Forest, Flowers and Funicular

Enjoy a guided tour of Otari-Wilton’s Bush, New Zealand’s only botanical gardens and forest reserve dedicated solely to native plants and animals; it was also once a Maori hunting site. Absorb the sights as you walk through the lush New Zealand forest composed of original and regenerating conifers, to the main attraction, the Canopy Walkway. This tree-top walk enables you to stroll across a 65 foot deep ravine on a stable footbridge to reach the main plant collections area, whilst providing the unique opportunity to see the life from the top of the forest. After your forest walk, board the bright-red funicular railway for the short ride to Kelburn where your coach will be waiting to take you to Wellington’s 54-acre Botanic Gardens. The gardens encompass both native bush and exotic gardens and the centrepiece is the Lady Norwood Rose Garden. This formal garden boasts over 1,200 varieties of roses. There are approximately 300 modern varieties, 78 climbing roses, and 700 patio species as well as begonias, ferns, bougainvillea, hibiscus, frangipani and gardenias.The return route affords dramatic views of the city, the harbour and your ship.