Auckland Botanic Gardens
★★★★★
Auckland Botanic Gardens is a young botanic garden that has been created from gently contoured farmland. The mild temperate climate allows the gardens to display a wide variety of plants. The native plant collections focus on those plants occurring naturally within the northern parts of New Zealand and there is a special garden where threatened plants may be seen.
Recent years have seen a focus on providing a great family experience with addition of the Potter Children’s Garden. Made up of two key areas, children and parents can explore the relationship between the native Kereru (wood pigeon) and Puriri tree and then how plants have adapted to the environment. The various collections including African plants, camellias, magnolias, roses, perennials, herbs, salvias, edibles and palms mean there is something in flower all year round. The native forest and Gondwana Arboretum offer the opportunity to extend the stay and explore the natural bush and trees of ancient times. Huakaiwaka is a modern visitor centre that houses Café Miko, open daily for snacks and meals as well as a display space where plant stories are told. Brochures of walks can be picked up before heading out in to the gardens and staff can help with other plant-related enquiries. An extensive library is also open three days a week for the public to explore various journals and books on gardening. Join staff for a free Wednesday walk or take a ride on the Wiri Rambler to hear more from staff and volunteers. Go to the web site for more information.
The garden is also home to outstanding large scale sculpture by New Zealand artists. A biennial exhibition ensures that the permanent collection grows and offers another way of enjoying the gardens. With various facilities the gardens are a great place to host events, meetings, weddings and family gatherings. Ask the staff for more information or look at the website for upcoming public events.
Facilities and Amenities
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Brochures/Map Available
Children Welcome
Free guided walk every Wednesday 1pm - meet at the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre
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Entry is free
Spring & summer hours (mid October to mid March)
Gardens open 8am to 8pm Visitor Centre open 8am – 4.30pm
Cafe Miko open 8am – 4pm
Autumn & winter hours (mid March to mid October)
Gardens open 8am to 6pm Visitor Centre open 8am to 4pm
Café Miko open 8am – 4pm
Library is open Monday, Wednesday & Saturday 11am to 3pm
Christmas Day
Gardens open 8am – 8pm
Visitor Centre & Café Miko closed
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From Auckland north
Follow State Highway 1 south from Auckland.
Take the Hill Road, Manurewa off ramp just after Manukau.
Turn left and the garden entry is about 150m on your left.
From Hamilton on State Highway (SH1)
Exit SH1 at Takanini.
Turn left on to Great South Road.
Follow this road to an intersection with Alfriston Road where you turn right.
Turn left in to Claude Road.
At the T junction turn right in to Hill Road.
Drive straight through at the traffic lights intersection and the Garden entry is about 150m on your left.
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Physical Address: 102 Hill Road, Manurewa
Phone: 09 267 1457
Email: botanic.gardens@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Website: http://aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz
