Recognized by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as having national significance, Timaru’s Botanic Gardens offer 19 hectares (about 47 acres) of lush plants, flowers and woods for strolling, admiring and picnicking among. This diverse collection of flora was established in 1864; its grounds include a duck pond, a formal rose garden, an aviary, a fern house and a conservatory for endangered plant species. Should you fancy more city and lake views with your stroll, Centennial Park has hiking and biking trails a few kilometers north of the gardens.

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