Val & I were both born in Auckland and this was a nostalgic trip home for us both, after living in Australia for many years. The museum was one of those places where you went on school visits. As a child, I had always found it fascinating and thought the gardens were the most magical place on earth.
So after looking around the museum, which took a long time because as both have our favourite sections to visit, we headed down to the Botanical gardens.
Now if you’re looking for a way to escape the hustle and bustle of Auckland city, then look no further than these beautiful Botanical Gardens at the Auckland Museum. This green oasis is the perfect place to relax, unwind, and learn about the natural world around us.
The Gardens are home to a diverse range of plants from all around the world. So it doesn’t matter whether you’re interested in native New Zealand plants, tropical flowers, or exotic succulents, you are bound to find something to interest you.
There are two large glasshouses. One is a Tropical (heated) house, and the other is a Temperate or non-heated heated house. Between the two glasshouses is an ornate courtyard with a sunken pool. Large multicoloured carp swim lazily through the sun streaked water without a care in the world. There are a number of neo-classical statues on also on display.
There is nothing quite like strolling through gardens with the sound of running water and just taking in the beauty of the surroundings. The fine misty spray is cooling and refreshing as you walk under the ferns hanging in large baskets from the ceiling.
Wintergardens at the Auckland Domain – A Bit of Background
The Wintergardens at the Auckland Domain were built in the aftermath of World War I, funded partly by proceeds generated from the Industrial, Agricultural, and Mining Exhibition of 1913-1914, which took place on the same site. Local benefactors, including prominent businessman Sir George Elliot, who chaired both the exhibition and the Bank of New Zealand, also contributed significantly to the project’s funding.
Before the construction of the Wintergardens, the Pukekawa/Auckland Domain the area had been a public park (since 1844). However, it had a somewhat sordid reputation, often being perceived as a gathering place for what were considered by many as “undesirables.” The establishment of the Wintergardens was seen as a step towards gentrifying the park and offering an attractive area for visitors, particularly during the colder winter months.
The gardens were designed by Gummer and Ford, and the style shows a distinct influence from the English partnership of architect Edwin Lutyens and horticulturist Gertrude Jekyll .
The Temperate House was the first building constructed and it was opened to the public on October 12, 1921. Subsequently, the courtyard, the Tropical House, and the Fernery were added during the 1920s. The initial construction phase cost £4000, while the second stage, completed by Fletcher Building, amounted to £19,500.
The Wintergardens were officially opened by the Mayor of Auckland City, George Baildon, on May 2, 1928.
Renovations and enhancements to the Wintergardens included the addition of many statues in the courtyard in 1945, and the installation of a sunken pond in the center of the gardens in 1954. A significant reconstruction effort took place during 1993 and 1994 to revitalize the Wintergardens.
As you walk along the sunken pool you will see a number of coins that have been tossed in, whether for good luck, a hope to return, something like throwing coins in the Trevi Fountain in Rome, or simple to give a simple donation towards the wintergardens upkeep as a show of thanks.
Try to take your time to really take in the pleasure of this remarkable area. So many people just seem to rush through as they tick it of the list of things to see as quickly as possible.
, via Wikimedia Commons” src=”https://www.traveltripz.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/800px-Auckland_winter_garten_tropic_house.jpeg” alt=”Auckland Winter Gardens Tropical House” width=”800″ height=”600″>
On December 1, 2013, the Tropical House of the Wintergardens became the first location in New Zealand to have the flowering of the giant Amorphophallus titanum. A remarkable plant, that take appro 10 to bloom and is known for its foul odour resembling rotting flesh.
All too soon our visit this tranquil area comes to an end and we are off to Kelly Tarlton’s Antarctic Encounter at Orakei. We have had a lovely day taking our time and enjoying the experience.
The visit to the museum and the gardens is very reasonably priced, the entrance fee is a $5 donation and it only cost $23 for 2 adults plus the cultural show for 1 adult. The gardens themselves are free to see.
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