Excursion Otari wilton's bush nature trek tour at Wellington

Discover Wellington's beautiful native plants during this scenic, off the beaten track half-day excursion on-foot. Join your nature guide to walk you through Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve.

Otari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve

Start your journey with an approximately 15-minute drive to Botanic Gardens. Upon arrival, join your experienced nature guide for an approximately 1.5-hour walk through this magnificent, immaculately maintained botanic garden. Learn about rare and interesting plants, how they have evolved in isolation for 85 million years, and their traditional and medicinal uses (Rongoa Maori).  Otari is the only Botanic Garden in New Zealand that is solely dedicated to New Zealand Native plants. This unique plant sanctuary and forest reserve consists of 100 hectares of native forest, and five hectares of plant collections.Otari-Wilton's Bush is classified as a Garden of National Significance by the New Zealand Gardens Trust. Otari occupies the same valley as Zealandia Wildlife Sanctuary and as such it hosts a rich variety of New Zealand native birds which follow you throughout the trek. Some of the native birds you may see (and hear) on your walk include kereru (New Zealand Wood Pigeon), kaka (parrot), kakariki (parakeet), karearea (falcon), tui and piwakawaka (fantail).

Finally, stop at the Stellin Memorial Lookout for some spectacular views over Wellington City, before continuing your 30-minute drive back to the pier.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen on this excursion may include: Otari Native Botanic Garden, Wilton's Bush Reserve, New Zealand's native birds and plants

Note

Please note: This tour involves a moderate amount of walking for approximately 1.25 miles (about 2 kilometers) over unpaved, uneven and steep in places terrain with 30-40 steps spread out through the track. This tour is not suitable for guests with limited mobility and guests who utilise a wheelchair. Guests are advised to wear comfortable walking shoes and bring hat, sunscreen, wind/rain jacket depending on the day.