Check Out the Parks and Gardens on Your Next Visit to Wellington

By Anne C. Rutledge 2 years ago

With cafes, art galleries, museums and some of the best culture in the country, there are so many different reasons to visit Wellington, New Zealand’s capital in the North Island. Easily accessible from Picton via ferry and a quick flight away from Christchurch and Auckland, Wellington is a great place to stop off for a weekend or a week for a short getaway. While it is mostly known for the city, there are some beautiful parks and gardens that you should check out while you are there.

Wellington Botanic Garden

Wellington Botanic Garden is a 25 hectare protected native forest and plant collection. Found between Thorndon and Kelburn, a large Rose Garden and a number of exotic and non-native species are huge draws for plant lovers. Wellington Botanic Garden was established in 1868 with the Lady Norwood Rose Garden added in 1950, the Begonia House in 1960 and the Treehouse Visitor Centre in 1990. You will also find the Wellington Cable Car Museum and the Carter Observatory, featuring a digital planetarium, which is dedicated to the science of the Southern Skies.

Frank Kitts Park

Located on the Wellington Waterfront, the park is named after the longest serving mayor of the capital. Frank Kitts was mayor from 1956 till 1974 and also served as the Labour Member of Parliament for Wellington Central between 1954 and 1960. Even after his retirement, Frank Kitts continued to serve on the Wellington Harbour Board and was knighted in 1979. The park is home to a children’s playground and the foremast recovered from the Wahine ferry disaster of 1968.

Khandallah Park

Khandallah Park is a spacious forest reserve that stretches from the north of Khandallah suburb toward Johnsonville. It is the ideal place to take the kids with a great playground and the hiking trail up Mt Kaukau offers excellent views for those willing to take the hour to get to the top.

Central Park

Located on Brooklyn Road on the outskirts of the CBD, Central Park offers a wonderful break to the concrete jungle of Wellington Central. Check out the flying foxes with the kids and sneak a go on the swings yourself!

Check out some of these great outdoor parks and gardens in Wellington. Make the most of your time in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful cities. There are some great places for the kids and some even better places for a walk or a picnic.