This day-long Auckland tour explores diverse gardens and sculpture parks, including the historic Winter Gardens, expansive Cornwall Park, artistic Ayrlies Garden, educational Botanic Gardens, and more.
Each stop offers unique beauty, from serene Victorian glasshouses to vibrant flower farms, blending nature, art, and history for a captivating experience.
This day-long tour of Auckland’s best gardens and sculpture parks offers an immersive exploration of art, history, and horticulture.
From the serene Victorian glasshouses of the Winter Gardens to the vibrant dahlia displays in Matakana, each stop provides a unique experience that highlights the diverse beauty and creativity of Auckland’s green spaces.
Whether you’re a garden enthusiast, art lover, or simply seeking a peaceful escape, this tour showcases the best of Auckland’s natural and cultural treasures.
Auckland Domain Winter Gardens:
Cornwall Park:
Ayrlies Garden:
Auckland Botanic Gardens:
Highwic:
Cornwall Pocket Farm, Onehunga:
Ngā Kaupeka, Forrest Hill:
Kaipara Coast Plant Centre & Sculpture Gardens:
Keeling’s Quarter Acre, Warkworth:
Slow Blooms, Matakana:
Dahlia Digging and Dividing, Matakana:
Start your day at the Auckland Domain Winter Gardens, a horticultural gem nestled in the city’s oldest park. Built in the early 1900s, the Victorian-era glasshouses are a tribute to classic garden design and a haven for plant enthusiasts. The Winter Gardens consist of two large glasshouses: one dedicated to temperate plants and the other to tropical species, each housing an impressive variety of exotic flowers, ferns, and lush greenery.
In the temperate house, you’ll find vibrant seasonal blooms that change throughout the year, ensuring a fresh and colorful display no matter when you visit. The tropical house, with its warm, humid environment, is home to lush, dense foliage and exotic plants that thrive in these conditions. The adjoining courtyard features a charming fernery, showcasing New Zealand’s native ferns in a tranquil setting. The serene atmosphere and beautiful plant collections make the Winter Gardens a perfect place to begin your garden tour.
Next, visit Cornwall Park, a sprawling green space in the heart of Auckland. This park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. As you wander through the park, you’ll encounter ancient trees, expansive lawns, and scenic walking trails. One of the park’s highlights is the working farm, where sheep and cattle graze peacefully, providing a pastoral charm rarely found in urban settings.
Cornwall Park also features panoramic views of the city from One Tree Hill, a volcanic peak within the park. The hill is a significant historical and cultural site, and the climb to the summit offers rewarding views. The park’s combination of leisure activities, scenic landscapes, and historical landmarks makes it a delightful escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.
From Cornwall Park, head to Ayrlies Garden, one of New Zealand’s premier private gardens located in the eastern suburbs of Auckland. Ayrlies is renowned for its landscape artistry, featuring sweeping lawns, large ponds, and meticulously curated plant collections. Designed by renowned gardener Bev McConnell, Ayrlies is a testament to innovative garden design and horticultural excellence.
The garden spans over 12 acres and includes diverse plantings that create a vibrant and ever-changing tapestry of colors and textures. Highlights include the Water Garden with its serene ponds and reflective pools, and the Rose Garden, which boasts a stunning collection of heritage and modern roses. Ayrlies is not just a garden but an immersive experience that inspires and delights with its beauty and creativity.
Continue your botanical journey at the Auckland Botanic Gardens, a 64-hectare oasis that celebrates both native New Zealand flora and global plant collections. The gardens are designed to provide a tranquil refuge and an educational experience, emphasizing conservation and sustainable gardening practices.
Explore themed gardens such as the Native Plant Identification Trail, the Edible Garden, and the Rose Garden, each offering a unique perspective on horticulture and plant conservation. The Potter Children’s Garden is a particular favorite, designed to engage and educate young visitors about the natural world. The Botanic Gardens are a perfect blend of beauty, education, and sustainability, making them a must-visit for garden enthusiasts.
