As a photographer I am a regular visitor to the Auckland Domain. Nestled inside the domain, the Winter Garden is one of my favourite free spots in Auckland to visit. It’s grandness and beauty leave me floored each time and best of all, it’s 100% free.
The Winter Garden was designed in the early 1900’s and opened to the public in 1913. It’s a wonderfully cared for and living piece of history.
With a constantly changing array of plants and flowers across the two Victorian style glass houses there is always something to check out.
The usual suspects to find around the gardens are families, tourists and photographers (both starting out and those taking their clients for photos around the stunning backdrop). And the flowers are well worth it with a never ending display of colours and smells.
Flanking the kaleidoscope of colour that comes from the green houses is an array of Victorian statues majestically keeping watch on everything.
Leading off from the formal courtyard (just writing that feels so fancy!) is a fernery that is housed within an old quarry. With stairs and ramps it will satisfy the littlest explorers as well as being magical for us older explorers too.
Just next to the Winter Garden there is a duck pond which is great for the kids and provides some serious photo opportunities.
And then there is the rest of the Domain – expansive, beautiful and scattered with statues and monuments and changing with every season.
And that’s not to even start on the Museum.
And best of all, it’s all free. You could easily spend a couple of hours exploring this spot so grab a pair of comfy walking shoes and your camera and head there for the day.
