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/.