Auckland, the picturesque harbour city, is not just home to the iconic Sky Tower or the city's oldest park Auckland Domain (based around an extinct volcano), it is also home to splendid and superb gardens!
Whether you are a garden enthusiast or not, the list below will certainly please all interests, from the wonderful themed exhibits and displays to the array of picnic spots and landscaped lawns.
The list below features public gardens in Auckland and its surrounds:
1. Auckland Botanic GardenWhere: 102 Hill Rd, Auckland
When: All year round: 8am-6pm
Cost: Free
Details: Dating back to 1968, this 64-hectare botanic garden showcases more than 10,000 plants and 24 exhibits some including African plants, magnolia, edible garden to potters children garden, herb garden, native plants, rose garden and rock garden. These spectacular gardens also feature 10 hectares of native forest.
Click here for the website.
Explore and discover the many spectacular tree, plants, flowers and shrubs at the stunning Auckland Botanic Garden.
Where: 24 Omana Ave, Epsom
When: All year round: 9am-4pm
Cost: Adults: $10pp & Children under 12yrs: Free
Details: This "secret garden" is not signposted, making this garden a hidden gem that is a few minutes drive from the bustling streets of downtown Auckland. The dog-friendly (on-lead only) garden features 5 acres of lush gardens, picnic spots, displays, the largest and most varied collection of camellias in New Zealand, native plants, and much more to explore. The garden also features a cafe on site and free on-street parking.
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Walk under the stunning trees at the magical Eden Garden- Image Courtesy from EDEN Garden Society Facebook
Where: Highwic, 40 Gillies Ave, Newmarket
When: Wednesday- Sunday: 10:30am-4:30pm (Closed Christmas Day & Good Friday)
Cost: Garden entry free. House entry fees apply (Adults: $10pp & Children free)
Details: This 1.2 hectare dog-friendly picturesque garden is the original Victorian garden and is located on the grounds of the gothic mansion. The garden is almost as old as the house and includes old, once fashionable pines under planted with clivias, Norfolk pines, mature camellias, ivy and South African bulbs. This Victorian garden also features orchid borders that stand above the volcanic outcrop, mature trees, high hedges, native species, annuals and much more.
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Explore the beautiful gardens at the Historic Highwic- Image Courtesy from Highwic 1862 Facebook
Where: 1481 Kaipara Coast Hwy, Kaukapakapa
When: All year round: 9am-5pm (Closed Christmas Day & ANZAC morning)
Cost: Adults: $10pp, Over 60's & Students: $9pp & Children (5-13yrs): $5pp
Details: Stroll along a gentle 1km sculpture and garden trail as you take in the tranquillity and inspirational rural oasis of this garden. The garden is also home to many birds, making birdwatching a must, over 60 selected sculptures to admire and large outdoor art gallery. There is also a bush track and ponds.
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Explore the creative & awe-inspiring Sculpture Gardens. Image Courtesy from Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens Facebook
Where: 42 Whitikahu Rd, Gordonton
When: All year round: 10am-4pm (Closed Public Holidays)
Cost: Garden entry free. Entry fee applies for Homestead visit (Adults: $2pp & Children under 15yrs free)
Details: This 8 acre dog-friendly (on-leash only) garden is around the homestead and contains an array of notable trees- once regarded as New Zealand's largest Eucalyptus, another Liriodendron which is believed to be the finest in the Waikato, and an American Ash and Juniperus Chinensis, which are considered to be of National interest. The gardens also display the country's most significant collection of old camellias and old-fashioned roses. Wide vistas, expansive lawns, lake, pathways, gazebo, Monet-style bridges, cricket oval and croquet lawn also feature in the garden. Guided garden tours are available for $2pp.
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Visit the enchanting Woodlands Homestead Gardens- Image Courtesy from Woodlands Estate - Homestead, Gardens, Venue, Cafe Facebook
