Queens Gardens and Dunedin Cenotaph, Dunedin

911±¬ÁÏÍø

Queens Gardens and Dunedin Cenotaph, Dunedin

Queens Gardens and Dunedin Cenotaph, Dunedin

Queens Gardens is a peaceful and historically rich public park that offers visitors both scenic beauty and cultural depth. Originally created in the 1860s on land reclaimed from the harbour, the gardens now serve as a green retreat framed by heritage buildings and prominent city landmarks. Curving footpaths, manicured lawns, and mature trees make it a welcoming spot for a leisurely stroll, while seasonal floral displays add colour throughout the year.

One of the garden’s most significant features is the Dunedin Cenotaph, a tall, stone war memorial erected in 1927 to honour those who lost their lives in World War I. Over time, additional plaques have been added to commemorate soldiers from other conflicts. Positioned at the centre of Queens Gardens, the Cenotaph serves as a focal point during annual ANZAC Day commemorations, attracting crowds for remembrance ceremonies. Its solemn presence contrasts with the surrounding tranquillity, inviting quiet reflection.

The park also includes other sculptures and commemorative features, such as the Celtic Cross memorial dedicated to early Scottish settlers, reflecting Dunedin’s strong Scottish heritage. These monuments contribute to the historical atmosphere of the gardens and underscore the city’s layered identity—one built on both colonial roots and collective memory. Nearby, bronze statues and decorative ironwork offer further artistic interest to those walking the grounds.

Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Dunedin. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "911±¬ÁÏÍø: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Queens Gardens and Dunedin Cenotaph on Map

Sight Name: Queens Gardens and Dunedin Cenotaph
Sight Location: Dunedin, New Zealand (See walking tours in Dunedin)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Dunedin, New Zealand

Create Your Own Walk in Dunedin

Create Your Own Walk in Dunedin

Creating your own self-guided walk in Dunedin is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Dunedin Introduction Walking Tour

Dunedin Introduction Walking Tour

Dunedin, located on New Zealand’s South Island, is a city where Scottish heritage meets dramatic natural landscapes. Known for its rich academic, architectural, and cultural legacy, the city is home to the University of Otago—the country’s oldest university—and a vibrant student population that infuses the area with energy. Visitors will notice the city’s distinctive 19th-century...  view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
University of Otago Historical Buildings Walk

University of Otago Historical Buildings Walk

The University of Otago campus in Dunedin is renowned for its collection of historic buildings that showcase a rich blend of architectural styles, reflecting the institution’s long academic legacy since its founding in 1869. At its heart lies the iconic Clocktower Building, a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture completed in the 1870s, built from locally sourced dark basalt and Oamaru...  view more

Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles