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VISTING OTARI-WILTON'S BUSH
Otari-Wilton's Bush is only 5 km from downtown Wellington, and accessible by car, bike or bus. Most of Otari's paths and walkways are accessible to all, including prams and wheel chair users, however there are some steep stepped sections which require more mobility and a moderate level of fitness. Cyclists are not permitted at Otari and dogs must be on the lead at all times, and cleaned up after.
There is parking at the main public car park on Wilton Road, outside the main entrance. The Information Centre and Canopy Walkway are nearby. There is another signposted entrance at the end of Blackridge Road, and additional parking on Churchill Drive.
Check out our upcoming events.
GUIDED TOURS
Guided tours for groups are available by arrangement, and are particularly suited for cruise ship visitors, garden groups and special interest groups. Experienced volunteer guides can tailor their tours to your interests. The Otari-Wilton’s Bush Trust also runs walks for members and visitors.
SCHOOL VISITS
Please let us know if you are planning to bring your class to Otari, so we can ensure it is a fun, safe and educational day. By booking ahead, we can cover health and safety and manage garden activities, so your group has a great time. We've also created an environmental education kit for teachers to use with school groups at Otari-Wilton's Bush.
OTARI OPENING HOURS
Otari-Wilton's Bush is open daily between sunrise and sunset.
Entry is free. Te Marae o Tane Information Centre is open
9am - 4pm daily.
VISITOR HIGHLIGHTS AT OTARI
THE CANOPY WALKWAY
The Canopy Walkway soars 18 m above the forest floor, taking you onto the flight path of beautiful native birds such as tūi, kererū and pīwakawaka (fantail) and providing magnificent views of the forest and valley below.
Starts at Information Centre | Suitable for prams and wheelchairs
OTARI PLANT COLLECTIONS
Otari's native botanic garden boasts half of all New Zealand's plant species within its 5 hectares, and feature 1200 species collected from as far afield as the Subantarctic Islands in the south to Cape Reinga at the northern tip of New Zealand. All gardens lie within 100 metres of the main entrance on Wilton Road and can be explored at leisure via meandering pathways.
The gardens were established in the 1920s by eminent botanist Dr Leonard Cockayne. Otari staff now tend numerous distinct collections, including North Auckland plants, an alpine garden, a fernery, hebe and flax cultivars, and a magnificent rock garden. The collections are key to conserving many of New Zealand's endangered species, and are useful for in researching plant physiology, nomenclature and potential economic uses of plants.
Allow 30-60 mins | All fitness levels | Walking shoes recommended | Suitable for prams and wheelchairs
Free leaflet at the Information Centre
LEONARD COCKAYNE
CENTRE AT OTARI
This centre seats up to 25 people and can be booked for small meetings, seminars and weddings.
To Book T: 04 499 1400
F: 04 499 1903
E:
THE NATURE TRAIL
Starting and ending at the Information Centre near the main Entrance, this loop route takes you onto the Canopy Walkway and around the reserve – revealing the unique aspects of New Zealand native bush and forest, from its magical and melodious bird life to towering native trees and iconic ferns.
Allow 30-60 mins | Medium fitness due to steep steps
Walking shoes recommended | Not suitable for prams or wheelchairs
THE TREASURE TRAIL
A self-guided Trail of some of Otari's living treasures, developed by renowned NZ botanist and author Dr John Dawson. Starts at the Fernery (near main carpark on Wilton Road) and ending at the Cockayne Lookout via the Canopy Walkway.
Allow 30-60 mins | All fitness levels | Walking shoes recommended | Suitable for prams and wheelchairs
© Otari Wilton Bush Trust 2020 | Otari-Wilton's Bush 160 Wilton Rd Wellington 6012 | Site by BoulderBay Design