21/10/2026. Botanic Gardens – Rhododendrons and Volcanoes. Grade 1.5. Hikers. Leaders: Katherine and Tony Martin.
A group of 20 sunhatted hikers set off from the lower gardens car park, down the infamous Castle St, taking in the flats’ creative names and a couple of street murals
Our destination was the University of Otago campus where the original Botanic Gardens started in 1863. We were then treated to a very informative talk given by the geology museum staff on site at their both historic and significant museum.
The talk centred on the Dunedin volcano, which, of course, many of the club’s hikes and tramps take place on and around.
Morning tea was taken on the steps opposite the clocktower and beside the Leith in sparkling morning sunshine.
We then walked back to the gardens via Leith Street to take in more ingenious flat names.
Next, we followed the gardens volcano trail through native bush along the Leith and up towards the top gardens. This took in several stops to check out various volcanic rocks. Lunch was taken on the Mediterranean Plaza on the suitably almost Mediterranean day.
From there we hiked up to the top azalea garden and then into the rhododendrons.
There are many paths in the dell – it was necessary to nominate Jill to wear the mid section high viz vest so that we all stayed on the route. The tracks took us through historic sections; parts that are now rhododendron forests and then up through more modern cultivars, all in different sections according to origins. The rhododendrons were at their stunning best, so the date was well timed for our hike.
Our day concluded with the downhill hike via the pergola and then to Aster Cafe for an ice cream in the shade by the duck pond.
Distance covered- 8 km
Katherine and Tony Martin
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.