New Zealand
The eighth international “Fascination of Plants Day” around 18 May 2026 will be launched by plant scientists across the world under the umbrella of the European Plant Science Organisation (EPSO).
The goal of this activity is to get as many people as possible around the world fascinated by plants and enthused about the importance of plant science for agriculture and sustainable production of nutritious food, as well as for horticulture, forestry and the production of plant-based non-food products such as paper, timber, chemicals, energy and pharmaceuticals. The role of plants in environmental conservation is also a key message.
Everybody is welcome to join this initiative!
Drop in for this free, fun kids art activity where kids will explore many leaf shapes and vein form and a beeswax’s crayon technique. This session will be hosted by the Friends of Auckland Botanic Gardens visiting artist, Thomas Paster.
Suitable for children ages 4+. Parent and caregiver supervision is required.
No booking required — just drop in to the Visitor Centre and create!
Bring the kids along for a lovely hands-on creative drop-in session exploring natural scents and simple craft. Children will get to decorate their own calico bag and fill it with sweet-smelling lavender to take home and enjoy. Afterwards, grab our “Fabulous Flowers” activity sheet, and explore the gardens.
This is a fun, sensory activity for kids of all ages. All materials provided. Free activity.
All children must be accompanied and supervised by a parent or guardian throughout the session.
No bookings required.
Photograph your favourite botanical views and be in to win great prizes!
To celebrate Botanic Gardens Week (May 18 -24), Dunedin Botanic Garden is launching The Living Lens: Botanical Views – a photo competition aimed at getting budding photographers behind the lens and into the garden we know and love!
Take in the sights as the seasons change and get snapping! We want to see your favourite botanical views, whether they be flora or fauna focused.
You don’t need to be a seasoned pro to enter, but entries do need to be your own work. Check out our terms and conditions for full details.
Visit the Dunedin Botanic Garden during the competition and join in the fun!
Submit your entry online via our website. Entries open Monday 18 May and close Sunday 14 June, 2026.
Winning photos will be exhibited at the Botanic Garden Information Centre.
Categories
Flora (Plants)
Ages: Junior (10 and under), Youth (11-17) and Adult (18+)
Fauna (People, animals, insects…)
Ages: Junior (10 and under), Youth (11-17) and Adult (18+)
Prizes
$150 JB HI gift card for the winners of the Adult ‘Flora’ and ‘Fauna’ categories.
$100 JB HI gift card for the winners of the Youth ‘Flora’ and ‘Fauna’ categories.
$50 JB HI gift card for the winners of the Junior ‘Flora’ and ‘Fauna’ categories.
$50 Friends of Dunedin Botanic Garden Plant Stall gift voucher for the winner of the Staff Pick.