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New Zealand Gardens Trust
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Ayrlies (Private)

“If you think of gardening as an art form, Ayrlies is the best expression of that art.” This is a quote by Jack Hobbs, manager of Auckland Botanic Gardens. Situated in the gently rolling country of east Auckland, this is one of New Zealand’s best known gardens, characterised by sweeping lawns and informal but detailed plantings by ponds and waterways. A strong but sensitive use of colour is a hallmark of Ayrlies seen best in the lurid border where ‘hot’ colours are used to great effect and in other areas where old roses, clematis and perennials are combined in romantic profusion.

Ayrlies is a seasonal garden where the owner has been challenged to have some plant at its best every week of the year, keeping horticultural and botanical interest in balance with the landscape. The garden has an almost subtropical climate which allows exotic plants such as Petrea, Alocasia, bromeliads, the flamboyant vireya rhododendrons and the exotic Ficus dammaropsis from New Guinea to flourish.

Just over 40 years from a bare site, the garden is nearing maturity. Trees and shrubs form a changing backdrop for roses, perennials, bulbs and grasses while plants native to New Zealand are a strong component. A wild flower meadow is an unusual attraction in early summer. Below the garden there is a large wetland area linking the garden to the waters of the Hauraki Gulf.

Opening Hours and Tariffs

Ayrlies is a private garden open throughout the year: by appointment

Monday to Friday 9am – 4.30pm

Closed on Saturday except by arrangement

Closed Sundays and public holidays

An admission fee of $20 cash is payable to any of the gardening team

  • Group guided tour has a fee of $150
  • We regret no dogs or children under 12 years old can be admitted
  • There is also a nursery from which you can purchase plants
  • Please note that we are unable to accept either credit cards or EFTPOS

Ayrlies Wetlands: Open 7 Days Admission free

Notes - The garden comprises 4 1/2 hectares of rolling terrain, some with steep slopes

Contact Details and Location

Physical Address: 125 Potts Rd, Whitford
Phone: 09 530 8706
Email: garden@ayrlies.co.nz
Website: http://ayrlies.co.nz

Facilities and Amenities

Car/Bus/Coach Park Toilets Picnics Allowed or Seating Provided

Map/brochure available

Ayrlies - My story, my garden written by Beverley McConnell

You can purchase the book through the Ayrlies Garden website

6 Stars
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Ayrlies

Directions

From SH1

  • From the Southern Motorway (SH1), take East Tamaki/Otara, Exit 444:
    a. If driving south - turn left and drive until you reach the 7th set of lights (East Tamaki shops)..
    b. If driving north - turn keeping left, loop around on bridge over motorway on to East Tamaki Road. Drive until you reach the 7th set of lights (East Tamaki shops) 
  • Turn right at arrow light into Preston Road, then left into Ormiston Road.
  • Drive approximately 8 km to top of hill where Ormiston Road becomes Sandstone Road. Continue downhill to T junction - Whitford Park Road.
  • Turn left - 200 yards to Whitford township.
  • Turn right at roundabout - Maraetai Beach Road.
  • Approximately 2km turn left into Clifton Road (opposite Whitford Landfill)
  • Approximately 1.5km down Clifton Road - take left fork to Potts Road.
  • 'Ayrlies' is on the right - 1.5km down. Please park in Garden car park.
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