Dunedin Botantic Garden

Enjoy native birdsong and hillside views as you encounter more than 6,800 plant species in Dunedin's beautiful 28 hectare botanic garden.

Established in 1863, Dunedin Botanic Garden is the oldest in New Zealand. From the formal lower gardens to the hillside native forest, the 28 hectares contain over 6,800 plant species. From its earliest days, the Dunedin Botanic Garden has featured a large number of rhododendron species.

The beautiful Edwardian Winter Garden Glasshouse - containing tropicals, sub-tropicals, cacti and succulents - is a feature of the lower 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. The formal rose and camellia gardens complete the lower garden, which is beautifully bordered by one of the largest rock gardens in the world as it rambles along the edges of the Lindsay Creek. 

Crossing the creek, well formed paths lead to the native plant sections, which include endangered plants, alpine and wetland plants as well as native forest species. Of particular interest is a collection of weaving flaxes. Adjacent to the native plants section in the upper garden is the Geographic Collection with plants from Africa, America, Asia and Australia.

The Dunedin Botanic Garden experience is rounded out by beautiful hillside views, manicured lawns, a bird aviary, shop and cafe.

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.