Sixty-four hectares of gardens and native forest at 102 Hill Road in The Gardens, Manukau, with free entry. The gardens are about 20 minutes from the city centre and the airport. Spring is the season the site promotes most, with the rose garden, the camellias and the African Garden in bloom. We hear the Flower Finding Safari runs until 26 October, and the site lists a free spring guided walk of the gardens. Recent kids' activities have included building cardboard cities and making lavender bags. Monthly Sunday Plant Sales are held, and the Aramex Kiwi Walk & Run Series has been held here. By Open Locally's figures, no other botanical garden is listed within a kilometre.