If you time things just right, there’s a period over spring when some of Dunedin’s most scenic places become even more spectacular. Castle grounds grow golden archways, the southern coastal beaches sprout spectacular succulents and some of the city’s most historic buildings are framed in flowering fruit trees.
If you’re a visitor planning a springtime sojourn or a local after a flower-filled photo, check out our list of when and where to find brilliant blossoms, amazing azaleas other bountiful blooms for that scenic selfie. Who needs lupins when you've got these beauties.
Stars of the Oval
Spring is heralded in by these little golden trumpets at the start of the season when things start getting warmer and lighter. At the start of September, Dunedin’s Oval sportsground grows a halo as these delightful daffies spring up at the edges of the field and around the Boer War Memorial.
Best Blossoms
Another sure-fire signal springtime is here is when fruit trees begin to bloom from September. Some of Dunedin’s best blossoms can also be experienced near some of the city’s most historic landmarks. Take a picnic blanket and relax on the lawn under the blossoms on the University of Otago Campus near the Water of the Leith. Closer to the central city, you can find a small collection of white blossoms near the Dunedin Railway Station and the Dunedin Botanical Garden is home to the stunning Cherry Walk.
Botanical Beauties
Other areas of the Dunedin Botanic Garden will also be in bloom. October to November is peak flowering time for the Azalea Garden, while the rose gardens in the lower area flower from November through to the summer. The Rhododendron Dell will also be putting on a spectacular display during its peak in October and even hosts a garden fete the Sunday before labour weekend.
Lady Thorn Dell Garden
Don’t let the prickly name fool you, it’s actually named for a former mayoress of Port Chalmers. If you find yourself around the area, consider taking a trip to the Lady Thorn Dell Garden. The dell has a large collection of plants and will have blooming rhododendrons from spring through to summer.
Tunnel Vision
The Larnach Castle gardens are one of only five gardens nationwide to have been given the rating of "Garden of International Significance" by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. In spring it is aplomb with colour, from the fiery azaleas that glow outside the castle ballroom to the lush laburnum archway which becomes a golden tunnel in November.
Purple Splendour
During spring to summer a magenta carpet weaves its way down the coast. One of the best places to experience this succulent’s purply-pink flower is around Blackhead Beach, there’s even a bench seat that you can enjoy the view from.
Find out more about Dunedin’s year-round offerings and gorgeous gardens here.