Ōtari-Wilton's Bush

Ōtari-Wilton's Bush is a botanical garden near Wellington containing around 1,200 native plant species spread across forest areas and specialized plant collection zones. The site includes both large forested sections and smaller dedicated areas for managed plant collections.

A farmer named Job Wilton protected part of the original forest in 1860 by fencing it off, laying the groundwork for today's conservation site. This early rescue effort grew into a major venue for protecting native plants over time.

The place carries the name of farmer Job Wilton, who shaped the area, and now serves as a hub for protecting native plants. Visitors can observe this work firsthand as specialists tend to endangered species and gather seeds for preservation.

The visitor center opens daily and guests can explore the grounds at no cost. Marked trails wind through different areas, with some paths steeper than others, so comfortable footwear is recommended.

A specialized laboratory on the grounds focuses on saving endangered plant species through seed conservation and laboratory propagation techniques. This work allows researchers to preserve species that are increasingly rare in the wild.