Oamaru Botanic Garden

These gardens, established in 1876, are planted alongside a creek used to make the beautiful ponds and small lakes there today. In spring, the rhododendrons and azaleas vie with flowering cherries for a brilliant display. In summer, bedding plants, rose and erica gardens provide colour outdoors; begonias and other flowering plants flourish indoors. Further stand-out features are a fragrant garden, a Japanese Red Bridge, the Craig Fountain and a Wonderland Garden with a splendid statue given to the children of Oamaru. The gardens have some great picnic spots in areas sheltered by magnificent trees. Families will also enjoy the children's playground, aviaries and a wallaby park. The gardens are only a few steps away across a linking bridge from the Oamaru Holiday Park with its camping sites and cabins.

Image with thanks to Te Papa: Gardens, Oamaru, 1912, Oamaru, by Muir & Moodie studio. Te Papa (O.001848)