Exploring the Wellington Botanic Gardens
The Wellington Botanic Gardens, on the west side of Central Wellington, lie on the southeast side of the valley where Glenmore Street separates the suburbs of Kelburn and Northland. This scenic spot is easily accessible from the city centre, with multiple walking tracks, viewpoints, garden types and other points of interest. To the south of the gardens is Victoria University, and Zealandia is to the southwest, continuing along Glenmore Street and following the signs
Discovering the Gardens
There are many access points to the gardens from the surrounding suburbs. From downtown, the best option is to take the cable car from Lambton Quay to the top of the gardens, next to the Carter Observatory. The views from here are superb, and you'll find mature redwoods, native bush, and a fernery nearby. From there, you can walk mostly downhill at your leisure, with multiple side-trip loops and options to the main entrance on Glenmore Street.
As you walk towards Glenmore Street, you'll encounter a series of beautiful gardens featuring both native and exotic plants. The Treehouse is a notable attraction, with splendid views over the valley. Continuing northeast from the bottom of the hill, you will discover a large rose garden, the Peace Flame, and a café where you can relax.
For an extended walk, start near the Beehive on Bowne Street, walk through the historic Bowen Street Cemetery, then head up Tinakori Road and Glenmore Street to the main entrance. Be prepared for some steep sections up the hill, especially in the gardens.
Exploring Te Ahumairangi
Across the road from the Glenmore Street entrance, a track off Kilmister Street leads to Te Ahumairangi (Tinakori Hill). This area is part of a large town belt, predominantly covered in bush, situated on a typically steep Wellington hill. It provides more breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
How to Get There
To visit the Wellington Botanic Gardens, take the cable car from Lambton Quay to the southeast side of the gardens, or walk up Bolton Street or Bowen Street, coupled with the City to the Sea Walkway, from Central Wellington, about a 10 to 15-minute walk. Next to the top cable car station, you can explore the Cable Car Museum and admire the views from the nearby Observatory, then walk directly into the gardens, heading generally downhill towards the main entrance in Glenmore Street. If you are walking in, you can discover the historic Bolton Street Cemetery and the Seddon Memorial. From there, it is an uphill walk to explore the gardens.
Other outdoor parks to explore include Wilton Bush, the adjacent Ōtari Native Botanic Gardens, and Mount Victoria. The downtown harbour walk, Te Papa and Oriental Bay can also be added to a Wellington day walk.
