Government House Garden Auckland
★★★★★
Exotic species of trees are increasingly complemented by trees and shrubs native to New Zealand. Some of the trees, which date from the 1870s, and the garden retains the lava outcrops and the original vegetation that were once a feature of the area. The house was built in 1921 by Sir Frank and Lady Mappin who spent 45 years combining the natural features of the site, existing trees and new plantings to develop the garden we see today.
The Mappins gifted the house and garden to the Crown in 1966 for use as a vice-regal residence. It is a permanent challenge to maintain the original character of the garden in a climate that encourages lush growth. Maintenance and development of the garden is under the direction of a management plan and a garden committee. Management goals are based on the recognition that the garden is a national treasure and seek to conserve its historical, botanical and design values.
Facilities and Amenities
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Guided public tours of Auckland Government House gardens take place between October and April as the schedule of the Governor-General and house allow. The tours are free but are restricted to 15 places which must be booked in advance. Tours require a good level of mobility and fitness. Security checks and protocols apply, and tours may need to be rescheduled at short notice.
Details on dates and how to book on public tours are at https://gg.govt.nz/government-house/government-house-auckland/visiting-government-house-auckland
Tours for community and other groupsare by appointment only and group size can be negotiated. Groups of six or more may contact bookings@govthouse.govt.nz to arrange a visit. Tours require a good level of mobility and fitness. Security checks and protocols apply, and tours may need to be rescheduled at short notice.
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Driving
From the city take Wellesley Street East up to Grafton Road.
Turn right on to Park Road Continue on to Mountain Road.
Turn right into Omana Rd Turn right into Savannah St – the gate is at the end of the road.
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Physical Address: 119 Mountain Road, Epsom
Phone: 04 3820837
Email: bookings@govthouse.govt.nz
