Hidden Gardens

Clue: This garden boasts great views over the south coast, and is hidden in plain sight where people can make a shared meal on the BBQ, kids can play in the park or people can hang out in the infamous War Memorial Band Rotunda.

You can come along on Saturday 20 November at 3pm to pot up your own seedling.

Location reveal: This Hidden Garden was made by Corrin Imlach, and can be found in Shorland Park in Island Bay by the BBQs.

Clue: This one will bamboozle you when you stumble across it. It can be found within one of Wellington’s most popular Botanic attractions, a garden within a garden perhaps…Head south the fence line from the founders gate to immerse yourself in this beautiful Japanese inspired garden.

Location reveal: This Hidden Garden was made by Calum Skene, and can be found in the south end of the Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā. Head up Glenmore street until you reach the end of the fenceline, and walk your way through the bamboo. 

Clue: The third Hidden Garden is tucked away in Mount Victoria within a space loved by the community. This space welcomes people of all backgrounds to come together and enhance their relationship with the earth by growing organic produce. 

If you head up Majoribanks street, you might just stumble across it… 

Location: This Hidden Garden was made by Sam Mills, and can be found in the Innermost Gardens on Mount Victoria. Keep driving up Marjoribanks street and around the corner to find the gardens. You can visit from 2pm on Saturday 27 November to join in the Mt Vic Picnic.

Clue: Hidden in the city centre, this garden adds some flavour to a well known, spotted street. Start your journey on the street under the painting of Rita Angus, and make your way down.

Location reveal: This Hidden Garden was made by Luke Erlandsen, and can be found in planter boxes along Bond Street in the city centre. 

Clue: This garden is placed alongside a well-known 1920s heritage estate, which was made for the founders of the Plunket Society. Head to Melrose to find the estate, and make your way around the driveway loop. Keep your eyes peeled for the garden! 

You can also pop by on Saturday 4 December at 3pm to chat to some of our female gardeners to learn more about the garden and celebrate women in botany.

Location reveal: This garden was made by Apprentice Cheyney Biddlecombe, and can be found alongside the Truby King House and Garden.

Clue: This garden is hidden within the second largest burial ground in New Zealand. It’s known to many locals as a peaceful and relaxing place to visit, and is a wealth of history for the city. We’ll be revealing the location along with a map of how you can walk to the garden.

Location: This Hidden Garden was made by Novelyn Paus, and can be found in the Karori Cemetery. 

See the location for this hidden garden (308KB PDF)

Clue: The last Hidden Garden to be found is in a spot many people often walk past, but often miss on their way into the city. With a statue of Queen Victoria as the centrepiece, this garden is a heritage garden that represents the history of the suburb and is a visual representation of WWII. Head up towards Te Ahumairangi, and you may spot it.

Location: This Hidden Garden was made by Jayde McIlroy-Wattam, and can be found in Queens Park in Thorndon around the Queen Victoria fountain.