AUCKLAND ZOO, Auckland.
Yes, it is a Zoo, but they have some great enclosures, and there are a great place to see some of the plant species that we are not allowed to grow in our own gardens. Being a containment zone, Auckland Zoo has permissions to grow certain tropical plants on the provision that they do not leave the grounds (much like the animals that enjoy them).
- Website: www.aucklandzoo.co.nz
- Email: info@aucklandzoo.co.nz
THAMES BUTTERFLY AND ORCHID GARDEN, Thames, Coromandel.
An absolutely amazing experience, well worth the money you have to pay to enter. Walk into a tropical oasis, filled with hundreds of live butterflies and centered around a waterlily pool. It is a great spot for photography, with a startling variety of colorful orchids. The staff are very friendly and helpful. They also have a gift shop and cafe on the side.
- Telephone: 07 868 8080
- Email: info@butterfly.co.nz
HAMILTON BOTANIC GARDENS, Hamilton, Waikato.
With a variety of themed gardens, this location has something for everyone. from formal box hedges to tropical houses and foreign themed gardens, the variety of plants on display is incredible, and there is always something to see regardless of the season.
- Telephone: 07 838 6782
- Website: hamiltongardens.co.nz
WRIGHTS WATER GARDENS, Patumahoe, Waikato.
A spectacular array of terraced water gardens containing a variety of water plants, including hundreds of waterlillies. They also have an events and function building that you can hire out for weddings and birthdays (I can dream). There are some hills, but it is mostly all accessible. Recommended you keep a close eye on children as there is a lot of potential to end up in the water. DOG FRIENDLY.
- Telephone: +64 9 236 3211
- Website: www.wrightswatergardens.co.nz
PUKEKURA PARK, New Plymouth, Taranaki.
Located in the middle of New Plymouth City, this park is famous worldwide for its annual Festival of the Lights.
In the summer months, the local council stings up dozens of lights around the park, from fairy lights to black lights - even the hot houses get a makeover. During the festival there is live music on multiple stages, snacks, drinks, various performers, etc. The children's playground is also fully lit. It is a great family night out (get in early if you want to park within 3kms).
During the day the park is nothing to be sneezed at, with multi layered hot houses, two large duck ponds, and two waterfalls that one can turn on at the push of a button. Weather permitting, you can rent a boat to row on the biggest of the lakes. There is also a free zoo at the top end of the park.
- Websites: www.pukekura.org.nz; www.festivaloflights.nz
- Telephone: 06-759 6060
HOLLARDS GARDENS, Kaponga, Taranaki.
A little known but well maintained heritage garden located just outside of Kaponga in Taranaki. It contains a variety of environments, from native forest to swamps and manicured lawns. Barbecue facilities and children's play area make this a great spot for a family picnic. The potting shed also hosts gardening lessons and craft days, but you must book ahead.
- Website: www.trc.govt.nz/gardens/hollard-gardens
TUPARE, New Plymouth, Taranaki.
Tupare is another garden maintained buy the Taranaki Regional Council. Located in New Plymouth's northern end, this garden has a very cottage-y feel to it, with well maintained box hedges and a large grass dell next to the Waiwhakaiho River. Tupare hosts a garden fair once a month, with food, art, and crafts up for grabs. The historic house on the property is also avaliable to tour.
- Website: www.trc.govt.nz/gardens/tupare
PUKEITI GARDENS, Taranaki.
Pukeiti is unique among the Taranaki Regional Council managed gardens in that it is a high altitude garden that specializes in Rhododendrons. The specimens in the collection come from all around the world, and include some that have been locally bred. from large flowering, scented species to small and delicate azaeleas, Pukeiti's collection will impress. There is also a cafe onsite, and guided tours for those with limited mobility.
- Website: www.trc.govt.nz/gardens/pukeiti
BASIN BOTANIC GARDENS, Wanganui.
Just north of Wanaganui City, tucked off the main road is a small oasis. With a few choice orchid houses and a variety of wild and tamed flower gardens, this is a good spot for a picnic or just to stop if you have been on the road for a while.
- Website: www.basonbotanicgardens.org.nz
THE ESPLANADE, Palmerston North, Manawatu.
A nice set of established gardens, mostly Western European in style, with a large play area and lots of little walking trails. The thing that makes this garden unique is the model railway that runs through the gardens. It is run by a club, and usually operates on a Saturday and Sunday afternoon.
- Telephone: 06-357 3049
- Website: www.esplanaderail.org.nz
WELLINGTON ZOO, Wellington.
Similar to Auckland Zoo in that it makes the list because there are plants here that you are not allowed to bring into the country for your own garden. Very family orientated, with cafe and other facilities. Good for a day out, also has function facilities.
- Telephone: 04 3816 755
- Website: wellingtonzoo.com
WELLINGTON BOTANIC GARDENS, Wellington.
Located at the top of the Wellington Cable Car, this garden is one of many jewels in Wellington's crown as the capital of New Zealand. spread over several acres, it is a green oasis in a world otherwise dominated by concrete and tarmac. The Cable Car is also worth riding too.
- Website: http://wellington.govt.nz/recreation/enjoy-the-outdoors/gardens/botanic-garden/visitor-information
DUNEDIN BOTANIC GARDENS, Dunedin, Otago.
Located in the North East Valley of Dunedin City, the botanic gardens host hothouses, a rose garden, a bird aviary, and different garden types from around the world. though not as big as the Hamilton Botanic Gardens, this garden could give the other a run for its money in its simplistic elegance. The aviary is also part of a breeding program for Kaka, an endangered species of New Zealand parrot.
- Website: www.dunedinbotanicgarden.co.nz
DUNEDIN CHINESE GARDENS, Dunedin, Otago.
Hidden behind a authentic looking wall, the Dunedin Chinese Gardens is a well laid out water-based garden that serves many varieties of tea and other Chinese cuisine. The atmosphere is very relaxing, and once inside it doesn't feel like you are in the heart of the city.
- Telephone: 03 4773 248
- Website: www.dunedinchinesegarden.com/home
MOSGIEL MEMORIAL GARDENS, Mosgiel, Otago.
Located next to the public library, this garden is a nice mix between formal english and wild cottage. With a decent sized playground and an attached skate park, it is a good family spot, often only visited by locals.
- Website: www.dunedin-amenities-society.org.nz/tag/mosgiel-memorial-gardens/
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