Last updated July 2026
Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is a combined native plant botanic garden and bush reserve in the Wilton suburb of Wellington, about 5 kilometres from the city centre. It is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated entirely to native plants and contains the largest collection of indigenous New Zealand flora of any botanic garden in the country. The reserve covers approximately 100 hectares and includes areas of original bush that have never been logged, some of the most intact remnant native forest in the Wellington region. It is managed by Wellington City Council and celebrated its centenary in 2026.
Practical Information
| Location | 160 Wilton Road, Wilton, Wellington |
| Getting There | Drive to Wilton Road; bus from central Wellington to Wilton shops, then a short walk |
| Parking | Free parking at the Wilton Road entrance |
| Entry | Free |
| Hours | Open daily, dawn to dusk |
| Facilities | Visitor centre, toilets, picnic areas, signposted tracks, canopy walkway |
| Dogs | Not permitted anywhere in the reserve |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council |
About Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush
The reserve combines two originally separate areas: the Ōtari Native Botanic Garden, established in 1926, and Wilton’s Bush, an area of regenerating and original native forest. Together they offer an experience that ranges from cultivated garden plantings with clear labelling and educational information to immersive native bush walks through unlogged forest.
The plant collection holds around 1,200 species of indigenous New Zealand plants, including many that are rare or threatened. The reserve contains an estimated 800-year-old rimu tree, one of the largest remaining in the greater Wellington area, and sections of dense tawa, kohekohe and podocarps that give a sense of what pre-European Wellington once looked like across the harbour hills.
Birdlife is a significant part of the experience. The reserve’s proximity to the Zealandia ecosanctuary means that birds reintroduced there, including kākā, tūī, kererū and kākāriki, are regularly seen and heard throughout Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. It is one of the better spots in Wellington for urban birdwatching without the Zealandia entry fee.
Tracks and Walking
The reserve has a network of well-maintained tracks ranging from easy loop walks near the garden entrance to longer routes through the deeper bush. Most tracks are suitable for a moderate fitness level, though some sections involve steps and uneven ground. The main circuit through the garden and upper bush area takes approximately 1–1.5 hours. Longer combinations using the outer tracks can extend this to two hours or more.
Track maps are available at the visitor centre near the Wilton Road entrance. The visitor centre also contains interpretive displays on native plant ecology and the history of the reserve. Notable features include the Canopy Walkway, 18 metres above the forest floor, and the Nature Trail through the undergrowth. The Ōtari Skyline loop is a 4.5 kilometre walk taking about 2.5 hours that passes through the reserve to the Troup Picnic Area.
What Visitors Often Say
The labelling throughout the garden section is excellent and you can learn a huge amount just wandering through. Once you get into the deep bush you forget you are minutes from the city. The old rimu is worth the walk on its own and the canopy walkway adds a special perspective.
Great spot for a peaceful walk with plenty of birdlife. The tracks are well maintained and the variety from formal gardens to wild forest makes it interesting for all ages. Picnic areas by the stream are a highlight.
Where to Learn More
Wellington Gardens – Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush: Official details on gardens, tracks, events and the centenary programme.
Wellington City Council – Ōtari Skyline loop: Route description, distance and time for the extended skyline walk.
Wellington City Council – Centenary news: Information on 100-year celebrations and the Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush free to visit?
Yes, entry is free and the reserve is open daily from dawn to dusk.
Can I bring my dog to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush?
No, dogs are not permitted anywhere in the reserve to protect the native wildlife and plant collection.
How long does it take to walk through Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush?
The main garden loop takes about 30–45 minutes. A fuller circuit through the deeper bush sections takes 1–2 hours depending on pace and route. The Ōtari Skyline loop takes about 2.5 hours.
Are the tracks suitable for children?
Most of the tracks are suitable for older children and adults with moderate fitness. Some sections have steps or uneven terrain. The garden area near the entrance is easier and suitable for young children.
Is there parking at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush?
Yes, free parking is available at the Wilton Road entrance off Wilton Road.
What birds can I see at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush?
Tūī, kererū, kākā, kākāriki and fantail (pīwakawaka) are all regularly sighted. The reserve benefits from the Zealandia sanctuary nearby, with kākā especially common overhead.
Is there a canopy walkway?
Yes, the Canopy Walkway is 18 metres above the forest floor and offers a treetop perspective of the native bush.
When was Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush established?
The Ōtari Native Botanic Garden was established in 1926 and the site celebrated its centenary throughout 2026.
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