Auckland Botanic Gardens

The basics

As well as beautiful plants and flowers, the Auckland Botanic Gardens hosts a range of activities, including plant sales, gardening workshops, plant-related art exhibits, and seasonal events, like a Matariki festival in winter.

Located in non-touristy South Auckland, the gardens are rather out-of-the-way for many travelers. Therefore, interested visitors typically check out the gardens independently, although customizable private day tours could focus on this part of the city on request.

Things to know before you go

• Entrance to the gardens is free.
• Leave your bikes, scooters, skates, skateboards, and alcohol at home.
• Dogs are allowed on-leash in some areas and off-leash in others.
• Pack a picnic to enjoy outdoors or dine at Café Miko in the gardens.

How to get there

The gardens are located in Manurewa, South Auckland, about 15 miles (25 kilometers) south of central Auckland. They’re next to the Southern Motorway (State Highway 1), so are easy to reach from the north or south if you have your own vehicle. To get there by public transport, take a bus or train from central Auckland’s Britomart Interchange to the Manurewa Interchange, then bus 366 travels to the gardens; this journey takes over an hour.

When to get there

The gardens are open daily and have varying seasonal hours. They’re typically open from early morning until evening, with the Huakaiwaka Visitor Center closing earlier than the gardens. Café Miko is open daily and closes mid-afternoon. The visitor center and café are closed on Christmas Day but the gardens stay open. Pick a fine day to visit as it’s mostly outdoors.

Visit the Auckland Domain

If you’re visiting central Auckland and the Botanic Gardens are too far out of your way, check out the central-city Auckland Domain instead. The popular park sits atop a hill between the CBD, Parnell, and Newmarket. It contains the Auckland War Memorial Museum, a sculpture trail, native tree groves, the Wintergardens glass houses, and more.