Established in 1863, Dunedin Botanic Garden is the oldest in New Zealand. It is a lovely place for a stroll through a range of gardens,

Dunedin Botanic Garden

Established in 1863, Dunedin Botanic Garden is the oldest in New Zealand. It is a lovely place for a stroll through a range of gardens, in a native forest setting. From the formal garden beds to the hillside native forest, the 28 hectares contain over 6,800 plant species. In 2010 it was recognised as a Garden of International Signficance for its excellence as a public garden as well as for its botanical collections.

The beautiful Edwardian Winter Garden Glasshouse - containing tropicals, sub-tropicals, cacti and succulents - is a feature of the flat lower botanic garden. For a hands-on experience, the herb garden provides a delightful array of scents and textures as well as information on traditional uses for herbs. Nearby are the formal rose garden and camellia collection. Lindsay Creek rambles alongside the rock garden which basks in afternoon sun.

Crossing the creek, well formed paths lead to the native plant collection, which includes threatened plants, alpine and wetland plants as well as native forest species. Adjacent to the native plant collection in the upper botanic garden is the geographic collection with plants from Africa, America, Asia and Australia. From its earliest days, Dunedin Botanic Garden has featured a renowned Rhododendron Dell.

The Dunedin Botanic Garden experience is rounded out by beautiful hillside views, sunny manicured lawns, a bird aviary displaying native and exotic birds, information centre selling postcards and a café.

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.

The garden is open daily from dawn till dusk and entry is free.

Featured Dunedin Botanic Garden Events

Rhododendron Day Plant Sale

Workshops, Conferences & Classes - Public Talks & Tours Events
Dunedin Botanic Garden, Dunedin

Sunday 15 October 2017
There’s plenty of blooming good fun to be had this Rhododendron Day. Grab a bargain, rain or shine. Features plant stalls, food and entertainment. Rhododendron Dell, upper garden car park. More...

HortTalk - Predator Free Dunedin: The Latest

Workshops, Conferences & Classes - Public Talks & Tours Events
Dunedin Botanic Garden, Dunedin

Friday 4 August 2017
HortTalk - Predator Free Dunedin: the latest by Affiliates of Predator Free Dunedin Collaboration. A group of community-based entities has signalled its commitment to building on the biodiversity of Dunedin and... More...

HortTalk - Urban Conservation In Dunedin

Workshops, Conferences & Classes - Public Talks & Tours Events
Dunedin Botanic Garden, Dunedin

Friday 1 September 2017
HortTalk - Urban Conservation in Dunedin by Craig Wilson, Department of Conservation. With Conservation Week approaching, it’s time to reflect on the benefits that nature brings to urban people and the ways that DOC... More...

HortTalk - Natives In Suburbia: Selecting Great NZ Plants

Workshops, Conferences & Classes - Public Talks & Tours Events
Dunedin Botanic Garden, Dunedin

Friday 6 October 2017
HortTalk - “Natives in Suburbia: selecting great NZ plants for the home garden” by Philip Dunn, Manager Ribbonwood Nurseries. Choosing well- behaved and interesting natives can create a garden that is easy to look... More...

HortTalk - Many Hands Make Light Work

Workshops, Conferences & Classes - Public Talks & Tours Events
Dunedin Botanic Garden, Dunedin

Friday 3 November 2017
HortTalk - “Many Hands Make Light Work” by Speakers from Community Conservation Groups. Dunedin has a fine history of successful conservation programmes run by local organisations. Representatives will provide an... More...