Auckland Botanic gardens

The Friends of Auckland Botanic Gardens is a non-profit organisation with over 400 members who enjoy a programme of events and activites that support the Auckland Botanic Gardens.

You don’t have to be a gardener to be a part of this great organisation, a desire to support the Gardens is all that is needed.

The Friends have various opportunities for members to meet both socially and in volunteering activities throughout the Gardens. They raise funds to support garden developments and stage great events including the Visiting Artist Programme and Sculpture in the Gardens.

Keep an eye on the News section for Friends' announcements, articles and more.

Become a Friend

New members welcome - including families, groups and organisations! Membership gives you access to a range of social and volunteer opportunities. Click here to join or download an application form. 

To make a donation or bequest, please click here.

Friends programmes

Learn more about some of our programmes and opportunities below.

Sculpture in the Gardens

The Friends initiated and are instrumental in delivering our magnificent biennial summer exhibition. Visit the Sculpture in the Gardens website for more information. 

Growing Friends

The Friends run a passionate group of volunteers called the ‘Growing Friends’ who propagate and sell plants to the public. All proceeds go towards developments at the Gardens.

The Growing Friends open their gates to public on:

• Thursday morning 9am–12pm
• The first Sunday of the month 10am–2pm in spring, autumn and summer. (No Sunday sales in June, July and August).

From the carpark, follow the road between the Botanic Gardens visitor centre and the Herb Garden. Look for the entry on your right just before the lake, a flag flies at the gate entry when the Growing Friends are open for business.

The Friends Library

Based at Auckland Botanic Gardens, the Friends Library has one of the largest selections of horticultural books, journals and reference materials in the country. The library is managed by the Auckland Botanic Gardens staff with financial and volunteer support from the Friends. Find out more here.

Painting Friends

The Friends Painting Group holds annual exhibitions in the Visitor Centre Gallery. This friendly group meets on the last Saturday of each month in the Friends Building at Auckland Botanic Gardens. Tutors are invited to lead and support every second month. The focus is botanical but members are encouraged to try other subjects and a variety of media.

Wiri Rambler

*Please note this is currently on hiatus due to construction work at the Gardens* The Wiri Rambler is a guided tour run by volunteers to allow more visitors to explore and enjoy the Auckland Botanic Gardens. Find out more here. 

Awards

The Buchanan Award provides an outstanding opportunity for an Auckland Botanic Garden staff member to undertake professional development. The Friends award this annually to a chosen recipient. For announcements and other news relating to this award, please check the News section.

Contact the Friends:

For further information about the Friends, please email friendsofabg@gmail.com