Auckland's Beautiful Botanic Gardens
Auckland, a city known for its vibrant culture and natural beauty, surprisingly lacked formal botanic gardens for much of its history. This absence is particularly curious given New Zealanders' passion for gardening and the presence of such gardens in other cities across the country. The Auckland Botanic Gardens, finally opened in Manurewa in 1982, provide a wonderful escape with diverse plantings and a focus on rare and endangered species.
The Journey to Establishing the Gardens
The idea for Auckland's botanic gardens dates back to the mid-1920s. Over the years, several locations were considered, including the Auckland Domain, Churchill Park in Glendowie, and land owned by Auckland University in East Tamaki. However, none of these proposals materialised.
In 1968, Auckland City acquired 40 hectares of land in then rural Manurewa from the Nathan family, which had been used for farming and was affected by motorway development and suburban growth. Soil tests confirmed the land's suitability for a botanic garden, leading to the establishment of a plant nursery. It took another decade for the gardens to officially open in 1982, with an additional 22.7 hectares added later.
Features and Attractions
Since their opening, the Auckland Botanic Gardens have undergone numerous enhancements. The gardens feature a wide variety of plantings, from native species to unusual exotics, with a particular emphasis on conserving rare and endangered plants. Additionally, the gardens have been developed as a sculpture park, with artworks scattered throughout the area. The entrance building is notable for its architecture and houses a café, making it a pleasant spot to relax.
Walking from the entrance, there is a range of gardens to encounter. The Native Plant Garden highlights New Zealand’s unique flora, while the Edible Garden features fruit trees, herbs, and vegetables in a productive landscape. The Rose Garden features a wide variety of traditional and modern roses, while the Perennial Garden showcases long-flowering plants throughout the seasons. The African Plants Garden focuses on drought-tolerant species, and contrasts with the Tropical Garden filled with bold foliage and exotic blooms. The Spring Blossom Valley is a seasonal highlight, with flowering cherries and bulbs providing a stunning display in early spring.
A full loop walk around the gardens typically takes about 1.5 to 2 hours at a leisurely pace, allowing time to enjoy each themed area. At the north end of the gardens, you can also discover Totara Park. This includes a walk through a strip of ancient native trees surrounding the Puhinui Creek, which adds about 40 minutes to a visit.
How to Get There
To visit the Auckland Botanic Gardens, take the Hill Road offramp from the Southern Motorway heading south, then head north on Hill Road. The entrance is almost immediately on the left. From Downtown Auckland, it is a 23 km drive and normally takes around 23 minutes. Be aware that the gardens attract about one million visitors annually, so it is best to avoid visiting on fine weekends and during school holidays.
A nearby option is the David Nathan Park, which contains the historic Nathan Homestead. Other parks with substantive gardens around Auckland include Auckland Domain, Cornwall Park, Dove-Myer Robinson Park and Albert Park
