Nau mai haere mai ki Ōtari

The Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust was established to support the preservation of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, and to build public awareness about the unique plant diversity found both here and throughout New Zealand. Welcome to our website.

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush encompasses the five hectare Ōtari Native Botanic Garden, New Zealand’s only public botanic garden dedicated solely to native plants, Wilton’s Bush Reserve, original podocarp/northern rātā forest once common across the Wellington Peninsula, and 100 hectares of mature and regenerating native forest.

It is designated a six-star Garden of International Significance by the New Zealand’s Gardens Trust of the Royal New Zealand Institute of Horticulture.

Walking trails and paths traverse the plant collections, forests and streams. Native birdlife is prolific. People who visit Ōtari include botanists and conservation scientists, garden enthusiasts, education groups, friends and families, along with our community of Trust volunteers who work in myriad ways to help care for this special place.

Tāne Whakapiripiri, the Visitor Centre, is open daily, while the neighbouring Leonard Cockayne Centre is available for hire for small meetings and events.

The Lions Ōtari Plant Conservation Laboratory, a centre for conservation science research, is based at Ōtari.

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush is managed by the Wellington City Council. An on-site team of the Council’s Wellington Gardens staff care for the gardens, forest, tracks and other facilities.

The Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Trust supports the preservation of Ōtari through advocacy and volunteer work, and fosters public awareness, education and enjoyment through guided walks, seminars, events and providing funding for conservation research and education.

You’ll find us just a few kilometres from Wellington’s CBD.