Otari-Wilton's Bush stream
Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants.
The Garden is a unique plant sanctuary and forest reserve and includes 100ha of native forest and 5ha of plant collections. Some of Wellington's oldest trees are here, including an 800-year-old rimu.
It is classified as a Garden of National Significance by the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture.
Entry is free.
Location
Otari-Wilton's Bush is about 5km from the city centre, at 160 Wilton Road (between Gloucester and Warwick streets).
The main public car park is at the Wilton Road entrance. Parking is also available off Churchill Drive.
Getting there
Take the No 14 Wilton bus from Lambton Quay to Otari-Wilton's Bush.
Bus Times - Metlink
Hours
Otari-Wilton's Bush is open daily between sunrise and sunset. Te Marae o Tane Information Centre is open 9am - 4pm daily.
Walking tracks
For walking track information, see:
Wheelchair access
Wheelchair-friendly paths run from the main car park to the Information Centre, over the Canopy Walkway, and to Cockayne Lookout. A step-free path runs from the Churchill Drive car park along the Kaiwharawhara streamside to the Troup Picnic Lawn. The Wilton Walkway from the car park through the Fernery and leading into mature podocarp forest, is also suitable.
Dogs
Dogs are welcome as long as they are kept on a lead and you clean up after them. Dogs off a lead are a threat to native wildlife. Owners also need to be aware of the risk of secondary poisoning from possum bait.
Guided tours
Guided tours are available for groups of all sizes. Experienced guides lead tours tailored to each group.
The Otari-Wilton's Bush Trust runs monthly walks for members and visitors. Check the events calendar for upcoming events and details:
Events Calendar
School trips
We've created an environmental education kit for teachers to use with school groups at Otari-Wilton's Bush. For more information, see:
Education Kit
Protecting the bush
Keep to the tracks and take your rubbish home. The following activities are banned:
- picking, damaging or removing plant material
- camping
- lighting open fires
- cycling and mountain biking
Ask a gardener
If you have a plant puzzle or horticultural query, ask us - we might just have the answer.
Email: treehouse@wcc.govt.nz