Botanic Garden - Collections

Camellia 'Red Ensign'.

The Botanic Garden has a huge range of plant species from many different parts of the world. There are also collections that pay tribute to New Zealand’s natural heritage.

Australian Garden

This garden has banksias, grevillea, kangaroo paw and other interesting Australian plants.

Begonia House

Red-tipped yellow begonia

The Begonia House has lush tropical and temperate plants including a variety of vibrant large blooming tuberous begonias, orchids, hippeastrum, lotus and tropical lillies.

Bolton Street Memorial Park

This historic cemetery has an heritage rose collection inspired by original graveside plantings.

Camellias

Native to Southeast Asia, camellias have adapted well to New Zealand since being introduced in the 1870s. This camellia garden was developed in the 1960s.

Exotic Forest

This forest, containing more than 50 conifer species, was planted in the 1870s by colonial botanists. The pines on Druids’ Hill and Magpie Spur are some of the oldest pines in New Zealand.

Fragrant Garden

Just below the Treehouse Visitor Centre, this aromatic garden is a wonderful place to stop and sniff.

Herb Garden

Instant inspiration for home herb gardens, this garden has native and exotic herbs that are useful as well as decorative.

Horseshoe Bend

This is a tranquil garden of Asian woodland plants and trees including maples, magnolias, hostas, primula and rhododendrons.

Lady Norwood Rose Garden

Paola rose

Set around an heritage fountain, this formally styled rose garden has over 3000 roses. There is a mix of modern and traditional varieties.

Magnolias

Magnolias fringe the Sound Shell lawn and William Bramley Drive. The waxy blooms erupt between late winter and early spring.

Maori Flax Collection

This native flax garden contains nearly 50 varieties selected by Maori for weaving, clothing and other economic uses. Some of these varieties date from the Garden's early flax trials in the late 1800s.

Native Forest

This sheltered area has remnants of native forest that precede European settlement. The oldest tree in the garden – a gnarled hinau – is over 200 years old.

Ornamental Grasses

This garden features a wide range of ornamental grasses, located at the top of the Cable Car.

Perennials

Hot-coloured perennials tower over the garden beds in front of the Begonia House.

Rhododendrons

Rhododendron varieties are scattered throughout the garden. The colourful and often flowering vireya rhododendrons can be seen at the bottom of the Children's Play Area.

Rock Gardens

There are three rock gardens in the Main Garden. The Main Rock Garden has alpine plants and bulbs, rhododendrons and maples. There are also plants from the Mediterranean, Continental Europe and Asia. The Oak Rock Garden features many South African bulbs. The best time to view these gardens is from spring to midsummer.

Succulents

This collection contains eye-catching and unusual plants.

Trees

There are many notable trees in the Garden, many dating back to the 1860s. Towering redwoods, sequoia, pinus, cork and common oaks are particularly striking.

Related Links

• Walkways

Department Details:
Parks and Gardens