The project, which was to have been opened next Tuesday, has already been subject to delays.
Early last year, the Chinese Garden Trust was required to excavate the site, after bottles dating back to the 19th century were found during earthworks.
In November, the trust decided to add a Pai Lou, or elaborate archway, it originally thought would be too expensive, again pushing the opening date forward.
Last month, the trust announced the garden would open on June 10, but yesterday the Dunedin City Council announced that had been put off until July 8.
Council community life general manager Graeme Hall said it was discovered, when an architect came from Shanghai after artisans had finished their work, there were things that still needed to be done.
Those included alterations to plants, lighting and floor coverings.
Staff had still not been shown the fit-out of the shop, and needed to be shown eftpos and ticketing systems.
"We thought we could meet the middle of June [opening date], but there were a number of things we really wanted to get right."
Garden staff, contractors and advisers had been conducting "shake down" tours and trial events to make sure the facility was operating at peak efficiency.
"Rather than expose visitors to an unreliable and potentially disappointing visit, we are postponing until we get these minor matters rectified.
"Too many people have worked for so long towards this moment that to rush our opening and risk disappointing our customers seems foolhardy."
The Garden will now open on Tuesday, July 8.
A visit by Prime Minister Helen Clark scheduled for next week, would still take place, he said.
