Botanic Gardens and Totara Park Loops

A beautiful sunny morning made our trip south for a walk around the Auckland Botanic Gardens and Totara Park walking tracks and the Puhinui Stream forest, a wonderful experience.

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We had set out to do a 5km walk but we ended up getting lost due to poor signage.

There was a good side to getting lost 1) we walked further than we had planned and 2) we found a look-out that we did not know existed which gave us a clear view all the way to the Auckland city skyline and across to Manukau Harbour.

Quick facts about this walk

The Hobbiton Movie Set Day Tour - From Auckland

The Puhinui Stream Forest Trail (the full loop trail is approx 4 kms) in Totara Park was gorgeous with the sunlight dappling the native ferns and palms. The trail took us past beautiful totara, puriri, nikau and kauri trees. We enjoyed soaking up the beauty of the lush native forest.

There are great spots to stop and picnic along the trail and children’s playground areas (including a children’s flying fox). Dogs on-leash on the trail, but there are off-leash areas. It makes for a great family day out. (And if you are into mountain biking or want to give it a try, there is a 15 km mountain bike track here too).

Dogs – off leash exercise area between north side of the Gardens and Totara Park.

If you have children then we do recommend a visit to the Potter Children’s Garden (within the Botanic Gardens) – and as adults we enjoy visiting them too! The Auckland Botanical Gardens are magnificent and a wonderful place to visit all year round – the spring blossoms are stunning.

Miko Cafe at Auckland Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre provided us with much needed refreshments (we especially enjoy the Piazza D’Oro coffee).

Map location and how to find Botanic Gardens and Totara Park Loops

Photos from my walk along the Botanic Gardens and Totara Park Loops

Comments on Botanic Gardens and Totara Park Loops

Mary Jo

The Auckland Botanic Gardens and Totara Park is amazing the place is so beautiful. Thanks for sharing this pic.

Helen

Glad you enjoyed this. There are a few more photos in my album on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.429956593698217.123274.194524263908119&type=3&l=cb49154da0

Best Blooms

I love the botanic Gardens all through the year – even in winter there are still pretty flowers in bloom . Such a lot of work by the gardeners there.

More of my walks near Manurewa in South Auckland

Helen Wenley

This project began in 2011. My friend Grace was the walk creator – with her knowledge of Auckland, she could “see” circular routes, and then it was up to me to map out, photograph, research and document the routes. At first, I relied upon my voice recorder and Google maps but then with the advancement of technology, the smart phone became a best friend and I was able to track our route. The best fun was when we were both pleasantly surprised by what there was to see. Beautiful wetlands, views and bush kept us inspired to explore more.

2 Responses

Dorle says:

21 July 2024 at 10:29 am

Where on this walk is the look-out point you mentioned with views to the sky tower and Manukau Harbour? Thanks 😊

Reply
1. FreewalksNZ says:
  
  22 July 2024 at 6:15 am
  
  Hi Dorle, I’m so sorry, Helen originally did this walk not me. I need to do it again myself to be able to answer your question.
  Thanks, Sandra