10 October 2026
Partly cloudy with the chance of a shower from afternoon. Light winds.
12° / 19°
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Wellington Botanic Garden
Views and surprises are around every turn. Wellington Botanic Garden hosts exotic forest, native bush, floral displays and themed gardens.
Distance
4.82 km
Difficulty
Easy
Dogs
On-lead only
Wheelchair access
Friendly
Current status
Alerts and track conditions
No active alerts found. Conditions can still change, so check again before leaving.
Weather outlook
Wellington forecast
Issued 10 Oct 2026, 11:36 am
11 October 2026
Showers, clearing to fine spells early afternoon, then clouding over towards evening with drizzle on the ranges. Northerlies.
12° / 17°
12 October 2026
Mainly fine, then the chance of a shower at night. Northerlies.
12° / 19°
13 October 2026
Occasional rain. Northwesterlies.
13° / 16°
14 October 2026
Rain becoming persistent in the morning. Northwesterlies.
9° / 16°
Regional guidance only; elevation and terrain can produce different conditions.
Explore the area
Wellington Botanic Garden on the map
See the full route on the map
Explore the track route and surrounding area before you set out.
About Wellington Botanic Garden
Find trail maps for tracks and walkways on the Wellington Botanic Garden page or download the Wellington Botanic Garden map brochure (4.4MB PDF). Downhill Path - Venture from the Cable Car downhill and stop to enjoy the main collections in the Botanic Garden- from the Australian to the Succulent Garden. Kowhai Walk - Explore the top of the Botanic Garden and walk between the Dominion Observatory, Carter Observatory, Krupp Gun and Space Place. Sculpture Trail - Start at the Lady Norwood Rose Garden and loop around the Sculpture Trail to spot 6 works amongst the flora (30 - 45 minutes). Bush Walk – Walk through native New Zealand bush from the Cable Car downhill or reverse the trail to end with the harbour vista. Spot the wide range of native birds who are common sights in the Botanic Garden skies. Sensation Trail - Louis Braille Trail – Pick up a Braille brochure from the Treehouse Visitor Centre to venture through the gardens to find tactile markers on the ground that indicate Braille sign posts nearby.
Essential information for Wellington Botanic Garden
Amenities There are public toilets throughout the Botanic Garden. Enjoy Picnic Café in the Rose Garden, or the café at the Cable Car Eatery. Accessibility The Botanic Garden has a silver rating from Be. Accessible. The Botanic Garden is mostly hilly, but the following areas are wheelchair friendly: Top of the Cable Car Lady Norwood Rose Garden Main gate (Founder’s) entrance from Glenmore St. to duck pond and Treehouse You can borrow a courtesy wheelchair or mobility scooter from the Treehouse Visitor Centre. To book one in advance, please phone the Treehouse 04 499 1400. Get prepared Bring a picnic and refillable water bottle to make the most of your trip. Maps are available on map boards throughout the garden or at the Treehouse Visitor Centre. Be aware The Botanic Garden is hilly - with the top of the hill at the Cable Car Entrance and the bottom at the Main gate entrance and Rose Garden. Visitor services are available at the Treehouse Visitor Centre in the centre of the Botanic Garden.
Getting there for Wellington Botanic Garden
There are several entrances to Wellington Botanic Garden. Key entrances include: Main gate (Founder's Entrance) - off Glenmore Street, Busses to and from the city stop here East entrance- via Salamanca Road. Centennial Entrance - Near the Main gate, also off Glenmore Street, with walking and driving access to the Rose Garden. Cable Car Entrance – enter at the top of the Cable Car to walk down through the gardens. Busses regularly travel between Wellington Botanic Garden and the city centre from outside the Main gate on Glenmore street. If you’re walking from the city, enjoy a great journey starting near the Beehive, travelling from Bolton Street Chapel, through Bolton Street Cemetery and to the Lady Norwood Rose Garden.
Helpful resources
Find tips, guides and how-to videos to help you prepare for your walk at mountainsafety.org.nz
Dog access for Wellington Botanic Garden
Yes (on lead)
Before you walk Wellington Botanic Garden
Track information, access and weather can change. Confirm current alerts and land-manager information close to departure, tell someone your plans, and carry equipment appropriate for the route and conditions.