Plan your visit
The 2024–25 Sculpture in the Gardens Exhibition is now open
Supported by Auckland Council and The Friends of the Auckland Botanic Gardens, this free event is a great opportunity to see large-scale works from some of Aotearoa’s leading sculptors on a 2km sculpture trail throughout the Gardens. Open until 2 March 2025.
Jorge Wright, Sow in Love.
Greg Piper, Two with one shot.
Jane Downes, Self Seeded.
Permanent Collection
Nestled in our gardens along walkways and at the Huakaiwaka visitor centre, discover the Auckland Botanic Gardens’ permanent collection of sculpture. This growing collection is a legacy of commissioned work and past sculpture exhibitions, of generous benefactors and the vision of garden curators who have incorporated artwork into their horticultural work. The Gardens embraces and responds to new ideas about art, storytelling, interpretation and cultural expression to reflect Auckland and its diverse communities.
Pick up a guide to the works when you enter the Gardens. Each piece has a story and a connection to their garden surroundings. Whilst you walk this beautiful 2.5km trail, enjoy the Gardens, a work of art in themselves.
Getting here
The Auckland Botanic Gardens is situated right next to the Southern Motorway (State Highway 1) on Hill Road, Manurewa.
From Auckland city
The Gardens is approximately 25km from the city. Travel south on the Southern Motorway (SH1), exiting the motorway at the Manurewa/Hill Road exit (exit 451). Turn left onto Hill Road, the main entrance to the Gardens is the first driveway on the left.
From south of the Gardens
Travelling north on the Southern Motorway (SH1), exit the motorway at the Takanini exit (exit 453) then turn left onto Great South Road and drive towards Manurewa. Turn right at the lights onto Alfriston Road. Follow Alfriston Road then turn left at Claude Road and continue until it connects with Hill Road. Turn right onto Hill Road and drive past the traffic lights, the entrance to the Gardens is the first driveway on your left after the lights.
Buses and trains from downtown Auckland
Buses and trains travel to Manurewa from Britomart Transport Centre. Bus route 366 runs between the Manurewa bus interchange and the Gardens.
If walking from the train station or bus interchange at Southmall, walk along Great South Road and turn right up Hill Road at the traffic lights. Walk along Hill Road for approximately 20 minutes, the Gardens will be on your left just past the motorway overbridge.
Phone Auckland Transport on (09) 366 6400 or visit at.govt.nz for transport options and timetables.
By bicycle (and train)
Take your bike on the train (at no extra cost) and get off at Manurewa train station. The Gardens are a 2km ride from the station. We have bicycle parking infrastructure at the front of our Huakaiwaka visitor centre. Cycling is not allowed within the Gardens but there is good cycling in neighbouring Tōtara Park, including mountain bike tracks.
Come in through the Auckland Botanic Gardens main gates. This will bring you to the main carpark (Car Park 1). Car Park 2 is opened when this is full. If this park is full, continue on through the Gardens and out the Katote Close exit. You can then look for carparks in the surrounding streets. There is no time restriction for parking at the Gardens, and no parking fees. Please keep your speed below 10km/hr and be patient if it is busy. Please follow the one way system when using Car Park 2 and ensure you exit via Katote Close. Exit at anytime.
When you get here
The Gardens:
April to September – open daily, 8am–6pm.
October to March – open daily, 8am–8pm.
Huakaiwaka visitor centre is open daily, 8am–4.30pm.
Feeling hungry?
Café Miko is our onsite café with cabinet and menu food, ice-cream and coffees.
It is open daily from 8am–4pm.
The Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre and Café Miko are both closed on Christmas Day (25 December), while the gardens remain open to visitors.
Accessibility options
Book a wheelchair or mobility scooter at the visitor centre for free. Pre-booking is advised in the height of summer and weekends ph 09 267 1457 ext 1.
Conveniences
Bathrooms are situated in the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre, in the Rose Garden, beside the Potter Children‘s Garden, and beside the Library.
Dogs are welcome!
Please keep them on a leash, out of the plants, and pick up after them. There are some areas dogs aren’t allowed – inside the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre and other buildings, and in the Potter Children’s Garden. If they need a run (and can remain under control when off leash) take them down to the off-leash area beyond the Rose Garden and look out for the off leash area sign.
Enjoying the sculptures
Take a brochure – Grab a ‘Permanent Sculpture’ brochure from the Huakaiwaka Visitor Centre to plan your walk around them, or simply come across them as you wander.
Follow the signs – Map signs and directional arrows are dotted along the trail. Follow them to keep on track.
Learn as you go – Download! Use our free wifi to download a QR code reader app. QR codes are on the artwork signs, for you to discover more about the artists.
How to enjoy the sculptures – Each of our sculptures has a description about the work and statements from the artists. QR codes on the signs link to videos about the sculptures too. When you are looking at the sculpture ask yourself what does this work mean? Do you like it? How does it make you feel?
Download the STQRY app – you can access information about the sculptures from your phone as you wander the trail – or from anywhere! Check out STQRY app here.
