Spring Festival at Wellington Gardens: A Season of New Beginnings.
As winter fades away, it’s time to embrace the vibrant colors and fresh energy of spring. The annual Te Wā o te Kōanga – Spring Festival at Wellington Gardens offers the perfect opportunity to celebrate this season of renewal. With the arrival of kōanga (spring), the gardens come alive with blooming flowers and a series of events that highlight the beauty and significance of this time of year.
The festival, which runs throughout the month of September, features a wide array of activities and events designed for all ages. Highlights include an Ikebana Exhibition, live performances of Shakespearean works by garden performers, and a special day dedicated to celebrating the importance of bees in our ecosystem.
Although this year’s festival will not feature Tulip Sunday, visitors can still enjoy pockets of tulips in the display garden throughout September. In line with a shift towards more climate-friendly practices, the gardens are introducing a greater diversity of species through longer-term crop rotations, promising a more varied and sustainable display of flora.
The Spring Festival is a great opportunity to gather with friends and family and immerse yourself in the beauty of Wellington Gardens. Here’s a look at some of the key events:
The Art of Ikebana Exhibition
Date: Sat 31 Aug – Sun 1 Sept | Time: 9am-4pm | Location: Begonia House, Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
Te Whare Ako o Akoranga – Rangi Tūwhera | Akoranga Learning Pavilion – Open Day
Date: Sat 7 Sept | Time: 10am–2pm | Location: Discovery Garden, Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
Botanica 24
Date: Fri 13 Sept-Sun 13 Oct | Weekdays: 9am-4pm | Weekends: 10am-3pm | Location: Treehouse, Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
Rā Tūwhera ki Ōtari | Ōtari Open Day
Date: Sat 14 Sept | Time: 10am–2pm | Location: Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush
Young Landscaper of the Year
Date: Sat 21 Sept | Time: 9am–4pm | Location: Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
Kaiwhakaataata Māra | Garden Performers
Date: Sat 28 Sept | Time: 10am–2pm | Location: Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush & Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
Friends Garden Walks
Various dates throughout September | Location: Botanic Garden ki Paekākā
This year’s Spring Festival at Wellington Gardens promises to be a celebration of life, growth, and the beauty of the natural world. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience the wonders of kōanga and the joy of new beginnings.