One way to get your nature fix in the bustling capital city.
I won’t start another post with “summer is here” because I think that has been established, but with the warmth, sunshine and a world of colour isn’t so without the contribution of spring flowers. One of the blissful moments of Wellington life is the Tulip Gardens in full bloom come springtime. By far one of my favourite seasons, spring brings the beauty out of the battering winters of Wellington. Despite the wind, the rain and the icy cold winters we experience as student flatters, the sight of these gardens make living in the capital city of New Zealand worthwhile.
One thing that I found moving from England to New Zealand was that before I affiliated spring with my birthday, Easter weekend and the eve of summer holidays. Now, it sits in an unfamiliar time of year where we see christmas rearing it’s festive head, obstructed by end of year exam preparation. Nevertheless, with places like the Botanic Gardens, it is easy to clear one’s head, take a break, a breath, and walk through the simplicity of nature to bring one down to earth.
The Gardens have much more to offer besides the tulip garden. Starting at the top, where the Cable Car reaches it’s peak, there is much to be said for the view of Wellington from this point. Reaching from the waterfront across to the suburbs and surrounding hills, this is one of the best ways to view the city. From here, the tracks that take you down to the tulip garden and Lady Norwood rose gardens provide plenty to explore during your descent.
Adult – $5 one-way, $9 return
Child (5-15yrs) – $2.50 one-way, $4.50 return
My friends and I found a newly developed children’s section and enjoyed a lovely cup of tea with the fairies and elves. There were several interactive water transportation devices created for kids to play with, a nearby playground which I admit to have enjoyed myself and even a vegetable garden for kids. The track itself takes you on a journey through the world’s flora: cacti grown on African plains to the English rose.
The Botanic Gardens have it all: easy access via the cable car, interactive facilities for educating children as well as a playground; a steadily declining path to traverse for older citizens, a diverse range of plants and flowers, and even a cafe next to the rose garden once you’re all done (there’s one at the top too!). It’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in a bit of nature without going too far from the city centre. You can literally be in the middle of the wilderness in a matter of 10 minutes, from the hub of city on Lambton Quay, to the very top of the hill overlooking Wellington.
So, if you happen to be in the capital city and have a bit of time on your hands, grab yourself a cable car ticket or brave the steep roads up to the Botanic Gardens. In particular, if you are there during spring for the tulips or from November to April for the roses in full bloom.
X
Little City Window 