Moturau Moana, Botanical garden in Stewart Island, New Zealand.
Moturau Moana is a botanical garden on Stewart Island featuring numerous native plant species arranged along winding paths through the landscape. These routes take visitors past different sections showcasing various collections of New Zealand flora.
The garden was founded in 1940 by Noeline Baker and was dedicated to preserving and displaying native plant species from Stewart Island. This establishment marked the beginning of an effort to protect and make accessible the island's local botany.
The name Moturau Moana comes from the Maori language and means islands of bush above the sea, reflecting the garden's setting and natural surroundings. Visitors experience this language connection to the landscape while walking through the different plant areas.
To reach the garden, visitors take a ferry to Stewart Island and follow a short walk from the Rakiura National Park Visitor Centre. The garden is easy to access on foot, and the paths are comfortable for most visitors to walk.
The garden connects with a network of paths leading to coastal viewpoints and hidden beaches around Halfmoon Bay. These connections allow visitors to explore the cooler island landscape beyond the garden boundaries.
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