Dunedin Botanic Garden, Dunedin

The Dunedin Botanic Garden, established in 1863, is New Zealand’s oldest botanical garden and a treasured green space in the heart of the city. Spanning over 30 hectares at the foot of North East Valley, the garden offers a blend of cultivated displays and native bush, attracting both casual visitors and plant enthusiasts. Recognized as a Garden of International Significance, it plays a vital role in conservation, education, and recreation, and offers a year-round destination for experiencing seasonal beauty.

Divided into upper and lower sections, the garden offers diverse environments and collections. The lower garden features formal rose beds, a large duck pond, and expansive lawns surrounded by seasonal flower displays. Nearby is the Winter Garden Glasshouse, which shelters exotic plants and tropical species, while the sound of birdsong-from native tui to exotic peafowl-adds to the atmosphere. A children’s playground and aviary also make this section particularly family-friendly.

The upper garden offers a more naturalistic setting, with walking trails weaving through native forest, rhododendron dell, and alpine gardens. The Native Plant Collection highlights New Zealand’s unique flora, while the geographic plant collections showcase species from Africa, Asia, and the Americas. The views from the higher trails reward visitors with panoramic perspectives over the city and Otago Harbour.

Throughout the garden, interpretive signage provides botanical information and historical context. Benches, fountains, and sculptures enhance the landscape, while the historic Croque Lawn and the 1914 Edwardian-style band rotunda host community events and summer concerts. The garden’s proximity to the University of Otago and residential neighborhoods ensures it remains a lively and accessible part of daily life in Dunedin.