Dunedin has several world-renowned gardens. From the first botanical garden in the country to a stunning inner-city Chinese Scholar's Garden and the sprawling grounds framing the country's only historic castle, Dunedin is a destination for lovers of all things leafy. Check out the best green spaces and places to get your flora fix below.
Dunedin Botanic Gardens
Only a 30-minute walk from the centre of town, Dunedin Botanic Garden is an oasis in the city. The world renowned Rhododendron Dell and the New Zealand Native Plant collection are set amongst wild native forest. The aviary displays native parrots, while the lower garden includes ponds, glasshouses and a playground. The slopes of the upper garden terrace up the hill and lead to different geographical gardens displaying global species from the likes of the Mediterranean and Africa to the Himalayas.
Larnach Castle Grounds
You'll find an enchanting garden around the grounds of Larnach Castle, which features stunning views of the Otago Peninsula. A wonderful array of manicured lawns, shaped hedges, unique displays and castle history can be found in this Garden of International Significance, where you can enjoy delicious high teas al fresco when the sun is shining.
Lan Yuan Dunedin Chinese Garden
The Dunedin Chinese Garden is a slice of old Shanghai in downtown Dunedin. Traditional and serene, the garden was built by Shanghai artisans as an inner-city haven for peaceful contemplation and features bridges, water features and a tea house,
Glenfalloch Gardens
Explore the wooded pathways of Glenfalloch Gardens on the Otago Peninsula, admiring its rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, fuchsias, plus a profusion of other flower species which integrate with native ferns, exotic imports and indigenous New Zealand trees.
Anzac Square
Outside the resplendent Dunedin Railway Station is the stunning Anzac Square Gardens. Remodelled in the 1990s, the garden now includes several knot garden hedges, a rotating roster of seasonal blooms and the station itself is framed by blossoms that confetti the paths in the springtime.
Olveston Historic Home
A garden of National Significance. Kauri to Cactus and everything in between inhabit the grounds of this estate that once belonged to the wealthy Theomin family. The garden has been shaped over decades and features roses, a conservatory and stunning manicured hedges.
Hereweka Garden Retreat
A young garden of 35 years, Hereweka is set in a hidden valley below the prominent feature of Harbour Cone on the picturesque Otago Peninsula. The gently sloping hillside is planted with a wide selection of rhododendrons and many interesting trees and shrubs. Around the house there are wide borders containing perennials, old fashioned roses and an excellent collection of snowdrops and other bulbs. Hellebores are a particular speciality at Hereweka and a late winter visit is well rewarded though the garden peaks over spring and summer.
Visit by appointment only.