Auckland Botanic gardens

There's so much to see at the Gardens!

After lifting of all covid restrictions our Wiri Rambler service (pictured) has returned and we are working to bring back our guided tours.

You can also discover the Gardens at your own pace, pick up a brochure for one of our self-guided trails from Huakaiwaka visitor centre. 

You can also yse your mobile device to dig a little deeper via the STQRY website or app.

STQRY lets you discover more plant stories and trails while you are out in the Gardens.

Open the website or download through Google Play or the App Store.

Self-guided tours

Create your own route as you explore the Gardens at your leisure, or pick up a trail brochure from the Huakaiwaka visitor centre. Download and print our kids activity sheets for some family fun.

Permanent Sculpture Trail

Nestled in garden collections, along walkways and at Huakaiwaka visitor centre (itself a work of art), you will encounter our permanent collection of artworks and sculpture.

This trail takes you through our growing collection, a legacy of past sculpture exhibitions, of generous benefactors and the vision of garden creators who have incorporated art work into their horticultural work.

Puhinui Stream Forest Trail

The Puhinui Stream Forest Trail links the native forest walking tracks between Totara Park and the Auckland Botanic Gardens. The full loop trail is approximately four kilometres and will take around two hours at a leisurely pace. (uneven ground and steps make this inaccessible for those in wheelchairs or scooters or pushing prams).

Sustainable Water Trail

Our lakes were once affected by contaminated stormwater. We decided to fix that by introducing a number of water sensitive design devices at the Gardens.

Follow this trail for a tour of the solutions that are improving our stormwater runoff and the health of our gardens.

Guided tours

Wiri Rambler 'Train'

Sit back and relax as the Wiri Rambler shows you the sights. The Wiri Rambler is a small tractor train, towing carriages with up to 15 passengers. Tours run on Sundays, weather permitting (please ring the visitor centre to find out if it is operating ph (09) 267 1457).

The tours last 20-25 minutes and start outside the Huakaiwaka visitor centre, from 11.30am with the last tour at approximately 2.45pm (weather dependant). Buy your tickets at the visitor centre reception before boarding.

• $4 per adult
• $2 per child (3yrs to 13yrs, accompanied by an adult)
• Free for under 3 yrs
• Private group bookings available, ph Kate Moodie on (09) 2977234 (cost is $75 per tour irrespective of group size. Please book at least a week in advance to secure your tour).

Group Guided Walk

Groups can book a staff guided walk and enjoy an hour long tour of the seasonal highlights of the Gardens. Please note that group walks are available on weekdays only and bookings are essential.

Costs:

$6 per person - Community. Minimum 10 people. ($60)

$20 per person - Commercial. Minimum 10 people. ($200)

Maximum group size per guide 20 people.

Further information

For further information or questions about our tours, or to make a booking, contact our Huakaiwaka visitor centre staff.