Auckland Botanic Gardens have a number of outdoor events, especially in the summer months. The sculpture in the gardens is an established annual exhibition attracting visitors. There is a cafe on site as well as a gift shop. The permanent sculptures make for great photo moments.
Auckland Botanical Gardens highlights
Edible garden
Not sure about how to create a productive garden. In the Edible Garden discover how walls are a convenient growing space or create a food forest in raised boxes or planters. Ideas include recycled containers and there are tips on how to grow food without the use of chemical fertilisers or chemical sprays.
Gondwana Arboretum
Ancient trees of Gondwana, the super continent Aotearoa New Zealand once was joined to are living fossils in the garden today. Discover ancient conifers, cycads and ferns in the Gondwana Arboretum and wonder about what the world was like in the primeval forests of 150 million years ago.
Potter Children’s Garden
Get lost in Maui’s magical maze, get to know Keri the kereru, swelter in the desert, explore the misty rainforest – find out some great facts about plants on the way. Try our fun activity sheets to help you explore.
Rock Garden
A sunny sheltered corner of the Auckland Botanical Gardens is home to the rock garden. Cacti and succulents from South America and the summits of mountain ranges plant species thrive in the warm conditions.
- Good drainage is essential for most bulbs, perennials and succulents in Auckland gardens.
- Heavy soils can be prevented from waterlogging by incorporating a generous layer of gritty material such as coarse sand.
- Microclimates may need to be modified to suit a plant e.g. with additional rocks, adding compost or free-draining media such as pumice sand.
- Placing gritty material around bulbs when planting can assist them to survive wet conditions during dormancy.
Source Auckland Botanic Gardens online resource
Threatened Native Species Collection
All the threatened plants in this garden are from the Auckland and Northland regions. The reproduced habitat is enhanced with raised boardwalks and extensive signage describing the plant’s preferred habitat. Look for plants that adore the arid world of lava fields and salt-marsh plants; plant species flourishing in unique environments. The native species collection encourages visitors to help with the survival of native plants with planting tips for their own gardens as well as how to protect wild plants.
Opening hours:
Every day 8am–8pm. Opening hours are subject to change without notice. Please check it out on official website.
For more information about gardens to visit in Auckland check out Gardens to visit in Auckland.
How to get to the Auckland Botanic Gardens?
Getting here
The Auckland Botanic Gardens is situated right next to the Southern Motorway (State Highway 1) on Hill Road, Manurewa.
The Gardens is approximately 25km from the city. Travel south on the Southern Motorway (SH1), exiting the motorway at the Manurewa/Hill Road exit (exit 451). Turn left onto Hill Road, the main entrance to the Gardens is the first driveway on the left.
Travelling north on the Southern Motorway (SH1), exit the motorway at the Takanini exit (exit 453) then turn left onto Great South Road and drive towards Manurewa. Turn right at the lights onto Alfriston Road. Follow Alfriston Road then turn left at Claude Road and continue until it connects with Hill Road. Turn right onto Hill Road and drive past the traffic lights, the entrance to the Gardens is the first driveway on your left after the lights.
Buses and trains travel to Manurewa from Britomart Transport Centre. Bus route 366 runs between the Manurewa bus interchange and the Gardens.
If walking from the train station or bus interchange at Southmall, walk along Great South Road and turn right up Hill Road at the traffic lights. Walk along Hill Road for approximately 20 minutes, the Gardens will be on your left just past the motorway overbridge.
Phone Auckland Transport on (09) 366 6400 or visit at.govt.nz for transport options and timetables.
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