Explore Wellington Botanic Gardens

Known as The Coolest Little Capital in the World, Wellington has something for everybody.

From the creative arts, to craft breweries, to delicious coffee, to hiking trails, to stunning nature, Wellington is a melting pot of culture, food, and all things metropolitan - including the Wellington Botanic Gardens.

Located in Thorndon, a roughly 15-minute walk from the iconic Beehive or a 5-minute tram ride on the cable car, the hilly Botanic Gardens are 25 hectares of specialised plant collections, protected native forest, children’s activities galore, and colourful seasonal blooms. 

Filled with locals and tourists alike on a hot summer’s day, the gardens are the perfect place to explore nature, do some fitness, take the kids for a ride on the epic playground, go for a romantic picnic, or simply get lost in the maze of walking trails that weave their way around the gardens.

Boasting over 150 years of history, the Wellington Botanic Garden has been recognised as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, and is also an important Heritage Area by Historic Places Trust. With a series of specifically curated and designed gardens that change throughout the seasons, each visit to the Gardens involves new seasonal blooms and designs.

If you happen to be in Wellington in January, Gardens Magic is a local favourite and a must-do evening activity.

Involving three weeks of open-air concerts, with modern music, country, jazz, and everything in between, these concerts are the perfect way to relax on a warm summer evening after a hard day's work. Make sure you arrive early and set up your picnic blanket and food basket early though - these spots fill up fast!

With plenty of free parking on Glenmore Street by the entrances in Thorndon, you can spend the day exploring the gardens or have a bite to eat at Picnic Cafe, a delicious cafe located by the Rose Garden in the heart of the gardens without worrying about the cost of parking.

If you’re arriving from the top end in Kelburn, there is also street parking or a paid car park near the cable car entrance.