Location: Auckland
Top Things to do in Auckland
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What to do and see in Auckland, North Island: The Best Gardens
The Māori call Auckland Tāmaki Makaurau — a maiden desired by 100 lovers,
and a valuable territory fought over for centuries for its fertile land and
natural harbors on the Pacific Ocean (to the east) and Tasman Sea (to the
west). Today, it’s New Zealand’s largest city: A vibrant and diverse place
where nature and urban life go hand-in- hand, with 48 volcanic cones, more
than 50 islands, and 29,000 km of coastline and beaches just minutes away
from the arts and shopping of the central city.
Restaurants in Auckland
1. Ayrlies Garden & Wetlands
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 30 reviews
“If you think of gardening as an art form, Ayrlies is the best expression of that art”. Ayrlies is one of the select few New Zealand Gardens of International Significance. Bev McConnell presents a garden that is nearing maturity and is recognised for both design and horticultural excellence. The millennium year spurred a new project creating a wetland in the surrounding 10 acres which is now home to many native and visiting wildlife.
Reviewed By Darcytheexplorer
An excellent place to spend an afternoon. Wonderful, friendly staff, beautiful scenery and some of the most interesting plants I've seen. Take along a picnic and sit and enjoy the bird song and soak up the vitamin C.
2. Sacred Blessing Sanctuary Gardens
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
This garden is open to the public by appointment only for private guided garden & sculpture tours. Bookings are essential only though our website.
Reviewed By Sn00k - Takapuna, New Zealand
Sanctuary is the perfect word to describe these gardens. Even our two grandsons were impressed by the special efforts by garden hosts Alan and Arthur to involve them in the wonderful experience. The high tea halfway through the visit was an absolute delight, perfectly presented and delicious. The unique Paul Dibble sculptures around the gardens are amazing, our visit was excellent value for 2 hours 15 minutes.
3. Mincher Garden - Open By Appointment Only
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
Approached by a chestnut-lined drive which winds past old orchards and streams, Mincher, a large rural garden just north of Auckland's CBD, is home to many varities of waterfowl and birdlife including Grey Teal, Aylesburys, Kingfishers, Shining Cuckoos, Tui and Kaka.
4. Auckland Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 368 reviews
"Where ideas grow'. Explore a garden of national significance that can delight, inspire, entertain and relax your senses. The collections of natives and exotics are complimented by lakes, the award winning Potter Children’s Garden and a growing collection of large scale outdoor sculpture by New Zealand artists. Pack a picnic or enjoy lunch at Cafe miko, located in the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre with views out over the gardens. Enjoy the changing centre displays introducing you to the beauty and fascinating facts about plants. View many of our sustainable initiatives from vegetated swales to green roofs. Only 20 minutes from the city or airport Auckland Botanic Gardens is open every day of the year and entry is free.
Reviewed By 196barbl - Dunedin, New Zealand
These gardens are huge and well spaced out. The areas are broken up by particular plant groupings so if you have a particular interest then you can go directly to that area. The edible garden is great as it gives examples of what you can do in your own backyard. The gardens are dog friendly, and dogs are on a lead, however if you or your child is not a dog person then it could be overwhelming. The cafe is reasonably priced with a good selection of food, and if you are just wanting a coffee then you can skip the line and go to the coffee cart at the rear or the other one down by the rose garden.
5. Parnell Rose Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 315 reviews
Reviewed By Happiness532465
This stop was on the Hop On Hop Off bus line, so I hopped off for a 30 minute stroll through the gardens. I wasn't originally planning to visit, but I'm so glad I did. People of all ages were enjoying the garden while I was there.
6. Kaipara Coast Sculpture Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Reviewed By GaryBrazel - Brooklyn, United States
They have a large selection of plants on sale at the entrance. For the sculpture garden you pay the admission ($15 adults, $12 for seniors), pick up a map/brochure and they open the locked door that admits you into the garden. You then follow a path to view the sculptures (they are numbered) and plants. There is a sonic installation called “Time and Tide” that plays beautiful melodic tones as you walk over a boardwalk that I particularly enjoyed. If you have time, there is a side path Don's Conservation Track that is worth doing.
7. Eden Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 160 reviews
Discover this wonderfully peaceful sanctuary in the heart of Auckland. Wander through our 5.5 acre award-winning garden on the side of Mt Eden. Take a day or an hour to explore our many plant collections including perennials, vireyas, camellias, bromeliads and native New Zealand plants. There's always something in bloom. Enjoy the waterfalls, rock formations, resident native birds and fabulous city and harbour views.
Reviewed By annieskilling - Ellerslie, New Zealand
Situated in Auckland, a city of 1000000 plus people, Eden Garden is an oasis of calm, peace and serenity, it’s five acres appear natural (they aren’t!) and one can meander along shady pathways, up and down well paved steps (one or two did lack handrails however) gazing at seasonal flowers - hibiscus at this time of the year (it was a very hot summer’s day). We really enjoyed the cafe too.
8. West Lynn Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By 811garethm
West Lynn gardens is a lovely afternoon trip with a butterfly house and lots of little gardens to explore. The newly installed function room is great for small family get togethers.
9. Winter Garden Auckland Domain
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 413 reviews
Reviewed By ashevillefab5 - Asheville, United States
One of my favourite places in Auckland, all year round. The fern garden is an oasis - lush, peaceful, beautiful.
10. Bastion Point
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By Naina-Damani - London, United Kingdom
It had the most tranquil and colourful garden. Bastion Point offers magnificent views out over the Hauraki Gulf and Waitemata Harbour. It's remembrance for its history for Maori protests.
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