Otari-Wilton's Bush - Visitor Information

Otari-Wilton's Bush walkway

Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants. It is classified as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture.

This unique plant sanctuary and forest reserve consists of 100 hectares of native forest, and five hectares of plant collections. Some of Wellington's oldest trees are here, including an 800-year-old rimu.

Entry is free.

Location

Otari-Wilton's Bush is about 5km from the city centre, at 160 Wilton Road (between Gloucester and Warwick streets).

The main public car park is at the Wilton Road entrance. Parking is also available off Churchill Drive.

Getting There

Take the No 14 Wilton bus from Lambton Quay to Otari-Wilton's Bush.

Hours

The Bush is open daily between sunrise and sunset. Te Marae o Tane Information Centre is open 9.00am - 4.00pm daily.

Wheelchair Access

Wheelchair-friendly paths run from the main carpark to the Information Centre, over the Canopy Walkway, and to Cockayne Lookout. A step-free path runs from the Churchill Drive carpark along the Kaiwharawhara streamside to the Troup Picnic Lawn. The Wilton Walkway from the carpark through the Fernery and leading into mature podocarp forest, is also suitable.

Dogs

Dogs are welcome, provided they are on a lead and owners clean up after them. Dogs off a lead are a threat to native wildlife. Owners also need to be aware of the risk of secondary poisoning from possum bait.

Guided Tours

Otari-Wilton's Bush stream

Guided tours are available for groups of all sizes. Experienced guides lead tours that are tailored to each group.

The Otari-Wilton’s Bush Trust runs monthly walks for members and visitors. Check the events calendar for upcoming events and details.

Otari-Wilton's Bush - Events Calendar

Protecting the Bush

Keep to the tracks and take your rubbish home. The following activities are prohibited:

• picking, damaging or removing plant material
• camping
• lighting open fires
• cycling and mountain biking

Ask a Gardener

If you have a plant puzzle or horticultural query, ask us - we might just have the answer.

More Information

Related Links

• Department of Conservation website
• Discover Wellington - Visit
• Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research website
• New Zealand Plant Conservation Network website
• Otari-Wilton's Bush Management Plan
• Otari-Wilton's Bush - Plant Collection Map (233Kb PDF)
• Otari-Wilton's Bush - Track Map (226Kb PDF)
• Reserves and Town Belt
• Walkways

Department Details:
Otari Wilton's Bush (Parks and Gardens)