Inside Eden Garden: Exploring Auckland’s Forest Garden Wonderland

Step inside one of Auckland’s most remarkable urban gardens and discover a world of extraordinary plant diversity, hidden pathways and living history.
Tucked into the eastern slopes of Maungakiekie / One Tree Hill, Eden Garden is home to an incredible mix of native and exotic plants—from tiny mosses and ferns to towering trees reaching 30 metres high.
Join botanist Dr Mike Wilcox for a fascinating journey through this remarkable garden. Together, you'll explore its history, structure and plant life, while discovering the stories behind some of the garden's most unusual and beautiful inhabitants.
You'll learn how plants have adapted to life in the garden, uncover the remarkable range of species growing within it, and gain a fresh appreciation for the diversity that can flourish right in the heart of Auckland.
And because this is Love Heart, there'll be plenty of opportunity to look closely, ask questions, share observations and enjoy the garden together.
Meet the Expert 🌿
Dr Mike Wilcox is a botanist and forest scientist whose work spans New Zealand and internationally.
His expertise includes the identification and conservation of New Zealand's urban and native forests, giving him a fascinating perspective on the plants and ecosystems we encounter around us.
Mike is an active member of the Auckland Botanical Society and has been involved in documenting the remarkable diversity of plant life within Eden Garden.
What We'll Explore
🌳 A garden with a story
Discover how Eden Garden has developed into the remarkable botanical environment it is today.
🌿 A forest garden in the city
Explore the layers of plant life growing together, from small ferns and mosses to impressive mature trees.
🔎 Look closer at the plants around you
Learn how to notice and understand the remarkable diversity hiding in plain sight.
🌺 Native and exotic plants
Discover the variety of species that make Eden Garden such a fascinating place to explore.
🌱 How plants adapt and thrive
Explore the different ways plants grow, compete and respond to their environment.
🏡 A new perspective on urban gardens
See how a garden can become a place of discovery, learning and connection with the natural world.
No specialist botanical knowledge is required. Just bring your curiosity, comfortable shoes and a willingness to look at familiar plants in a completely new way.
📍 Location: Eden Garden, Epsom, Auckland
📅 Date: Wednesday 16 September 2026
🕙 Time: 10:00am–12:00pm
☕ Refreshments: Tea and coffee included
🎟️ Tickets: $55 per person
👥 Hosted by Love Heart
A chance to step away from the everyday, spend time somewhere beautiful, learn directly from an expert and discover just how much life can be found in one extraordinary Auckland garden.