Botanic Gardens Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Positively Wellington
Botanic Gardens showing flowers and a park
Botanic Gardens which includes a garden and hiking or walking
Botanic Gardens featuring a park
Botanic Gardens which includes a fountain, a garden and flowers


The combination of sweet scents, vibrant colour and sparkling water features make this beautiful garden a popular visit for tourists.

Extending across 25 hectares of hillside, Wellington Botanic Garden is a riot of colour and aromas, populated by everything from roses and camellias to sweet-smelling herbs. As well as the flourishing fauna, the garden is also home to water features, intricate carvings and decoration, and even a duck pond.The main garden is located near the Founders' Entrance gates and is where the duck pond is situated. The flowers here change season by season a particularly good time to visit is in springtime, when the garden comes to life with a variety of tulips.Head over to the Native Forest to see the oldest tree in the garden, a hīnau which is more than 200 years old. This section of forest is one of the most ancient in Wellington, dating from before the arrival of European settlers.Stroll through the rock gardens to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, or follow one of the self-guided trails which include the Solander Trail and Sensation Walk. Print and braille guides to these trails are available from the Treehouse Visitor Centre.If you're visiting the garden with the kids, make a detour to the children's play area which comes complete with swings, slides and a safe, enclosed section for younger children.One of the major tourist attractions at the park is its population of glow-worms. These are most visible at night-time near the duck pond, particularly after rain. The garden's guided tours will provide more information on these intriguing inhabitants. Check the website for more details.Wellington Botanic Garden is within a short drive of the city centre. Alternatively, the cable car from Lambton Quay stops here every 10 minutes. There are also a number of bus routes passing the garden. If you decide to drive, a car park is located within the garden. The first two hours in the car park are free, and the garden is open every day from dawn until dusk.

Plan a trip to see Botanic Gardens

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Reviews of Botanic Gardens

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
239
5 - Excellent 57%
4 - Good
160
4 - Good 38%
3 - Okay
16
3 - Okay 4%
2 - Disappointing
3
2 - Disappointing 1%
1 - Terrible
2
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Worth going into the indoor hot houses.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

No matter what time of year, visiting the gardens is so serene and colourful. I love the gardens and all that it has to offer.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Take the cable car and follow the walking signs back to the city. This way you'll see a lot of the Gardens and get some exercise as well.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

The cable car was not working, getting ready for the cruise ships season.

5/5 - Excellent

Tom

Ignore the Sculpture walk - unless you wish to laugh at Boomer indulgence. Only good one is Moore's.

5/5 - Excellent

Brigitte

walking distance - 20 minutes walk away

Popular places to visit


Top Botanic Gardens Hotel & Accommodation Deals

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor

4.5 out of 5
147 The Terrace, Wellington
James Cook Hotel Grand Chancellor
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay

Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay

4 out of 5
100 Oriental Parade, Oriental Bay, Wellington
Copthorne Hotel Wellington, Oriental Bay
Gilmer Apartment Hotel

Gilmer Apartment Hotel

3.5 out of 5
10 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
Gilmer Apartment Hotel
Rydges Wellington

Rydges Wellington

4.5 out of 5
75 Featherston St, Wellington
Rydges Wellington
Bolton Hotel

Bolton Hotel

4.5 out of 5
Corner of Bolton & Mowbray Streets, Wellington
Bolton Hotel
ibis Wellington

ibis Wellington

3.5 out of 5
153 Featherston St, Wellington
ibis Wellington
Travelodge Hotel Wellington

Travelodge Hotel Wellington

4 out of 5
2-6 Gilmer Terrace, Wellington
Travelodge Hotel Wellington
Quest 256 Lambton

Quest 256 Lambton

3 out of 5
Level 4, 256 Lambton Quay, Wellington
Quest 256 Lambton
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington

DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington

5 out of 5
Corner of Lambton Quay and Grey Street, 28 Grey Street, Wellington, NZ
DoubleTree by Hilton Wellington
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens in Wellington offers a delightful mix of activities for visitors. You can enjoy lovely short walks through beautifully landscaped areas, perfect for city sightseeing. The gardens also provide recreational facilities, making it an ideal spot for both relaxation and exploration. Don't forget to check out nearby shopping options to complete your visit with some local treasures.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destination is Queensgate Shopping Centre, located 14.5km away, offering a vibrant atmosphere with entertainment and family-friendly options. If you're up for a drive, check out River Valley Shopping Centre and Clouston Park Shops, both 32.2km away, for a mix of business and city vibes.

Recreation

Experience the vibrant atmosphere at Sky Stadium, just 1.6km from the Botanic Gardens, where you can soak in the sports vibes. Alternatively, enjoy a round of golf at Berhampore Golf Club, located 4.8km away, surrounded by beautiful outdoor scenery.

Adventure

The Wellington Cable Car offers an exhilarating ride with stunning views of the city and harbour, located 644m from the Botanic Gardens. For hiking enthusiasts, the Wellington City Walkways and Morne LaBaye Trail provide scenic outdoor adventures, situated 14.5km and 12.9km away, respectively.

Nightlife

For a delightful evening, visit the St James Theatre for a cultural performance, just 1.6km from the Botanic Gardens. Alternatively, enjoy cosmic wonders at the nearby Carter Observatory, or catch a film at the Embassy Theatre, also 1.6km away, perfect for a romantic night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Botanic Gardens

At the Botanic Gardens in Wellington, visitors can explore a mix of cultural and historic attractions, including civic buildings and event venues. The gardens themselves are a beautiful spot for families and travellers alike, while nearby attractions like the Wellington Botanical Gardens offer more opportunities to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture and discover the delightful experiences that await you in this stunning region.

  • Wellington Central Business District: Experience the vibrant heart of Wellington with its bustling streets, shops, and cafes. This area is perfect for soaking in the city vibes, where you can explore local businesses and enjoy the mix of modern architecture and historic buildings.
  • Cuba Street Mall: A colourful and eclectic hub, Cuba Street Mall is known for its bohemian atmosphere, street performers, and unique boutiques. This lively pedestrian street is a fantastic spot for people-watching and enjoying delicious cuisine from various eateries.
  • Michael Fowler Centre: This premier event venue hosts a range of concerts, exhibitions, and conferences. With its modern design and excellent acoustics, the Michael Fowler Centre offers a sophisticated experience for those interested in the arts and cultural events.

Best time to go to Botanic Gardens

The best time to visit Botanic Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Botanic Gardens falls in February, when visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Botanic Gardens falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January62.4°F (16.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly Low
February62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March60.8°F (16.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
April58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June52.5°F (11.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July50.9°F (10.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
August51.3°F (10.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
October54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
November56.7°F (13.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December60.1°F (15.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Botanic Gardens

Visiting the Botanic Gardens in Wellington can be budget-friendly with a few savvy tips. Consider travelling in January, June, or August for lower accommodation prices, while Sundays tend to be the cheapest days to stay. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or check Expedia for last-minute deals. Look for eco-certified options to support sustainable travel, and consider package deals for flights and activities to save even more. Make use of public transport to explore the city, as it offers an economical way to get around.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Botanic Gardens are January, June and August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and October, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Botanic Gardens is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Botanic Gardens is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Botanic Gardens is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Make use of Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred location, and the type of accommodation you desire. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at the Botanic Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.

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