Gardens Magic

Gardens Magic returns for another triumphant year with the Gardens Magic Concert Series, Light Display, Kids Garden Trail, and Kids Explorer Days. Set amongst the natural beauty of the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā, this iconic Wellington summer event will paint the gardens with original lighting, activities for the kids, and the vibrant, powerful sounds of our capital’s musicians.

Gardens Magic Concert Series

Āhea | When 7pm-9.15pm, Tuesday 7 – Sunday 26 January 2025
Ki hea | Where Botanic Garden Ki Paekākā | View on Google Maps
Te utu | Cost Free

The iconic Gardens Magic Concert Series is back in 2025 and will fill our summer nights with the sounds of our capital’s vivacious talent, set in the Botanic Gardens ki Paekākā Soundshell.

The free concerts start with a warm-up solo act from 7pm, before the main act at 8pm. Concerts are on Tuesday to Sunday each week, with Sunday afternoons from 1pm to 3.15pm kept as a rain day.

Come early to grab a good picnic spot and stay after to take in the stunning Light Display.

The Gardens Magic Concert Series programme will be here soon.

Light Display 

Āhea | When 9pm-10.30pm daily, Tuesday 7 - Sunday 26 January 2025
Ki hea | Where Botanic Garden Ki Paekākā | View on Google Maps
Te utu | Cost Free

After the sun sets see the gardens transform with a magical Light Display by MJF Lighting.

Self-explore the Light Display after enjoying your Gardens Magic concert.

Relaxed Performances

Āhea | When 9:30pm-10.30pm, Mondays 13 and 20 January 2025
Ki hea | Where Botanic Garden Ki Paekākā | View on Google Maps
Te utu | Cost Free 

Enjoy a relaxed evening on Monday nights. Visit the Light Display between 9pm and 10.30pm, and enjoy a relaxed acoustic solo performance at the Duck Pond, 9.30pm – 10.30pm. There are no Concert Series performances scheduled in the Soundshell on Monday evenings.

Kids Garden Trail  

Āhea | When 9am-5pm daily, Tuesday 7 - Sunday 26 January 2025
Ki hea | Where Botanic Garden Ki Paekākā | View on Google Maps
Te utu | Cost Free

Enjoy a free, fun summer’s day out with the kids, exploring the Kids Garden Trail in the beautiful Botanic Garden ki Paekākā.

Go on a self-led journey to discover the seeds and plants of the gardens with Oskar the backpacking tourist. Print out Oskar's activity sheet (coming here soon), or pick up a copy near the Soundshell, at the Tree House, the main entrance, or at the Cable Car office.

Discover hidden scenes in the Botanic Garden and complete the activities. Drop your completed activity sheet off at the Soundshell, main entrance, or at the Treehouse to go in the draw to win a prize pack! 

Kids Explorer Days

Āhea | When 10am-2pm, Wednesdays 8, 15 and 22 January 2025
Ki hea | Where Discovery Garden, Botanic Garden Ki Paekākā | View on Google Maps; Quad Lawn, Botanic Garden Ki Paekākā | View on Google Maps
Te utu | Cost Free

Running alongside the Kids Garden Trail, the Council, in partnership with the Wellington Botanic Garden, is proud to present Kids Explorer Days. These will run on three Wednesdays in January, in the Discovery Garden, Botanic Garden ki Paekākā, and on the Quad Lawn near the Soundshell. Come and explore the plants and animals of the Botanic Garden with fun activities.

Free art classes

Āhea | When 11am-2pm daily, 7 - 26 January 2025 (excluding Wednesdays 8, 15 and 22 January)
Ki hea | Where Discovery Garden, Botanic Garden Ki Paekākā | View on Google Maps
Te utu | Cost Free

Come and enjoy free outdoor art classes this January on the Botanic Garden Soundshell lawn.

Getting there

To avoid parking frustration during this busy time, we encourage everyone to walk, bike, scoot, or use public transport. If you do drive, remember to Drive Safe and Drive Sober.

There won't be any road closures for these events.

City parking information
Council-owned car park buildings and areas
Metlink train, bus, ferry and Cable car schedules

Check out the different ways of getting to the Botanic Garden on our transport website.

Accessibility

All our venues are accessible. Toilets, including an accessible toilet are available at or near all events.

There will be a drop-off point at the Main Gate of the Botanic Garden ki Paekākā.

Find a mobility parking space

Highlights from Gardens Magic 2024

Check out some photos from our last events.