Auckland Botanic Gardens

The Auckland Botanic Gardens have a comprehensive collection of 10,000 plants from all around the world on 64 acres of gentle hills, just off the State Highway at Manurewa. The Gardens were first mooted in 1926 but it was not until the 1960s that the idea became a reality.

This regional asset has become increasingly and can be busy on the weekends and public holidays, so much so that they continue building new carparks. Highlights for many visitors are the Potter Children's Garden, and the modern visitor centre. For those who venture further afield, there are a range of themed gardens to visit;

• The Roses
• The Children's Garden
• The Shrubs Trial Garden.
• The Gondwana Arboretum.
• The Edible Garden.
• The Perennial Garden.
• The Camellia Garden.
• The African Garden
• The Rock Garden
• The Palm Garden.
• Urban Trees, which shows a selection of small trees that can be successfully planted in private gardens.

There is plenty of gentle walking, including stroller and wheelchair accessible areas. One path, the Puhinui Stream track, leads to nearby Totara Park, another large South Auckland recreational asset.

A fully licensed café is in the visitor centre. Weddings, conferences and functions are catered for at a variety of venues throughout the Gardens. Educational Programmes for school aged children are provided here through the Council. Gardens staff also provide gardening advice and participate in scientific research in sustainability and conservation.

The Gardens is now the site for an annual sculpture show, which has resulted in several sculptures being purchased for permanent display.