The Dunedin Botanic Garden is the crowning glory of the city and are a six-star Garden of International Significance.
Established in 1863 as the first Botanic Gardens in New Zealand, the 28-hectare grounds are resplendent with over 6,800 plant species and the song of wild native bellbirds, wood pigeons and Tui.
The sprawling lower gardens feature the rather unique Edwardian Winter Garden glasshouse containing tropical plants, cacti and succulents which overlooks the serene Japanese Garden complete with a bamboo grove. The Garden is located in North Dunedin, just over two kilometres from the Octagon. A regular bus service operates from the city centre to the north end past the Botanic Garden.
A popular spot for families, the duck pond and playground are a great place to spend a few hours on a fine day and in the summer months there are often musicians playing in the traditional bandstand nearby.
The formal rose and camellia gardens complete the lower garden, which is beautifully bordered by one of the largest rock gardens in the world which climbs the hillside in terraces. In spring, the upper reaches bloom with thousands of daffodils and a substantial forest of mature Rhododendrons, making the perfect picnic destination with views over the city.
The Garden is located in North Dunedin, just over two kilometres from the Octagon. A regular bus service operates from the city centre to the north end past the Botanic Garden.
Take a packed lunch, stop into the café within the grounds or pop over to the nearby bagel shop for a takeaway picnic to enjoy amongst the greenery.
