Gerald Mayer (27) turned up at the door of the garden hoping to take photographs, after seeing a brochure advertising the authentic Chinese garden.
Unbeknown to him, it was not yet officially open to the public and a function for major sponsors of the garden was in progress.
Despite the lack of an official invitation, Dunedin City Council communications co-ordinator Rodney Bryant welcomed Mr Mayer into the garden because he had travelled thousands of kilometres just to see it.
Mr Mayer said he was grateful because the garden was on his list of "must-see" attractions during his three-day visit to Dunedin.
And he was not disappointed.
"I have seen so many botanic gardens and parks all over Europe. This is one of the top 10 I have seen. It is so beautiful and tranquil."
While Mr Mayer wandered the garden snapping photographs, about 150 contributors to the Dunedin Chinese Garden Trust were invited to see the progress to date and listen to speeches thanking them for their support.
Trust deputy chairman Peter Sew Hoy said the garden was built to commemorate the contributions of early Chinese pioneers in Dunedin, and would also commemorate the contributions of present and future Chinese in Dunedin.
"All contributors are important to the trust and without you all, we would not be here in these beautiful gardens."
Yesterday's function was for cornerstone and major sponsors. Another will be held today for platinum, gold, silver and bronze sponsors.
It was hoped the garden would be opened to the public early next month.
