#Otari-Wilton

[kesara]

Kahikatea [IMG_0178] by Kesara Rathnayake Via Flickr: Photo taken at Ōtari-Wilton's Bush, Te Whangui-a-Tara (Wellington), Aotearoa (New Zealand).

[ltmtdsgn]

Embracing Nature: Conservatories in Christchurch

Introduction

Christchurch, New Zealand, a city renowned for its stunning natural beauty, is home to a unique and captivating feature that showcases its commitment to preserving and celebrating nature - conservatories. These botanical havens offer residents and visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the lush and diverse world of plants, flowers, and ecosystems from around the globe. In this article, we will explore the conservatories in Christchurch, their significance, and the remarkable experiences they offer to all who enter.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens serve as the heart and soul of the city's conservatory culture. Established in 1863, these gardens cover over 21 hectares, featuring a stunning array of plant life and outdoor landscapes. Within the garden's sprawling beauty lies the jewel of the conservatories - the Cuningham House.

The Cuningham House conservatory is a splendid Victorian glasshouse dating back to 1923. It houses a vast collection of exotic plants and flowers, including palms, orchids, ferns, and seasonal displays that change throughout the year. The conservatory's elegant design, with its intricate ironwork and glass panes, adds to its charm, creating a serene atmosphere where visitors can escape into a world of vibrant colors and fragrant blooms.

Visitors to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens can take leisurely strolls through the lush greenery, relax by the Avon River, and explore the various themed gardens. The conservatory is also a popular venue for weddings and events, with its enchanting surroundings providing an unforgettable backdrop for special occasions.

The Enchanted Garden

Located in Ferrymead Heritage Park, the Enchanted Garden is another delightful conservatory in Christchurch. This hidden gem offers a magical experience for visitors of all ages. As you step inside, you're transported into a whimsical world filled with fairy tales and wonder.

The Enchanted Garden features a collection of exotic plants and flowers, but what sets it apart is its imaginative design. Visitors can wander through lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and enchanting pathways that lead to charming surprises. The conservatory is adorned with fairy houses, mythical creatures, and secret hideaways, making it an enchanting destination for families and those with a penchant for fantasy.

The Enchanted Garden also hosts events and activities throughout the year, from storytelling sessions to themed workshops. It's a place where the boundaries between reality and enchantment blur, leaving visitors with memories of a truly magical experience.

The Curator's House Conservatory

Nestled in the heart of Hagley Park, the Curator's House Conservatory is a picturesque venue known for its historic charm. The conservatory is part of the Curator's House restaurant, which occupies a beautifully restored villa dating back to 1920. This unique establishment combines the elegance of fine dining with the allure of nature.

The conservatory at the Curator's House is an idyllic setting for dining, weddings, and special events. Surrounded by lush greenery and adorned with hanging plants and flowers, it offers an intimate and romantic atmosphere. Guests can enjoy a gourmet meal while being immersed in the natural beauty that Christchurch is known for.

Otari-Wilton's Bush

While not located in Christchurch itself, Otari-Wilton's Bush is a renowned native plant reserve and conservatory in Wellington, just a short flight or drive from Christchurch. This conservatory is a testament to New Zealand's commitment to preserving its unique flora and fauna.

Otari-Wilton's Bush boasts an extensive collection of native New Zealand plants, including many that are endangered or rare. The conservatory serves as an educational hub, offering visitors the opportunity to learn about the country's native ecosystems and conservation efforts.

Visitors can explore the reserve's walking trails, which wind through lush forests, fern groves, and wetlands. The conservatory itself houses a variety of native plants, from towering tree ferns to delicate orchids. It's a place where you can truly connect with New Zealand's natural heritage.

Conclusion

Conservatories Christchurch and the surrounding areas offer a unique opportunity to escape into the world of nature, whether you're exploring exotic plants in a Victorian glasshouse, wandering through an enchanted garden, or enjoying a meal surrounded by greenery. These conservatories serve as reminders of the city's dedication to preserving and celebrating the natural beauty that New Zealand is known for.

