Sending flowers to Wakari Hospital
Wakari Hospital, at 371 Taieri Road in Halfway Bush, Dunedin, provides mental health services and dates from 1915. If someone you care about is staying there, a gesture from home can mean a great deal. Flowers are possible in some cases, but the hospital's page carries the same restrictions as other Southern district hospitals.
Order by 2 pm on weekdays (11 am Saturdays) for same-day delivery in many areas
- Ward rules quoted from the hospital
- Name and ward on the card
- Local florists deliver the flowers
Fresh flowers are not allowed in ICU, HDU, oncology, cardiovascular, respiratory, surgical or medical wards, or in multi-bed rooms (risk to patients with respiratory disorders). Check with ward reception before using a florist.
“Due to the risk that fresh flowers pose to patients with respiratory disorders, you cannot bring them into the following areas: intensive care unit, high dependency unit, oncology ward, cardiovascular ward, respiratory ward, surgical ward, medical ward, multi-bed rooms. If you are bringing flowers in or using florist delivery services, check with the ward reception.”
The published restrictions
Health NZ's Wakari page says that, due to the risk fresh flowers pose to patients with respiratory disorders, they cannot be brought into:
- intensive care unit
- high dependency unit
- oncology ward
- cardiovascular ward
- respiratory ward
- surgical ward
- medical ward
- multi-bed rooms
This is the same text used on the Dunedin, Southland and Lakes District hospital pages, so ask the ward which of these areas apply at Wakari. The rule for multi-bed rooms can apply anywhere.
Check with the ward
The page asks people to check with ward reception if they are bringing flowers in or using a florist. Check with the ward before sending on 03 466 4888, and ask what would suit the person best. Staff may suggest a card or a small personal item instead.
When you call, have the person's full name and ward ready. Staff can tell you whether they are in a single room or a shared room, and whether a small arrangement would be fine. If it is, choose something compact in its own container and lightly scented, so it is easy to care for and does not bother anyone nearby.
Visiting times at Wakari Hospital
- General visiting hours are 3pm to 8pm.
- The long-term rehabilitation ward has visiting from 2pm to 8pm.
Other ways to show you care
A letter, a photo from home or flowers delivered once the person is back at home can all carry the same message. Our Dunedin flower delivery page covers home deliveries, and Dunedin Hospital lists the same restrictions for the city's main hospital.
Where Wakari fits
Health NZ says Wakari is a mental health hospital with no emergency department. It houses the Te Oranga Tonu Tanga Māori mental health service and a Māori Health Unit, and offers interpreters in more than 55 languages. For a mental health crisis the page gives the emergency psychiatric services number, 0800 46 78 46.
Getting in, and after hours
- There is free car parking at the hospital.
- The 44 bus (Halfway Bush to St Kilda) stops outside.
- Hospital entrances are locked from 6pm to 7:45am; use the intercom if visiting after hours.
- Visits to wards 9A and 10A are by appointment only.
- The grounds are smokefree.
Because some wards are by appointment, a call to 03 466 4888 before you visit or send anything is the surest way to get it right.
Address for the order
- 371 Taieri Road, Halfway Bush, Dunedin, 9010
- Dunedin
- Phone 03 466 4888
Write the patient’s full name and ward on the card and the order. Rules checked 6 November 2026; hospitals change their rules, so call the ward if you are unsure.
Get-well flowers that suit a ward
Compact arrangements are easier for nurses and small bedside tables.
Order by 2 pm on weekdays (11 am Saturdays) for same-day delivery in many areas
