under owner control.
Is parking available?
Parking is provided at vehicle access points around the park, including near clubrooms and the Tay Street entrance.
What walking or cycling options exist?
A formed track runs through the park from Inglewood Road to Elles Road, connecting with the Otepuni Walkway and other local paths.
Who maintains the park?
The Invercargill City Council Parks Division handles general maintenance, while clubs look after their own facilities and Environment Southland manages adjacent stop banks.
Are there restroom facilities?
Restrooms are not located directly within the main park areas; visitors should plan to use nearby public facilities in Invercargill.
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