Picnic at Otari-Wilton's Bush
Te Marae o Tane - Information Centre
The Information Centre displays information on Otari-Wilton's Bush history and botanic diversity. The centre is located just inside the main entrance on Wilton Road.
There is seating for visiting groups, toilet facilities and a snack vending machine. A small lecture room can be booked for horticultural, community and educational purposes.
Education
Otari-Wilton's Bush Trust runs workshops and seminars from time to time. Check the events calendar for details.
Events Calendar
School groups often visit to study New Zealand's plant life, and to experience the forest that once covered Wellington.
Education Kit
Picnic areas
Otari-Wilton's Bush is one of Wellington's best picnic spots. There are two main picnic areas - the North picnic area off Wilton's Bush Road, and the idyllic Troup Picnic Area on the Circular Walk.
The Troup Picnic Area is an open space ideal for large groups and school visits. It has toilet facilities, tap water, and two push-button gas barbecues (these run for 20 minutes - for longer cooking push the button again). Availability is on a first-in, first-served basis - please note the barbecues may still be hot from previous usage.
Although bookings are not required, large groups should advise the Treehouse Visitor Centre of intended visits.
Hiring a venue
You can hold weddings on Cockayne Lawn at Otari-Wilton's Bush - it is available for ceremonies involving up to 100 people.
To request a booking at this venue, complete the appropriate booking forms:
You can hire the Otari-Wilton's Bush lecture room. It has space for small meetings (10 - 15 people) and is available Monday to Friday.
Research
The reserve is a resource for botanical and horticultural research.
Staff at Otari-Wilton's Bush liaise closely with tertiary institutions and the scientific community, including Victoria University, Landcare Research NZ, and the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa.