Visit https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/christchurch-botanic-gardens
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Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
A Historic and Living Treasure
With over 150 years of history, Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā is a place where heritage, horticulture, and the uniquely Wellington landscape intertwine. Recognised as a Garden of National Significance and designated a Heritage Area, this 25-hectare sanctuary is home to diverse spaces and trails, historic plant collections, vibrant seasonal displays, significant artworks and events.
Long before it became a botanic garden, this land was an important site for Te Ātiawa of Pipitea Pā. It provided resources for food, medicine, construction, and bird harvesting, with the nearby pā at Pipitea and Kumutoto linking generations of tangata whenua to the area. Today, the garden continues to be a place of learning, connection, and inspiration for all who visit.
A Tapestry of Gardens and Collections
Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā is a mosaic of curated collections that celebrate both New Zealand’s native flora and exquisite international species. The Display Garden is a vibrant showcase of design and storytelling, transforming with the seasons to offer an ever-changing spectacle of colour and form. The Lady Norwood Rose Garden, established in 1953, features over 300 rose varieties, with each bed dedicated to a unique cultivar. From classic heirlooms to modern hybrids, this formal garden is a feast for the senses. Nearby, the Begonia House provides a lush escape into the world of tropical and temperate plants, where begonias, orchids, and exotic species flourish year-round.
Discover, Learn, and Connect
The garden isn’t just a place to wander—it’s a hub for education, conservation, and community engagement.
- Guided and self-guided walks – Stroll through themed trails that reveal the garden’s hidden gems and rich history.
- School programs – Hands-on, curriculum-based education connects students with the many uses of plants, from food to medicine.
- Friends of Wellington Botanic Garden – This passionate group of volunteers supports the garden through education, advocacy, and horticulture. They also enhance the visitor experience through guiding and events.
- Regular events – From Music Sundays to seasonal festivals, there’s always something happening to engage and inspire.
- Treehouse Visitor Centre – Nestled within the gardens, the Treehouse Visitor Centre is your gateway to exploration. Stop by for maps, garden insights, and a visit to the gift shop, where you’ll find botanical treasures and locally inspired gifts.
Experience the wonder of Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā – where history, nature, and community come together. Plan your visit today! Visit us at https://wellingtongardens.nz/our-gardens/wellington-botanic-garden-ki-paekaka.
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Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush
A Living Celebration of Aotearoa’s Native Plants
Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is a haven of native flora, boasting the country’s only public botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants. It features the 5-hectare Ōtari Native Botanic Garden, with over 1,100 native species, hybrids, and cultivars, alongside Wilton’s Bush Forest Reserve, 100 hectares of ancient and regenerating forest. A Six-Star Garden of International Significance, Ōtari is a hub for research, education, conservation, and recreation.
Ōtarikākā (Ōtari), ‘the place of snares to trap kākā,’ has long been a valued mahinga kai, a place for gathering food, cherished by successive iwi since the earliest settlements of Te Whanganui-a-Tara by people. Today, it remains an important site within the rohe (boundary) of Taranaki Whānui, Te Āti Awa, and Ngāti Toa Rangatira.
A Century of Conservation and Discovery
Established in 1926 by J G Mackenzie and pioneering botanist Dr Leonard Cockayne, Ōtari was founded with a vision: to cultivate and showcase Aotearoa’s unique plant life and tell their stories. From coastal sand dune plants to subalpine and subantarctic species, the collection spans the entire length of New Zealand, including rare and endangered species that are now thriving under careful stewardship.
Among the highlights is Te Pā Harakeke o Te Whare Pora o Ōtari, a collection of traditional harakeke varieties once gathered by master weaver Rene Orchiston and now preserved as part of Te Kohinga Harakeke o Aotearoa, the National New Zealand Flax Collection. Another highlight is the Threatened Species Garden, showcasing Aotearoa’s at-risk plants. It features conservation success stories like kōhurangi (Brachyglottis kirkii), which thrives in old-growth forest epiphyte nests thanks to sustained pest control, including possum management.
The Lions Ōtari Native Plant Conservation Laboratory leads cutting-edge research in propagating and preserving endangered species, developing advanced techniques to germinate native plants as well as seed banking and cryopreservation.
