Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
A 61-acre oasis of native bush, tropical greenhouses, and vibrant seasonal gardens, accessible by scenic cable car.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom
Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
Best Time
Flowers in full bloom
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 61-acre oasis of native bush, tropical greenhouses, and vibrant seasonal gardens, accessible by scenic cable car.
"A beautiful walk with fantastic views, offering a wide range of native plants and flowers."
Cable Car Ride Up
Take the cable car for stunning city views and an easy ascent to the gardens. :cable_car:
Half-Day Exploration
Dedicate at least 4-5 hours to truly explore all the garden's sections. :clock1:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Begonia House
Lower Gardens
A tropical oasis with vibrant flowers and a charming spot for a coffee break.
Sunflower Room
Various locations (seasonal)
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the sunflower room, a truly Instagrammable spot.
Light Cycles Installation
Throughout the Gardens (seasonal)
Witness the gardens transform into a magical, illuminated wonderland at night.
Native Bush Walk
Upper Gardens
Wander through lush native flora and enjoy panoramic views of Wellington.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Cable Car Convenience
Time for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Cable Car Ride Up
Take the cable car for stunning city views and an easy ascent to the gardens.
Half-Day Exploration
Dedicate at least 4-5 hours to truly explore all the garden's sections. :clock1:
Photography Hotspots
The sunflower room and flower gardens offer incredible photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Seasonal Events
Check for special events like 'Light Cycles' or pottery exhibitions.
Tips
from all over the internet
Cable Car Ride Up
Take the cable car for stunning city views and an easy ascent to the gardens.
Half-Day Exploration
Dedicate at least 4-5 hours to truly explore all the garden's sections. :clock1:
Photography Hotspots
The sunflower room and flower gardens offer incredible photo opportunities. :camerawithflash:
Seasonal Events
Check for special events like 'Light Cycles' or pottery exhibitions.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking on well-maintained paths. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā for its well-maintained paths, diverse plant collections, and beautiful scenery, offering a peaceful escape within the city. Many highlight the convenience of the Cable Car and the stunning views. Some note that a half-day is needed to fully explore.
"A beautiful walk to take, not too strenuous either and the walking paths are very well maintained. The botanic gardens offer a wide range of native plants and flowers with a large flower garden that makes for fantastic pictures! Would highly recommend!"
Jess Lymberis
"Very beautiful botanic gardens with bright flowers, colourful and interesting trees. The gardens have nice walking trails with many areas of interests, like the Duck Pond, Rose Gardens etc. Some of the trees are very beautiful (and probably exotic). Many flowers were in bloom during the visit and we could spot many butterflies. Need about half day to explore the place. Combine with a visit to the cable car at one side of the botanic garden."
Sajeev Thomas
"Beautiful botanical gardens. You can get up there using the cable car, which is very nice and has a nice view. Many birds to spot as well, blackbirds, Tūī, Kākā, and other small birds as well"
Gabriel De la torre
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the gardens via the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay, which offers a scenic journey and drops you at the top entrance. Alternatively, you can walk up from the city center or use local buses.
Limited street parking is available near the lower entrances, but it can be challenging to find. The Cable Car is a more convenient option for many visitors.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk, though it can be uphill. Many visitors choose to walk up and take the Cable Car down, or vice versa.
The gardens are generally open 24 hours, but specific attractions like the Begonia House and the Cable Car have set operating hours.
Yes, the Wellington Cable Car is a primary mode of access from the city center. Local buses also serve areas near the garden entrances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā itself is free to enter and explore. However, there are costs associated with the Cable Car and any special ticketed events.
A one-way adult ticket for the Cable Car is approximately $6, and a return ticket is around $12. Prices may vary.
No, general admission to the gardens is free and does not require booking. However, for special events like 'Light Cycles', advance ticket purchase is highly recommended.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, or group bookings. It's best to check the official Wellington Cable Car website for current pricing and offers.
Entry includes access to all outdoor garden areas, walking trails, and the general grounds. Specific buildings like the Begonia House are also usually accessible without extra charge.
📸 📸 Photography
The sunflower room is a standout for vibrant photos. The Begonia House, seasonal flower beds, and panoramic city views from the upper gardens are also highly photogenic.
Generally, personal photography is welcome. For commercial or professional shoots, it's advisable to check the garden's policy and potentially obtain a permit.
Absolutely! 'Light Cycles' transforms the gardens into a magical, illuminated spectacle perfect for stunning night-time photography.
Mornings offer soft light and fewer crowds, while late afternoons provide beautiful golden hour light. For 'Light Cycles', the evening is the only option.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public parks and gardens to ensure safety and the enjoyment of other visitors. Check local regulations.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend between 2 to 4 hours exploring the gardens, but you could easily spend half a day or more if you want to see everything.
Yes, there is a cafe at the top of the Cable Car with wonderful views, and the Begonia House at the bottom also offers a spot for coffee and snacks.
Key attractions include the Begonia House, the native forest walks, the seasonal flower gardens, the duck pond, and the various themed garden areas.
The Botanic Gardens are a popular and beautiful spot for proposals. Consider a quiet, scenic area like the rose gardens or a secluded bench.
Yes, restrooms are available at various points, including near the top of the Cable Car and at the Begonia House.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Once in the gardens, the Duck Pond is always a hit, and the open spaces provide plenty of room for kids to run around. Consider exploring the native bush walks for a chance to spot local birds, which can be a fun educational activity. While the gardens are extensive, focusing on a few key areas like the Duck Pond and the Begonia House can make for a manageable and enjoyable outing for younger children.
couples
Consider timing your visit for a sunset walk or, if available, attending a special evening event like 'Light Cycles' for a truly magical and memorable experience.
The panoramic views from the upper gardens also make for a perfect spot to enjoy the city lights together. Photography Enthusiasts
Don't miss the seasonal flower beds, which are constantly changing and offer endless opportunities for macro and landscape photography. For dramatic shots, consider visiting during the 'Light Cycles' event for unique, illuminated scenes.
+1 The panoramic city views from the upper gardens are also excellent for capturing Wellington's urban landscape. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Wellington Cable Car Experience
The journey itself is a delightful prelude to the natural beauty awaiting you. At the top, you'll find the Cable Car Museum, a cafe with panoramic vistas, and direct access to the upper reaches of the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā. Many visitors opt for a one-way trip up and then enjoy a leisurely walk down through the gardens, or vice versa. This flexibility allows you to tailor your visit. The cost is reasonable, making it an accessible and highly recommended way to start your garden exploration.
Pro-tip: Consider purchasing a return ticket if you plan to explore the city further after your garden visit, as it offers a convenient way to descend back into the central business district.
Seasonal Wonders and Special Events
+1 This event is incredibly popular and offers a unique, almost ethereal experience of the gardens after dark. Beyond 'Light Cycles', the gardens also host other events, such as the Wellington Potters Association's annual exhibition held in the historic Begonia House.
These events add another layer of cultural richness to the natural beauty, making each visit potentially unique. It's always a good idea to check the garden's official schedule for any upcoming exhibitions or seasonal highlights before your visit. Remember to book tickets in advance for popular evening events like 'Light Cycles', as they tend to sell out quickly.
Exploring the Diverse Garden Sections
As you ascend, you'll encounter the native bush, a tranquil area where you can immerse yourself in New Zealand's unique flora and fauna. Keep an eye out for native birds like Tūī and Kākā.
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