Historic Features of the Dunedin Botanic Garden

The Dunedin Botanic Garden was established in 1863 on a nine- acre site in North Dunedin now occupied by Otago University. The use of the University site ceased abruptly in 1868 when the Garden was destroyed by the flooding of the Leith stream. The Garden was then relocated, taking many of the plants, to the present 28 hectare site further north on the lower slopes of Signal Hill.

The garden is divided into two parts, the Lower Garden and the Upper Garden. The Upper Garden contains the Arboretum, originally planted in the 1880s, containing a variety of conifers and deciduous trees, and the Rhodendron Dell, started in 1914 and now a collection of international standing.

Among highlights of the Lower Garden are the Royal Oak, planted in 1863 to commemorate the marriage of the Prince and Princess of Wales and transplanted to its presented position from the original site; the Band Rotunda, built in 1914; the Rock Garden, started in 1904 by David Tannock, the first Superintendent of Reserves; and the Winter Garden, built in 1908 and completely restored to the original plan in 1990.

A leisurely walk round the Garden could take up to two hours. Be warned that the site is hilly.

The brochure was prepared by the Dunedin Botanic Garden and is published by the Dunedin City Council. Copies are available from the Garden and from the Dunedin Visitor Centre I-Site in the Octagon.

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