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
south-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.
This large country Garden now covers 6 hectares and is linked to the sea by the Wetlands. For
near six decades, Beverley McConnell has created and tended the garden from a blank clay
canvas of farmland, in a style that is quintessentially New Zealand. It includes many large trees –
liquidambar, swamp cypress, pin oak and redwoods – which have grown rapidly in the warm wet
climate. Each area has its own emphasis but merges easily into the next, always preserving the
harmony of the whole. Careful arboriculture preserves view lines to the Hauraki Gulf and within
the garden. Colour is most vigorous during November with the wildest array of blooms in the
roses and other spring-flowering plants. An abundance of blossom provides homes to bees,
insects and pollinators that proliferate in harmful-spray-free Ayrlies.
Beverley’s extraordinary vision saw the creation of 14 hectares of wetlands in 2001 on land that
was originally a salt marsh. Only New Zealand native trees and plants including giant grasses
line the boardwalk, bridges and lake that provide an abundant refuge for wildlife. The ecologically
rich environment combined with the foreshore has become home to an outstanding count of over
82 species of native and visiting wildlife, including the NZ dotterel and dabchick as well as the
elusive spotted crake. The wetlands have been acknowledged as significant and culturally
important. James Brown, chair of Ngai Tai ki Tamaki, recently told Bev, ‘Your work is the work of
chiefs and benefits us all. In 1000 years, Ngai Tai ki Tamaki will remember Bev McConnell for
her garden and forest, which I am sure will still be casting her shadow across Turanga.’
Opening Hours and Tariffs
Ayrlies is a private garden open throughout the year and includes entry to the Wetlands.
Open Monday to Friday 9am – 4.00pm.
Closed Sundays and public holidays
Open on Saturdays: please email 'gardens@ayrlies.co.nz' by Friday 3pm beforehand for entry
instructions.
An admission fee of $20 is payable online https://ayrlies.co.nz/visit/payment/ or cash to any of
the gardening team
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Group guided tour has a fee of $250
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We regret no dogs or children under 12 years old can be admitted
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There is also a nursery from which you can purchase plants
Please note: 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: https://ayrlies.co.nz/home/
Facilities and Amenities
Map available
Ayrlies - My story, my garden written by Beverley McConnell
You can purchase the book through the Ayrlies Garden website
