Although New Zealand is heading into autumn, blooming flowers line every walkway as I begin my exploration.
The Dunedin Botanic Garden was New Zealand’s first public garden. It covers 70 acres of hillside and flat land to the city’s north and has more than 6,800 plant species.
According to the website, “Mature specimen trees set off the lower garden’s formal rose garden, herb garden, herbaceous borders, and camellia collection.
“The rock garden spreads across the sunny bank on the way up the hill to the more naturalistic upper garden. Here is the arboretum, rhododendron dell, native plant collection, and geographic collection. The regenerated native forest offers shady bush walks, and the aviary showcases native and exotic birds.”
I wandered the property, taking photos and admiring the landscape. What a beautiful way to spend an hour in Dunedin.
My visit to the garden was part of a shore excursion on the Royal Princess. For more information about the gardens, click here. For Princess Cruises, click here.
Lovely!