Fodor's Expert Review Ōtari-Wilton's Bush

Devoted to gathering and preserving indigenous plants, Õtari's collection is the largest of its kind. With clearly marked bushwalks and landscape demonstration gardens, it aims to educate the public and ensure the survival of New Zealand's unique plant life. While in the garden, you'll learn to identify forest plants, from the various blechnum ferns underfoot to the tallest trees overhead. An aerial walkway crosses high above the bush, giving an unusual vantage point over the gardens. Look and listen for the native birds that flock to this haven: the bellbird (korimako), New Zealand wood pigeon (kereru), and parson bird (tūī) among others. Take the No. 14 Wilton bus from downtown (20 minutes) and ask the driver to let you off at the gardens.