Among the special places are bush and wooded areas, perfect for exploring on a hot summer’s day. Here the staff of the garden nominate some of the best.
GO BUSH
1 - Little Bush
In the middle of the Botanic Garden you can feel as if you’re in the middle of the bush.
This tiny patch links the aviary and Mediterranean Garden.
A long term scientific study is studying the changes happening in here over time.
2 - Fern Gully
About a minute’s walk from the aviary, Fern Gully is a shady secret nudging beneath Opoho Road.
A single track wends its way through the welcoming coolness, passing ferns ranging from forest floor to tree ferns.
WILD SPOTS TO EXPLORE
3 - Lovelock Bush
It’s amazing how nature can heal itself in 130 years.
Lovelock Bush used to be grazed by deer but now is a visible example of the regrowth process - tall kanuka protect regenerating native bush below.
4 - Rhododendron Dell Bush
This bush is home to a silent survivor of the olden days.
A big broadleaf tree remains from pre-Pakeha days, in the board-walked gully beneath the Cherry Walk.
5- Hillside Bush
Long, flat sections of track take you through this massive bush patch on the side of a hill.
At the bottom, riverside tracks go to grassy picnic spots that soak up the sun.
