Free Things to Do

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple

Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush is the North Island home of a global Buddhist organisation, and its grounds draw visitors for more than quiet reflection. The temple runs a vegetarian café — the Dripping Water Pavilion — serving tea, coffee, a vegetarian lunch and snacks, alongside an art gallery and a regular programme of Buddhist ceremonies, study courses, and cultural gatherings.

How muchTe utu: Free
Ages: 4–89+
WhereKei hea: Flat Bush
Rating: 4.6; 2,552 on Google

Get directions Their websitefgs.org.nz

Perfect for

Free Things to Do Indoor Activities

LocationTe wāhi

Flat Bush

16 Stancombe Road

Directions Website

What it is

The temple's calendar gives families a reason to return across the seasons. A spring cherry blossom festival brings together a market, tea ceremony, art salon, and a children's blessing ceremony. Community open days have featured vintage car displays raising funds for local charities, and the temple engages with broader Auckland community events including Matariki.

Visitors are asked to wear long trousers or long skirts as a mark of respect — worth knowing before the day. The temple welcomes the wider community to its education, cultural, and charitable activities.

What other parents say

Vincenzonzorro6 months ago

Amazing and truly unique site in all of New Zealand! Definitely worth a visit! Although nothing too special when compared to other Buddhist Temples in Asia for example it is very interesting to see one this size abroad. The temple is well maintained and clean and walking through the temple grounds in the morning is a very peaceful experience. There are plenty of parking space in front. There are also a Coffeehouse and toilets inside. If you have some spare time when visiting Auckland be sure to go here! The admission is free but there are plenty spots where one can donate. Be sure to bring long trousers as you may only enter when dressed appropriately, nothing formal just something covering your knees basically.

Shaniya4 months ago

It's a very beautiful place to visit with your family. Highly recommended for anyone who enjoys peace and calm environment. It also has a small authentic restaurant in itself. We had a lovely day spent there.

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Michael Cook8 months ago

This is a beautiful temple tucked away in Auckland, highly recommend visiting. We were so lucky to see silk woven paintings during our first visit. I ❤️this place, it’s very special. Finish your visit off in the cafe, recommend tea, I am normally a coffee drinker. Note food is vegetarian, it’s very good. Oh forgot to mention dress code , long pants or long dress for respect to buddhist customs.

Sherry Lai4 months ago

I love the gardening and architecture there. One of the kind! Feel peaceful whenever viaiting.

Gokul Krishna2 months ago

A wonderful place to visit for calm and reflection. The architecture is stunning, the grounds are serene, and the atmosphere feels very spiritual. Great for a quiet walk or learning more about Buddhism beautiful statues. Highly recommend stopping by if you're in Auckland.

Reviews from Google.