In Christchurch, where the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 shook the city to its core, these conservatories stand as symbols of resilience and renewal. They provide a sense of tranquility and wonder, inviting visitors to reconnect with the healing power of nature.

As you explore the conservatories in Christchurch, you'll not only witness the incredible diversity of plant life but also experience the profound connection between humans and the natural world. Whether you're a local resident or a traveler passing through, these conservatories offer a glimpse into the beauty and serenity that Christchurch holds dear.

[wellingtonnz]

Ōtari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve is the only public botanic garden in New Zealand dedicated solely to native plants.

The reserve includes 100 hectares (250 acres) of native forest, and 5 hectares (12 acres) of plant collections, and 11km of walking trails.

The forest in the reserve contains some of the oldest trees in Wellington, including an 800-year-old rimu.

[edinzphoto]

Are you ready for some birdy goodness? The Brilliance of Birds will be in stores on the 17th, and you can already preorder it online! I can’t wait to share it with you all!⠀ ⠀ Kereru, Otari-Wilton’s Bush | 2018⠀ ⠀ #birdventurenz #raw_birds #birdstagram #bird_lovers_daily #ourNatureNZ #explorenz #eye_spy_birds #wellingtonnz #your_best_birds #birdsadored #birds_brilliance #nikonnz #nzbirds #wildlife_photography #fatboi #aotearoa #nzfinds #travelnz #birdfreaks #feathered_finds #round #thicc @nikonnz #ig_discover_birdslife https://www.instagram.com/p/B2KTztvp6K2/?igshid=1nn797n7u6dvh

[ellagreenslade-blog]

Mihimihi

Who?

Greenslade/Long

Student

Onslow Leaver (2018)

Goals

High performance athlete

Designer/Artist

Where?

2001-2002 Wellington

2002-2004 Bristol (grew up)

Wilton

Tinikori Hill 

Otari Bush

What?

Rowing

Design

Why?

I follow what I enjoy doing.

Why do I enjoy it?

Good at it

Affects others lives

Nice aesthetic

When?

Born 2001

2002-2004 lived in Bristol

2015 began rowing 

2015 began Onslow

2018 School Leaver

2019 Red Coat!

2019 Began Massey

[chloeartstudio22]

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush Notes

Ōtari – meaning ‘place of snares’ – was originally covered with dense podocarp broadleaf forest and was a rich hunting ground for Māori. With the arrival of Europeans, trees were felled and burnt to make way for farms, but among the early settlers were those with a vision to preserve this beautiful piece of bush, such as early landowner Job Wilton who preserved seven hectares of the original forest. This became known as Wilton’s Bush.

The landscape once thick forest of rimu and rata towering over a canopy of tawa, hinau and kohekohe. Forest clearance in Wellington peaked during early European colonisation. Land was cleared for farming and trees taken to build. One of the early landowners, Job Wilton, preserved seven hectares of the original forest and fenced it off . This is now known as Wilton’s Bush. In 1906 the forest was gazetted as scenic reserve. In 1926 the Ōtari Open Air Native Plant Museum was established by Dr Leonard Cockayne and J G McKenzie (Director of Parks). Their vision was to conserve the native forest, cultivate plants from all over New Zealand, teach people about native plants and advocate their use in horticulture. This remains the blueprint for Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush today.

More than half of all remaining original native forest in Wellington lies within Otari's  boundaries

100 hectares of ancient and regenerating native forest. 

Can join the trust and volunteer to help with seeding, propagation, research, restoration etc.

The forest has been a recreation area for Wellingtonians since the 1860’s. Most of Otari-Wilton’s Bush is classified as Scenic Reserve

Otari-Wilton’s Bush nestles in the deep valley formed by the Kaiwharawhara Stream (also known as Te Mahanga Stream) flowing northeast towards Ngaio Gorge. The trust successfully restored the unique ecosystem of the main stream flowing through Ōtari.

Large podocarps such as rimu, totara, miro and matai can be readily seen. Kohekohe, rewarewa, tawa and mahoe trees dominate the upper slopes, and in valley areas tall pukateas are found. About 150 species of flowering plants, podocarps and ferns can be found growing naturally in the forest.

