The Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall is one of the most accessible waterfall walks in the city — a short 5-minute stroll through the gardens from the Rosegard car park leads to a small but attractive waterfall in a bush gully. The waterfall sits within the wider 25-hectare Wellington Botanic Garden, which offers additional walks including the popular route down from the Cable Car, bush tracks, a sculpture trail and the Kowhai Walk.
Practical Information
| Location | Wellington Botanic Garden, Tinakori Road, Thorndon |
| Walk to waterfall | About 5 minutes from Rosegard car park |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Cost | Free |
| Open | Garden open daily; check wellingtongardens.nz for hours |
| Managed by | Wellington City Council / Wellington Gardens |
About the Garden and Waterfall
Wellington Botanic Garden is a Garden of National Significance with over 150 years of history, covering 25 hectares across the hillside above Thorndon and Kelburn. The garden is most famously reached by the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay, which deposits visitors at the top entrance near the Carter Observatory.
The waterfall is located within the garden and reached easily on foot from the Rosegard parking area. The falls sit in a natural bush gully within the garden, surrounded by exotic and native plantings that make the setting attractive year-round. It’s a short but worthwhile detour from the garden’s main paths.
Other Walks in the Garden
The garden offers several self-guided walks beyond the waterfall. The Cable Car to City walk descends through the garden from the Cable Car terminus to the Thorndon and city entrances — a popular and scenic downhill route. The Waipiro and Pukatea Bush Walks explore the garden’s native bush sections, while the Sculpture Trail passes several artworks and the Kowhai Walk is known for spring blossom.
What Visitors Say
“A hidden gem in the middle of the city. The waterfall is a lovely little discovery on a walk through the gardens.” — AllTrails
“Beautiful botanic gardens with so much to see. The waterfall is worth seeking out — easy to reach from the car park.” — TripAdvisor
Where to Learn More
Wellington Gardens — Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekaka has official garden information including opening hours, maps and self-guided walk routes.
AllTrails — Wellington Botanic Garden Walk has trail maps and visitor reviews for walks within the garden.
Waterfalls NZ — Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall has specific information about the waterfall and how to find it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall?
Within the Wellington Botanic Garden, reached by a 5-minute walk from the Rosegard car park.
How do I get to the garden?
By the Wellington Cable Car from Lambton Quay (arriving at the top entrance), by car to the Rosegard car park, or on foot from the Thorndon or city entrances.
How long is the walk to the waterfall?
About 5 minutes from the Rosegard car park — a very short, easy walk.
Is there an admission charge?
No — the garden and waterfall are free to visit.
What else is in the garden?
The Cable Car terminus and Carter Observatory, bush walks, a sculpture trail, Kowhai Walk, rose garden, and the Lady Norwood Rose Garden.
Is it pushchair friendly?
Many garden paths are suitable for pushchairs; the steeper bush sections may be more challenging.
When is the garden open?
The garden is open daily. Check wellingtongardens.nz for current opening hours.
How large is the garden?
25 hectares, recognised as a Garden of National Significance.
The Waterfalls in Wellington hub lists all waterfall walks in the Wellington region. The Wellington Botanic Garden post covers the full garden in more detail. Korokoro Dam Waterfall in Belmont Regional Park is another short, easy waterfall walk in the Lower Hutt area.
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