Community stalls offering fresh produce, rhododendrons and other potted plants, crafts, homemade jam and chutney, face-painting and seafood chowder were set up in the dell for the annual Port Chalmers and District Lions Club gala day.
Live music by Dunedin group the Three Altos entertained people as they meandered through the rhododendron dell, developed by Lions members over the past 14 years.
Gala day convener Les Box said it was a chance for the Lions and other community groups or charities to raise money, but first and foremost it was a fun community day for Port Chalmers residents and visitors.
''Any proceeds or profits the Lions make from today goes back into the dell,'' he said.
Club members had planted hundreds of rhododendrons over the years at the site, which was a ballast rock quarry and later a tip.
''It's been a long and pretty hard project at times. We've put in all the walkways and the lookout.''
Mr Box said the dell was becoming a popular visitor attraction in Port Chalmers, frequented by cruise-ship passengers and other tourists.
The dell's first wedding of the season would be held next month, he said.
