Family Walk & Nature Trail · Grafton

Domain Wintergardens

4.74,500 Google reviews

Toddlers (0–3)Younger kids (4–8)Older kids (9+)Outdoors Free

How muchTe utu: Free
Their siteHe pārongo atu anō: gardens.org.nz
Last checkedI tirohia: Last checked 11 Aug 2026

Get directions

LocationTe wāhi

Grafton

Auckland Domain

Directions Website

What it is

Dating to 1913 and designed in the style of the celebrated Lutyens and Jekyll partnership, the Domain Wintergardens pair two barrel-vaulted Victorian glasshouses around a formal courtyard with a sunken pool. One house is kept warm for tropical and heat-loving plants; the other cycles through temperate collections that shift with the seasons. Among the curiosities to seek out is the Amorphophallus titanum — the corpse flower — alongside an extensive chrysanthemum collection.

Marble statues added in the 1920s and 30s punctuate the courtyard, while substantial pergolas draped in climbing plants link the formal layout together. Behind the glasshouses, children tend to make a beeline for the sunken scoria quarry, where a wide collection of New Zealand ferns grows in a naturally dramatic setting.

Wheelchair accessible and with a café on site, the Wintergardens work well for mixed-age family groups wanting a genuinely absorbing wander without covering a great deal of ground.

What other parents say

Polina Outkina4 months ago

Absolutely extraordinary treasure of Auckland city. We went several times. This place is a temple in so many ways. Magical. Gob smacking. The Fernery is under rated, don’t miss it when you go. On our last visit saw the “no photography” sign. I’m sorry for taking some photos but how can you not. Please visit this amazing place next time you’re in auckland. The museum and cafe are near by too. Great day out. And.. it’s free! Amazing.

Lifei Suna month ago

Went there 2 months ago, 10/10 new spot unlocked, free public place no tickets or wait needed. The Wintergarden is filled with different types of flowers and plants. There are 2 big glass houses right opposite of each other, one is room temperature and one is warm. There’s a big fountain in the middle and some benches outside for people to sit and chill. Quite easy to find a parking space as there are plenty around the garden, with a 2-3 hours of time limit which i think it is totally enough for people to browse around the whole winter garden. There’s also a park/big field just near the garden if you follow the pathway. A small cafe and a big pond with some benches in the middle, big trees with a lot of pigeons on them. Very quiet and peaceful place. And there’s a fountain ⛲️ right at the entrance of the garden, also the auckland museum is right near. Highly recommended and will come back again in the future.

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Wei-Wei Chen3 months ago

Really lovely place! Cool eggplant and tomato plants in addition to many hanging lovelies, water lotuses, other tropical plants, and even the sensitive plant whose leaves close when you touch it! It’s also the first time (I think) that I’ve been in a fernery and it is a nice and small walk. And the café is nice as well, you look upon the duck pond.

Rannyboi3 months ago

The gardens are amazing. Its a paradise in the hustle and bustle of the city. It is not too busy and completely free of charge. The gardens is a large sanctuary to enjoy during the constant wet weather of Auckland. Unfortunately in recent years the garden has had a lot of maintenance and construction and has lead certain areas being closed off and scaffolding in other areas.

Neeno5 months ago

Well worth a visit if you love gardens - two hot houses with incredible plants and beautifully decorated- we had a wonderful visit and best part - ITS FREE!

Reviews from Google.