Botanical Gardens

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Reviews

1. Jaba Nachkebia ★★★★★

   Walking through the Napier Botanical Gardens today, you are surrounded by a serene, emerald cathedral of exotic trees and manicured lawns. But if you look closely at the limestone outcrops and the way the land dips, you aren't just looking at "landscaping"—you are looking at the scars of a catastrophe. ​ ​In February 1931, the earth beneath Napier literally tore itself apart. The magnitude 7.8 earthquake didn't just level the city; it permanently altered the topography of these very gardens. What was once a steep, rugged limestone bluff became a site of desperate utility. ​ ​The most haunting part of this "review" is the Cemetery Circuit. During the disaster, the adjacent Old Napier Cemetery became a place of frantic activity. Because the city was burning and the hospitals were destroyed, the Botanical Gardens became a transition point between life and death. ​The gardens served as a makeshift refuge for those fleeing the falling masonry of the town center. There is a heavy, lingering silence near the Victorian floral displays when you realize that the very soil was once covered in the ash of a city that had disappeared in less than three minutes. Visit for the beauty, but stay for the history. The gardens are a living monument to Resilience. Every path you walk was likely a route for a survivor 94 years ago. It is beautiful, yes, but it is a beauty born from total destruction. If you visit the lower ponds, look up at the limestone faces—those jagged edges were created in seconds, not centuries.

   almost 2 months ago
2. J K ★★★★★

   Ever feel like you need to escape to a nature retreat but can't get to one? The Botanical Gardens are a perfect spot to wind down and relax amongst the beautifully kept flowers and greens. Take a picnic and listen to the chirping of the birds and ducks, immersing yourself in paradise within the city.

   almost 3 months ago
3. Kristin Hansson ★★★★★

   Had a wonderful evening with the combined brass bands of HB, Deco Bay Brass as well as the HB Jazz Club Band performing carols.

   almost 3 months ago

1. jason davis ★★★★☆

   Nice gardens to stroll around. Bit smaller and steeper hills than expected but enjoyable nonetheless. The Tui's were cool to listen to for an Aussie who hadn't heard them before

   almost 10 months ago
2. April Kerslake ★★★★☆

   Really beautiful garden. I didn’t like the birds in cages there.

   almost 2 years ago
3. Leon Khan ★★★★☆

   Little car park otherwise park on street. There are toilets near the car park. It's an awesome place to walk around, taking in fresh air, the birds chirping, water from waterfall rushing etc nice and peaceful.

   almost 2 years ago

1. Raf K ★★★★★

   Small but very peaceful and cozy local botanical gardens, ideal to chill down and get some rest surrounded by beautiful nature. It’s very hilly so if you are up for some challenge you can do some hikes up and down the maze of the trails and admire some beautiful trees, nature and if you are lucky you will find the waterfall which is a highlight. There are some picnic places around perfect for a weekend family time out.

   almost 2 years ago
2. Gweeds ★★★★★

   Beautiful gardens, friendly doves/pigeons, parakeets in an aviary, and wide range of trees, flowers and shrubs. Nice paths allow for a loop walk.

   almost 3 years ago
3. Natalia Rik ★★★★★

   Amazing place - a hidden gem in Napier. A very pleasant walk - the garden has a lot of great features and plants. Very well looked after. Loved the budgerigars.

   almost 3 years ago

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