Last updated July 2026
Wellington Botanic Garden is a 25-hectare public garden in the Kelburn suburb, about 1.5 kilometres from the central city. Established in 1868, it is Wellington’s oldest garden and one of the most visited green spaces in the country. The garden sits on a hillside between Kelburn and Thorndon, and is most easily reached either by walking up from the city or by taking the historic Kelburn Cable Car from Lambton Quay. It combines formal ornamental areas, including the Lady Norwood Rose Garden, with areas of protected native bush and significant specimen trees.
Practical Information
| Location | Glenmore Street, Kelburn, Wellington (main entrance) |
| Getting There | Walk from central city via Bolton Street; cable car from Lambton Quay; bus to Kelburn |
| Cable Car | Kelburn Cable Car from 280 Lambton Quay — approx. NZ$5–$9 one way (check current fares) |
| Entry | Free |
| Hours | Open daily, dawn to dusk (Botanic Garden Visitor Centre hours vary) |
| Parking | Limited paid parking on Glenmore Street and surrounding streets |
| Facilities | Café, visitor centre, toilets, guided walks |
| Dogs | On-leash only in designated areas; restricted from some sections |
About Wellington Botanic Garden
The garden was established by an act of the New Zealand Parliament in 1868 and has grown into a significant botanical and recreational space that draws both visitors and local residents. It contains one of the most diverse collections of trees, shrubs and plants in New Zealand, with specimens from around the world growing alongside protected areas of original native bush.
The Lady Norwood Rose Garden, located near the Glenmore Street entrance, is one of the garden’s signature features. It contains 110 beds with approximately 3200 roses representing over 300 varieties, and is at its most spectacular from November through to March. The adjoining Begonia House shelters a collection of tropical and sub-tropical plants year-round.
The native bush section of the garden contains mature podocarps and broadleaf trees. The garden also contains the Treehouse Visitor Centre and educational facilities used by schools and community groups.
Wellington Botanic Garden Walks
The garden offers a network of paths suitable for different abilities and interests. The Pukatea Bushwalk runs through the native bush section and is particularly impressive, offering a sense of original Wellington forest close to the heart of the city. Other named walks include the Kōwhai Walk, Waipiro Bushwalk and Sculpture Trail. Many visitors combine a downhill walk through the garden with a cable car ride for a loop experience of 1–1.5 hours.
Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall
The Wellington Botanic Garden Waterfall is a 5-metre cascade located in a natural bush gully within the garden. It is reached by an easy 5-minute walk from the Rose Garden parking area or nearby paths. The falls provide a peaceful spot with a bench for viewing and are accessible as part of a broader garden visit.
The Cable Car Connection
The Kelburn Cable Car is the most enjoyable way to arrive at the garden. The cable car opened in 1902 and the current system dates from the 1978–1979 upgrade. It rises from Lambton Quay in the CBD to a terminus at Kelburn, right at the top of the Botanic Garden. The cable car museum at the top terminus tells the history of the line and is free to enter. Walking back down through the garden to the city is a popular way to combine both experiences.
What Visitors Often Say
Taking the cable car and walking down through the gardens is a highlight for many visitors. The rose garden is stunning in summer and the bush sections feel genuinely wild even though you are right in the middle of the city.
The waterfall is a charming and easy addition to a garden visit. Walks through the native bush provide a peaceful contrast to the formal rose garden areas.
Where to Learn More
Wellington City Council — Botanic Garden: covers current opening hours, events and facilities.
Wellington Cable Car website: has current fares and timetables for the cable car service.
Wellington Gardens: official site with maps, plant collections and visitor information for the Botanic Garden.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Wellington Botanic Garden free?
Yes — entry to the garden is free. The Kelburn Cable Car is a separate paid attraction (approximately NZ$5–$9 one way; check current fares at the cable car website).
What is the best time to visit?
The Lady Norwood Rose Garden is at its peak from November through to March. The native bush sections and waterfall are worth visiting year-round.
How long does a visit take?
A leisurely walk through the main garden areas takes 1–1.5 hours. Adding the cable car ride and a visit to the museum can extend this to half a day.
Can I bring a picnic to the Botanic Garden?
Yes — there are grassed areas suitable for picnics throughout the garden. A café near the visitor centre is also available.
Is the garden accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
The main paths are paved and accessible. Some of the bush sections involve steps and uneven terrain. The cable car is accessible.
Are dogs allowed in the Wellington Botanic Garden?
Dogs on leads are permitted in some parts of the garden. They are restricted from the rose garden and other sections — look for signage at the entrances.
Where is the waterfall located?
The waterfall is in a bush gully within the garden and reached by a short 5-minute walk from the Rose Garden area.
Are there guided walks available?
Guided walks are offered at times; check the Wellington Gardens or council website for current schedules and bookings.
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