Auckland Botanic Gardens is a 64-hectare garden of gardens and native forest in The Gardens, Manukau City, just off the Southern Motorway. Entry is free, and the gardens are about 20 minutes from the city and the airport. The rose garden and the African Garden are among the spring highlights.
The spring programme includes a Flower Finding Safari, the Eye on Nature creative arts exhibition, guided walks, plant sales, and children's workshops such as Little Makers, which builds cardboard cities. The gardens also run a monthly Sunday plant sale and an Edible Edition meet-the-gardener day on 21 October. The gardens hold hire venues. Our pick in The Gardens for a free spring walk with the children.