Introduction
The Waipahihi Botanical Gardens are a piece of paradise close to Taupō town centre. Walking tracks take you through beautiful native bush and forest trees as well as flowering plants from faraway lands.- The best time to see the (over 2,000) rhododendrons, camellias and azaleas is when they are flowering in spring (October and November).
- Open every day until dusk (gate closed at dusk to cars).
- A section of the road through the gardens was once used by stagecoaches that carried travellers from Taupō to Napier or Rotorua.
- There are many picnic tables and seats as well as grassy open spaces for picnics.
Get ready
Download the Waipahihi Botanical Gardens adventure map (PDF, 3,380K) and check out what you can do.
Go and explore
Look out for the Guardian Post when you get there. On it you'll find a special code word - write it down.
Getting there: Waipahihi Botanical Reserve is located at the top of Shepherd Road, just 4.5 km from the centre of Taupō township.
Claim your reward
Tell us the Waipahihi Botanical Gardens code word to receive a Kiwi Guardians certificate and medal for this adventure.
Put the medal on your back pack or pencil case to show everyone the adventure you've had.
Each Kiwi Guardians place has a different medal - see how many you can collect.
More about Waipahihi Botanical Gardens
The gardens are run by volunteers.