Get Involved and Experience Ōtari
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a keen gardener, or simply looking for a peaceful escape, Ōtari has something to offer.
- Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust – A dedicated group of volunteers that help to protect and sustain this special place through plant propagation, guiding, weeding, tree planting, hosting, and trapping.
- Guided and self-guided walks – through lush native forests and gardens.
- School and university education programmes – connecting people with the natural world.
- Community events – including autumn walks and seminars, and traditional Māori weaving (raranga) classes.
- A family-friendly picnic area – with free BBQs and space to relax.
Discover the wonder of New Zealand’s native flora at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. Whether you visit, volunteer, or support our work, you’ll be part of something truly special. Visit us at https://wellingtongardens.nz/our-gardens/otari-wiltons-bush/.
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Queens Park
Queens Park, the 81 hectare jewel in the centre of Invercargill city has something for everyone. It is recognised as one of the most important parks in New Zealand and is a popular retreat for Invercargill residents.
Queens Park is a venue for events, weddings and community festivals and concerts. Educational tours for pre-school and school-aged children to the animals, aviary and native sections are enhanced with tours by various interest groups to other parts of the park such as the Winter Gardens and Rose Gardens. Local historians and scientists take advantage of the natural fauna and flora by having evening owl hunts, fungi discovery walks and other science-related activities.
Queens Park provides an outstanding recreational hub for city residents and the park is used as an integral walking and cycling route for commuters to and from work or school. Community groups use the park for exercise and sports events. People enjoy the paths and trails for dog walking, biking, strolling, commuting and exploring the attractions. Outdoor gym equipment has been added to the existing fitness track to encourage more variety for exercising.
The Park is a children’s wonderland, with fun for all ages. It has brightly coloured adventure playgrounds, high slides and fast merry-go-rounds. The Waterplay Park has hands-on activities and a paddling pool.
Queens Park was originally native forest, which held spiritual significance to Māori who referred to it as Taurakitewaru. Over the years it has evolved to include an intricate blend of contemporary and heritage features, including an animal reserve and aviary, formal gardens such as the Stumpery, and sensory garden.
Its various botanical attractions provide vibrant displays whatever the season. Queens Park houses its world-renowned heritage rose collection, with the rarest roses in the world on display.
Invercargill’s sister-city relationships with Japanese city Kumagaya and Suqian City of Jiangsu province, China, are celebrated with respective Gardens.
NZ-sourced native and eco-sourced plants are planted within the gardens. A diverse range of garden displays are showcased with a rock garden, NZ Plant Garden and historic plants from the sub-Antarctic islands and features plants like the megaherbs found on remote southern islands and not normally found in mainland New Zealand.
Visit https://www.icc.govt.nz/parks-and-reserves/queens-park/ for more details.
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Auckland Botanic Gardens
Auckland Botanic Gardens roams across 64 hectares of former farmland in the south of Auckland city. A young garden by world standards, it opened in 1982 and blends native New Zealand flora with exotic species, featuring standout collections like the Threatened Native Plant Garden, the Potter Children’s Garden, and diverse displays of roses, camellias, and African plants. A 10-hectare forest remnant complements the landscaped areas, offering trails through native bush.
The Gardens’ work is a mix of science, conservation and community engagement. Horticulturalists and researchers trial plants suited to Auckland’s conditions, producing advisory leaflets for local gardeners while maintaining over 10,000 specimens, including rare and endangered species.
Its purpose is as much about people as plants. Beyond research and conservation, the Auckland Botanic Gardens aims to connect visitors with nature, offering free entry to explore, learn and unwind. Events like Sculpture in the Gardens and workshops spark curiosity, while wedding sites and picnic spots make it a community hub. It’s a place to bridge the urban-nature divide—educating kids, inspiring gardeners, and reminding everyone that plants aren’t just scenery; they’re the backbone of life, past and future.
Auckland Botanic Gardens also manages the Domain Wintergardens in the heart of Auckland city and the Platt Arboretum on the North Shore. The Domain Wintergardens hosts two Victorian glasshouses featuring changing displays of tropical and seasonal blooms. The Platt Arboretum features a unique collection of exotic and native trees.
Visit https://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/ for more details.
