You are here
It’s time to shake off the winter blues and celebrate the arrival of kōanga (spring)!
The annual Te Wā o te Kōanga - Spring Festival at Wellington Gardens is the perfect way to get amongst the tulips and kōanga flowers, to celebrate the season of new beginnings where fresh buds bloom and life starts anew.
This year, the festival will run for the whole month of September. Join us for a series of springtime events where we enjoy a new season with friends, whānau, and visitors.
Te Whare Ako o Akoranga - Rangi Tūwhera Akoranga Learning Pavilion - Open DayĀhea | When: Sat 2 Sept, 10am – 2pmKi hea | Where: Discovery Garden, Botanic Garden ki PaekākāTe utu | Cost FreeDrop into the Akoranga Learning Pavilion to see honeybees close-up in our Apiscope (viewing hive), meet beekeepers, taste honey, and more.
Kaiwhakaata ĀmiomioRoaming PerformersĀhea | When: Sat 9 Sept, 10am-2pmKi hea | Where: Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush & Botanic Garden ki PaekākāTe utu | Cost FreeKeep an eye out for pop-up performers around Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush and Botanic Garden ki Paekākā.
The Art of Ikebana ExhibitionĀhea | When: Sat 9 Sept & Sun 10 Sept, 9am – 4pmKi hea | Where: Begonia House, Botanic Garden ki PaekākāTe utu | Cost FreeDiscover the art of Japanese flower arranging with an exhibition of spring arrangements by Ikebana Wellington.
Katherine Mansfield in the Begonia HouseĀhea | When: Saturday 9th Sept, 11am-11:30am & 1pm-1:30pmKi hea | Where: Begonia House, Botanic Garden ki Paekākā Te utu | Cost: Free
Katherine Mansfield House & Garden invites you to enjoy free readings of Katherine Mansfield's stories 'Miss Brill' and ‘In the Botanical Gardens’ in the Begonia House.
Rā Tūwhera ki Ōtari Ōtari Open DayĀhea | When: Sat 16 Sept, 10am-2pmKi hea | Where: Ōtari-Wilton’s BushTe utu | Cost FreeDiscover and celebrate New Zealand’s only native botanic garden at Ōtari Open Day. Get to know our unique collections of native plants, learn more about what goes on behind the scenes of our nursery and get a peek into the Lions Ōtari Conservation Laboratory. There will be guided tours and informational talks in addition to hands-on activities.
Scots College Wearable Design ShowcaseĀhea | When: Thurs 21 Sept - Wed 11 Oct, 10am-3pmKi hea | Where: Treehouse Visitor Centre, Botanic Garden ki PaekākāTe utu | Cost FreeScots College students exhibit wearable design concepts and garments, exploring natural dying and sustainable textile practices. Come along to the Treehouse and be inspired.
Tulip SundayĀhea | When: Sun 24 Sept, 10am-2pmKi hea | Where: Display Garden and Treehouse, Botanic Garden ki PaekākāTe utu | Cost FreeJoin the Wellington Dutch Club and Netherlands Embassy to welcome in spring through a day of culture, food and fun. Bring the whole whānau and enjoy a day out with Dutch food among the tulips in the Display Garden.
Garden WalksĀhea | When: Throughout SeptemberKi hea | Where: Botanic Garden ki PaekākāEmbrace the beauty of spring in our garden. Explore blooming bulbs, sculptures, trees, and the secret life of bees and glow worms. Join us for enchanting walks filled with delightful discoveries.