Friends of Wellington Botanic Garden

17/06/2026

Back by popular demand!

Friends Indoor Plant fundraiser sale.
Thursday 25 June from 4pm till 6.30pm,
Cable Car Terminus, Upland Road.

An opportunity to purchase a selection of indoor plants previously on display in the Begonia House including: Peperomia glabella, Phipsalis, Syngonium Arrowhead and Begonia Bitabloc and more.

An excellent fundraiser that brigtenes up your home and supports the Friends of the Botanic Garden and the Begonia House renovation.

Support the Friends propagation team - come armed with cash!

07/06/2026

Magpie Lawn update
Thanks to a generous donation from the Sweetman family, a new water fountain has now been installed at Magpie Lawn. It’s a wonderful gift for all the runners, walkers, and four‑legged visitors who enjoy this part of the Garden and can now stop to quench their thirst along the way.

The fountain is a great example of how member and community donations directly enhance the Gardens and improve the experience for everyone who visits.

If you would like to make a donation, please contact the Friends at:
[email protected]

and we will be in touch.

04/06/2026

A Begonia House special event.
Curious see inside the construction fences?

The Begonia House is now fully under wraps, and we’re delighted to offer you a rare chance to step behind the barriers and see what real progress looks like. The entire conservatory is closed and completely stripped out. Every primary and secondary structural element has either been replaced or ca...

04/06/2026

Begonia House update.
The scaffolding is up and the structure is wrapped. The noise of construction competes with the birds during working hours. At night the wrap gives off a progressive glow.
The project is on track - a exciting prospect for a Council project. This is because of excellent project management, dedicated and thoughtful construction and related companies and most importantly no scope creep.
This rebuild is a win for all of us - the Friends couldn't have achieved this result without you support. Thank you

04/06/2026

Walks Walks Walks. This is the June programme developed by our talented guides. Remember, if you have a current membership with the Friends you are welcome to join any walk at no cost.

Saturday 6 June 1.30pm. CLIMBERS, CREEPERS AND PERCHERS
Starting at the City Lookout beside the Cable Car terminus in Upland Rd, Kelburn, this 60-minute walk will finish at the Founders’ Entrance, Glenmore St. Many plants on the route down unobtrusively fill the gaps between the ground and the canopy, and are easily overlooked. We will consider the important role they have in maintaining the Wellington Botanic Garden's ecosystems.

Saturday 13 June 1.30pm SCULPTURES AND THEIR STORIES
In this 60 to 75-minute moderate hill walk via the Herb Garden, Druid Hill and Remembrance Ridge we will explore a selection of significant sculptures and their place in the Garden and Wellington history. Meet at the Rose Garden Fountain, near the Begonia House.

Saturday 20 June 1.30pm. NEW ZEALAND’S UNUSUAL PLANTS AND THEIR HISTORY
Have you ever wondered why so many of New Zealand's plants are different from those in other countries? We will explore some of the answers on this 90-minute walk starting at the City Lookout beside the Cable Car terminus and descending to the Founders’ Gate in Glenmore Street.

29/05/2026

If you are in Wellington this weekend make sure you list the NZ Art Show. Moss makes a big splash in Angela' Sepulveda's booth.

28/05/2026

Have gardening on your mind and want to join a dedicated garden community? The Australia Garden History Society are holding their annual conference in NSW during October. As a special for Kiwis they are offering a years free digital membership if you attend the annual conference. Details below.

The 46th AGHS Conference will be hosted in Orange, NSW. Theme: Fruits of Orange – Exploring Central Western NSW.

23/05/2026

Did you know we have a movie star in the making as part of our Guide team?
Reg Harris wowed the nation on Wednesday 20 May on Breakfast TV. He chatted with Wellington based reporter Davina to talk about poisonous plants with awesome properties.
Here they are captured along with Patrice and her trusty camera.

21/05/2026

The Treehouse 22, 25-27 May
Te Taiao - celebrating the natural world through textiles.
Textile Print Exhibition celebrating the beauty of Aotearoa's native flora.

Visit the Treehouse and admire the skills off the second year textile students at Toi Rauwharangi College of Creative Arts, Massey University.
Stunning design and colour combinations make this a not to miss exhibition.

09/02/2026

Saturday 28 February, noon. The Dell

Lay out your picnic rug, lie back and enjoy a stunning performance from Gamelan Taniwha Jaya (Balinese gamelan ensemble).

The ensemble have kindy donated their time and musicality as a fund raiser for the begonia house renovation.

Koha will be collected, all donations going towards the renovation.

There will be a food truck onsite for authentic balinese treats or simply bring your own picnic.

Experience the vibrant sound world of Bali as local musicians Gamelan Taniwha Jaya present an exhilarating programme of traditional Balinese percussion music. The concert features temple music, 20th century compositions by renowned Balinese composers, and music to accompany dance.

Performed on striking, intricately carved bronze instruments, the music is in the Gong Kebyar style - known for its explosive energy, unpredictable rhythms, and dramatic dynamic contrasts. The sound shimmers and pulses, ranging from delicate, high‑tinkling metallophones to the deep resonance of massive booming gongs.

The group is part of Gamelan Wellington and is based at the NZ School of Music, Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington.

www.gamelan.org.nz
https://www.facebook.com/GamelanWgtnNZ
https://www.instagram.com/gamelanwellington/