Taken from low down the photo shows two children running barefoot through a channel of water on a warm sunny day at Auckland Botanic Gardens

Exploring the Gardens

Guided and self-guided tours

There's so much to see at the Gardens!

Whether you like to be delightfully lost when exploring the gardens, follow trails or take a guided tour we have several options for you. 

Auckland Botanic's garden tour vehicle, the 'Wiri Rambler' waits to load passengers in front of the visitor centre. The Rambler consists of a small tractor engine pulling two blue carriages painted with bright flowers and covered by a canopy
Self-guided tours

Create your own route as you explore the Gardens at your leisure.

Auckland Botanic Gardens app

Download the Auckland Botanic Gardens app to discover more plant stories and trails while you are out in the gardens.

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Pick up a trail brochure from the Huakaiwaka visitor centre. Download and print our kids activity sheets for some family fun.

Permanent Sculpture Trail

Nestled in garden collections, along walkways and at Huakaiwaka visitor centre (itself a work of art), you will encounter our permanent collection of artworks and sculpture.

This trail takes you through our growing collection, a legacy of past sculpture exhibitions, of generous benefactors and the vision of garden creators who have incorporated art work into their horticultural work.

Puhinui Stream Forest Trail

The Puhinui Stream Forest Trail links the native forest walking tracks between Totara Park and the Auckland Botanic Gardens. The full loop trail is approximately four kilometres and will take around two hours at a leisurely pace. (uneven ground and steps make this inaccessible for those in wheelchairs or scooters or pushing prams).

Sustainable Water Trail

Our lakes were once affected by contaminated stormwater. We decided to fix that by introducing a number of water sensitive design devices at the Gardens.

Follow this trail for a tour of the solutions that are improving our stormwater runoff and the health of our gardens.

Guided tours

Wiri Rambler 'Train'

Sit back and relax as the Wiri Rambler shows you the sights. The Wiri Rambler is a small tractor train, towing carriages with up to 15 passengers. Tours run on Sundays, weather (and staff) permitting (please ring the visitor centre to find out if it is operating ph (09) 267 1457).

The tours last 20-25 minutes and start outside the Huakaiwaka visitor centre, from 11am with the last tour at approximately 2.45pm (weather dependant). Buy your tickets at the visitor centre reception before boarding.

  • $4 per adult
  • $2 per child (up to 13yrs, accompanied by an adult)
  • Free for under 3yrs (only on an adult's knee, otherwise $2)

  • Private group bookings available,
    contact Deidre on: phone 021 0396 240 or email  deidredesignz@gmail.com 
    (cost is $90 per tour irrespective of group size. Please book at least a week in advance to secure your tour).

Group Guided Walk

Groups can book a staff guided walk and enjoy an hour long tour of the seasonal highlights of the Gardens. Please note that group walks are available on weekdays only and bookings are essential.

Costs:

$6 per person - Community. Minimum 10 people. ($60)

$20 per person - Commercial. Minimum 10 people. ($200)

Maximum group size per guide 20 people.

Further information

For further information or questions about our tours, or to make a booking, contact our Huakaiwaka visitor centre staff.

Guided garden walk