Last updated May 2026
Wilton is a residential suburb in western Wellington, home to Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush — New Zealand’s only public botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants. The reserve covers 100 hectares of native forest containing some of Wellington’s oldest trees, including an 800-year-old rimu. The name Ōtari comes from the Māori for “place of snares,” while the Wilton half honours Job Wilton, who arrived in Wellington in 1841 and set aside a patch of native forest near his homestead in the 1860s — an act of conservation that eventually led to the reserve’s establishment.
About Wilton
| Location | Western Wellington, adjacent to Karori |
| Character | Residential suburb, native forest reserve, botanic garden |
| Key feature | Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush — NZ’s only all-native botanic garden |
| Māori name | Ōtari — “place of snares” |
History of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush
Job Wilton arrived in Wellington in 1841 as a seven-year-old. He later married Ellen Curtis and purchased 44 hectares in the Kaiwharawhara valley. Concerned about the extensive land clearance around Wellington in the 1840s and 1850s, Wilton set aside 6.9 hectares of untouched native forest near his homestead and fenced it to protect it from stock — a remarkably far-sighted act for the time. This became Wilton’s Bush, a popular destination for picnickers and day-trippers in the late nineteenth century.
In 1906 the government purchased 54.5 hectares of land in the Ōtari Native Reserve from its Māori owners and designated it as a scenic reserve. In 1918 the land was transferred to Wellington City Council “for recreation purposes and for the preservation of native flora.” The reserve was renamed Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush in 2000, recognising both Māori and European influences on its history.
The Reserve Today
Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush comprises 100 hectares of native forest and 5 hectares of plant collections. The forest includes an 800-year-old rimu — one of the oldest trees in Wellington — and is a remnant of the podocarp broadleaf forest that once covered much of the Wellington area. It is New Zealand’s only public botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants, and is managed by Wellington City Council with strong community volunteer support.
What Visitors Say
“Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is a real treasure — 10 minutes from the city and you’re in genuine native forest. The 800-year-old rimu is incredible, and the birdlife is remarkable.” — NZ Geographic
Where to Learn More
Wikipedia — Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush covers the full history of the reserve and its conservation significance.
Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust has visitor information, plant lists and details about the botanic garden and reserve.
WellingtonNZ — Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush has visitor and trail information for the reserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Wilton?
In western Wellington, adjacent to Karori, about 4–5km from the city centre.
What is Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush?
New Zealand’s only public botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants, comprising 100 hectares of native forest and 5 hectares of plant collections in Wilton.
How old is the rimu at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush?
Approximately 800 years old — one of the oldest trees in Wellington, a remnant of the original podocarp broadleaf forest.
Who was Job Wilton?
A Wellington settler who arrived in 1841 and in the 1860s set aside 6.9 hectares of native forest near his homestead to protect it from land clearance — the founding act that eventually led to the reserve.
What does Ōtari mean?
“Place of snares” in Māori, reflecting the area’s pre-European use for trapping birds and other prey.
When was the reserve renamed Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush?
In 2000, recognising both the Māori heritage (Ōtari) and the European conservation history (Job Wilton).
Is the reserve free to enter?
Yes — Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is free to enter and open daily.
What birds can be seen at Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush?
Tūī, kererū, kākā (from nearby Zealandia), fantail (pīwakawaka) and grey warbler (riroriro) are commonly seen in the reserve.
The Wellington Suburbs hub covers all Wellington suburbs. Karori is the adjacent suburb to the west, home to Zealandia ecosanctuary. Crofton Downs is to the north, accessible from the Johnsonville train line.
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