Step back in time at Highwic, a historic colonial mansion surrounded by enchanting Victorian gardens. Built in the 1860s, Highwic offers a glimpse into Auckland’s colonial past with its architectural elegance and beautifully maintained grounds. The gardens feature a mix of formal garden beds, rustic paths, and heritage plantings that transport visitors to a bygone era.
Stroll through the rose beds, admire the ancient trees, and explore the kitchen garden that would have supplied the household with fresh produce. Highwic’s gardens are a testament to Victorian horticultural practices and provide a peaceful and nostalgic experience.
Embrace community spirit at Cornwall Pocket Farm, an urban oasis in Onehunga where local residents cultivate crops and connections. This small-scale farm is a shining example of sustainable urban living and community-driven agriculture. Here, you can see firsthand how city dwellers grow their own food, from vegetables and herbs to fruit trees and flowers.
The farm fosters a sense of community and environmental stewardship, offering workshops and events that educate and engage locals in sustainable practices. Visiting Cornwall Pocket Farm provides a refreshing glimpse into the possibilities of urban farming and the benefits of community collaboration.
Revel in the contemporary design of Ngā Kaupeka, a modern garden that seamlessly blends artistic expressions with native landscaping. Located in Forrest Hill, this garden is a testament to creativity and modern horticultural practices. The design incorporates native plants in innovative ways, creating a unique visual experience that highlights the beauty and diversity of New Zealand’s flora.
Ngā Kaupeka features sculptures and installations that complement the garden’s natural elements, making it a place where art and nature coexist harmoniously. The garden’s modern design and artistic flair make it a standout destination for those seeking inspiration and a fresh perspective on gardening.
Merge nature and art at the Kaipara Coast Plant Centre & Sculpture Gardens. This unique destination offers a sculpture trail that winds through lush gardens, set against the stunning backdrop of Kaipara Harbour. The trail features works by local artists, with each sculpture thoughtfully placed to enhance the natural surroundings.
As you walk through the gardens, you’ll encounter a diverse range of plants, from native species to exotic varieties, all meticulously maintained to create a harmonious and vibrant landscape. The integration of art and nature at Kaipara Coast makes for a compelling visual narrative that celebrates both the creativity of local artists and the beauty of the natural environment.
Delight in the intimate charm of Keeling’s Quarter Acre, a private garden in Warkworth that invites visitors to explore its hidden nooks and artistic plantings. This garden reflects the personal passion and dedication of its owner, offering a deeply personal and welcoming atmosphere.
Keeling’s Quarter Acre features a variety of plantings, from colorful flower beds to tranquil water features, creating a sense of discovery around every corner. The garden’s intimate scale and thoughtful design make it a delightful stop on your tour, showcasing the beauty that can be achieved in a smaller, more personal space.
Immerse yourself in the trendy atmosphere of Slow Blooms, a boutique flower farm in Matakana that specializes in sustainably grown, beautiful blooms. The farm operates on the principles of the slow flower movement, emphasizing local, seasonal, and environmentally friendly practices.
At Slow Blooms, you’ll find a stunning array of flowers in vibrant colors, all grown with care and attention to sustainability. The farm offers workshops and tours that educate visitors about slow flower farming and the benefits of sustainable practices. The vibrant colors and ethos of Slow Blooms will captivate your senses and inspire your appreciation for natural beauty.
End your tour on a high note at Dahlia Digging and Dividing, a specialized dahlia garden in Matakana. Here, you’ll discover the dazzling diversity and beauty of dahlias, with countless varieties on display. The garden offers hands-on experiences where you can learn about the cultivation and care of dahlias, including the techniques of digging and dividing tubers.
The vibrant colors and intricate forms of the dahlias create a stunning visual spectacle, providing a perfect finale to your garden tour. This stop celebrates the joy of gardening and the splendor of these stunning flowers, leaving you inspired and delighted by the beauty of nature.
