Description of the attraction
Auckland Botanical Garden is one of the city's most popular attractions. It is located south of downtown Auckland, about thirty minutes' drive and covers 64 hectares of beautifully manicured land.
The Botanical Garden was first opened to the public on February 23, 1982, so it is considered relatively young. Throughout its existence, new buildings were erected in the garden for the convenience of visitors. Thus, an information visit center for visitors, an educational and entertainment center for children "Potter Garden", a library and a cafe were opened here.
In the "Miko" cafe, in addition to standard drinks and dishes, visitors can taste dishes with plants and herbs grown here in the garden. In the library, everyone can get information about landscape design, care for trees and herbs, pests and plant diseases, as well as get acquainted with the history of the garden.
In addition to the usual tourist excursions, every weekday from one to two, the garden's staff conduct personal walks with interesting stories about the origin and characteristics of plants. In case the visitor gets tired of the walk, you can always take a small train for 16 people. Within 30 minutes he will ride along the paths of the garden and take you to the visitor center.
The flora world at Auckland Botanical Gardens has a surprisingly rich collection. For example, 2,357 plants of local New Zealand origin are represented here, 80% of which are endemic, i.e. these plants can be found exclusively in New Zealand and nowhere else in the world. This is due to the fact that historically New Zealand has been isolated from the rest of the world for many years.
The garden also contains a rich collection of fruits, vegetables, nuts and edible flowers, which are not only delicious but also healthy. On the northern slope there is an arboretum with representatives of tree species from all corners of the southern hemisphere. The first plantings of this young collection were made in 1999. The garden also contains a rich collection of palms, perennials, shrubs, herbs, African plants, etc.
On the east side of the Botanical Garden is the quiet and peaceful Camellia Garden. It is especially pleasant to be here in autumn and winter, when the wintering period begins for plants in other areas of the garden. Also in winter (from November to July) you can enjoy the richest collection in the Rose Garden, which is located on the northern slope of the Botanical Garden.
The Garden of Stones deserves special attention. Here is a rich collection of cacti and succulents from Africa, America, Europe, the Canary Islands, Madagascar and Europe. This beautiful place is located almost in the very center of the Botanical Garden, not far from the visitor center. Here you can often see a wedding ceremony or just visitors having a picnic on the grass.
The Botanical Garden has two large artificial lakes, several small lakes, small ponds and streams. On the shore of one of the lakes, a small quiet garden was created in memory of the victims of the tragedy in Hiroshima.
In addition to study tours for adults and children, Auckland Botanical Garden regularly hosts educational programs, master classes, event events, etc.
