Wellington Botanic Garden, Wellington

The Wellington Botanic Garden, located in Wellington, is a lush area covering 25 hectares, known for its diverse plant life including native forest, conifers, and various plant collections. It features a mix of native and non-native species, with a highlight being its extensive Rose Garden, a popular attraction due to its beauty and variety.

Access to the garden is facilitated by the Wellington Cable Car, providing a direct link between Lambton Quay and the garden's summit, conveniently connecting visitors to the city center. The garden's winding paths are frequented by walkers, joggers, and those seeking leisure activities, including a playground, making it a beloved destination for both tourists and locals.

Among its attractions are the Victorian-style Begonia House, the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, and the Treehouse Visitor Centre. The garden offers various recreational options such as a children's play area, a duck pond, and the occasional sight of glowworms along the Main Garden paths during certain nights, with guided tours available seasonally.

Cultural elements are also prominent within the garden, including a stone lantern gifted by the Japan Society of New Zealand in 1975, now housing the Hiroshima Peace Flame. Art installations and sculptures by notable artists like Henry Moore and Andrew Drummond further enhance the garden's aesthetic appeal.

The Wellington Botanic Garden plays a significant role in the city's cultural scene by hosting events like the Gardens Magic concert series, part of the Summer City program since 1979. This series, now in its 44th year, offers free concerts and a light show, drawing crowds during the warmer months.

The garden is esteemed in horticulture, designated as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture and a historic area by Heritage New Zealand since 2004, highlighting its cultural and historical significance.