In March 2007, a ‘Bioblitz’ was conducted with the goal of counting as many species as possible during a 24 hour period. The final count was 1345 species.

The reserves through which the stream flows openly (including Otari-Wilton’s Bush) mean that pockets of biodiversity occur which can provide a pool of organisms that can recolonise the stream following a flood, drought or spillage event. The stream is how the reserve thrives.

Traditional occupation rights over the Otari area are claimed by Te Atiawa/Taranaki Whanui which includes Ngati Tama. Te Kaeaea, a Ngati Tama chieftain, lived at Kaiwharawhara Pa at the mouth of the Kaiwharawhara Stream. (historical outline starts pg. 54)

Resources:

https://owbt.nz/about.html

https://wellington.govt.nz/~/media/maps/files/otari-forest-tracks.pdf

https://wellingtongardens.nz/assets/Otari-WiltonsBushBrochure.pdf

https://wellington.govt.nz/~/media/your-council/plans-policies-and-bylaws/plans-and-policies/a-to-z/otari/files/otarimgmtplan.pdf

https://bts.nzpcn.org.nz/site/assets/files/23050/wbs52-03-09-lewington.pdf

Scans below from 'Otari Wilton's Bush'

contributers, Anita Benbrook ... [et al.]. Wellington Botanic Garden / contributers, Leanne Killalea, Caren Sage. 2002

[ifishannonreid]

The Wilton bush from the first view seems like a beautiful nature reserve, like any other that you find scattered around the Wellington region. But the more I went back into that environment in the more I Delvin to its past, it holds so much history and respect within the progression of Wellington City.

It was the first nature reserve in the city it was a place that Connected Maori and European settlers together, there was a respect for the native bush and the need to preserve that from the devastation that had come with the settlers moving into wellington.

It really gives you a true appreciation of no matter where you come from as humans we all are connected with the nature that surrounds us, It brings peace, happiness and liveliness back into our bodies.

I want to look at the historical point of view as well as the full physical body experience of what it is and feels like to be apart of the Otari-Wilton's Bush.

[goodmorninghome]

Good afternoon 800 year old rimu #Wellington (at Otari-Wilton's Bush) https://www.instagram.com/p/CExrQwxgrm3/?igshid=127pzli6pxbs4

[footprinting]

Part two in the series of beaut trail runs today: shared with one of the most wonderful people out there @hermstownsley ❤️ Coffee first, run second, touring Otari Wilton bush and super inspiring chats throughout. Always so proud to show off these little corners of our neighborhood trails. (And at home some cat admiring too - they adore you!). https://www.instagram.com/p/CCLQ6snHhhUINCbQ76phoFLK66F4CizxOc9xf00/?igshid=13kuti3snb62q

[craftsgardenofzen]

Magical passages #forest #magic #enchantedforest #spiritual #life #maori (at Otari-Wilton's Bush) https://www.instagram.com/p/BzmBAWuB7dk/?igshid=q2bznso1qkwh

[kesara]

The Fern [IMG_0162] by Kesara Rathnayake

[chesterlampkin]

Otari-Wilton’s Bush in #Wellington. Winter 2015

[wellingtonnz]

Ōtari Native Botanic Garden and Wilton's Bush Reserve.

[spatialobservatory]

Otari-Wilton’s Bush

[jontycrane]

Wellington Botanic Garden, Otari-Wilton's Bush Native Botanic Garden, and Bolton Street Cemetery

Wellington Botanic Garden, Otari-Wilton’s Bush Native Botanic Garden, and Bolton Street Cemetery

One of the most popular gardens in New Zealand, Wellington Botanic Garden dates back to 1868 and retains some distinctively Victorian areas as well as some more modern additions. The gardens end by Bolton Street Cemetery, which had a motorway built through the middle of it in the 1960s which would be unthinkable today I think. Otari-Wilton’s Bush Native Botanic Garden is twenty minutes by bus…

[ifishannonreid]

This was an emotional oil painting that isn’t completely finished, I was inspired by imagery from the Otari Wilton bush