The Best Gardens in New Zealand

It’s hard not to love the outdoors in New Zealand. Not only are we punching above our weight on the world stage regarding natural attractions, but we’ve also got some standout manmade ones, too.

Every weekend, thousands of New Zealanders flock to gardens and parks up and down the country. From an abundance of flora and fauna to exquisite paths and fun things for the kids, what’s not to love?

If the time has come to check out some of the best gardens in NZ, then read on. You’ll be blown away by what’s available on your very doorstep.

Hamilton Gardens

In the heart of the Waikato lies the Hamilton Gardens, and it is undoubtedly an asset to the region. From the showcasing of 4,000 years’ worth of history to the abundance of plant life and exquisite garden design, it’s well worth a visit.

Any avid garden fan can spend hours meandering through the many pathways of the public Hamilton Gardens, positioned on the Waikato River. Rather than focus on plant collections, the Hamilton Gardens promote different garden designs, with emphasis on research, conservation, and education.

Auckland Botanic Gardens

Auckland is a treasure trove of fun things to do, but near the top of that list is the Auckland Botanic Gardens. Take your time wandering through 64 hectares of gardens and native forest, and all just 20 minutes from the city centre.

The Auckland Botanic Gardens has much to offer the average visitor. From edible gardens and African plant gardens to the orchard and perennials, there’s something for everyone in this public space.

Broadfield New Zealand Landscape Garden

If you’re looking for something fun to do with the family, then a trip to Broadfield New Zealand Landscape Garden could be on the cards. This exquisite private garden in Weedons is well worth your inspection.

It spans 3.5 hectares and has been lovingly maintained for the last 20 years. Explore the Kauri forest, the formal rose garden, and the stunning beech forest. The gardens are open year-round, with a $15 admission fee for adults and children admitted for free.

Ohinetahi

Ohinetahi is a house and garden owned by the nation and run by the Ohinetahi Charitable Trust. If you find yourself in Allandale, Christchurch, then why not stop in for a visit? Ohinetahi spans 1.25 hectares with two galleries, sculptures, woodland trails, and a beautiful 19th-century homestead.

It’s available for hire for functions, and even just for visits to soak up the atmosphere. Entry is $15 for tours of the grounds, gardens, and sculptures from September to March.

Queens Park, Invercargill

Considered one of the most important parks in New Zealand, Queens Park in Invercargill is a significant attraction in the deep south. You can spend hours meandering through the public 81-hectare grounds, with so much to see, do, and experience.

Work up a sweat on the Queens Park Fitness track or bring your clubs for a round of golf. There is also a beautiful botanical garden, playground for the kids, a bird aviary, and an animal reserve. If you’re venturing down south, Queens Park in the heart of Invercargill will not disappoint.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens is an exquisite attraction in the centre of Christchurch. At any time of the year, it has something stunning to offers its visitors. Admire the beauty of the daffodils in spring, the roses in summer, autumn leaf displays in Autumn, and the cosy conservatories in winter.

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens also has playgrounds for the kids, a dog park for the furry friends in your life, and a stunning array of plants in the botanic garden area.

Pukekura Park, New Plymouth

Pukekura Park in New Plymouth is one of New Zealand’s premier botanical gardens, so it’s undeniably one of the best gardens in the country. This park covers 52 hectares, with more on offer than meets the eye.

Explore the Brooklands Zoo, wander through the garden estate, and soak up the atmosphere of the Fernery and Display Houses. There are also several different public gardens to visit, such as the Japanese Hillside, King Fern Gully, and Kunming Garden.

Otari-Wilton’s Bush Native Botanic Garden

Getting out in nature is good for the soul, and there are few better places to visit than Otari-Wilton’s Bush Native Botanic Garden in Wellington. This public botanic garden is the only one in the country that is dedicated to New Zealand native plants.

It has over 100 hectares of native forest, five hectares of plants, and some of the city’s oldest trees. Why not take a photo of the park’s 800-year-old rimu? Entry is free for all between sunrise and sunset, and the park lies just 5km from the city centre.

Larnach Castle and Gardens

Who would forget New Zealand's only Victorian castle? Built in 1871 by politician William Larnach for his first wife Eliza, it is now privately owned by the Barker family and maintains it as their family home, opened it for the public to appreciate after long years of restoration. This structure is considered a significant part of Dunedin's history.

Larnach Castle is surrounded by an exquisite garden measuring over 7 acres rated by the New Zealand Gardens Trust as a Garden of International Significance.

Eden Garden

Situated in the eastern slopes of Mt. Eden in the heart of Auckland, Eden Garden is a peaceful spot in the busy city covering over five and a half acres of beautiful space. The management uses eco-friendly methods for weed control and continuously develops its plant collections to feature native fauna, geckos, wetas, insects, and butterflies.

Te Kainga Marire

Tagged as New Zealand's native garden, Te Kainga Marire initially started as a posh hut with half an acre of kikuyu grass, gorse, fennel and blackberry. Outdoorsy people will find pleasure in their bird-friendly garden that would make one feel like they're in the wild. The garden, located in New Plymouth, is open daily for the very popular annual November Taranaki Rhododendron and Garden Festival.

Explore Your Backyard

Kiwis pride themselves on a picture-perfect backyard, often with the help of lawn care experts. But while we’re proud of our own slices of paradise, we should also be proud of our botanic gardens and parks dotted around the country.

Take your pick from our country gardens, formal gardens, English-style gardens, and more. Be in awe with the range of plants and fantastic bush walks you can take while visiting these wonderful spaces. Due to COVID-19, some of these gardens have been badly affected. The easiest and best way to support them through garden entry when it is completely safe to do so.

Could it be time to explore some of the best gardens in New Zealand?

Guest UserMay 21, 2020