This January, Wellington Botanic Garden ki Paekākā transforms into a kaleidoscope of sound, light and laughter for the annual iconic Gardens Magic event.

Pack a picnic, bring a rug, gather up your friends and whānau, and settle in for some awesome summer vibes with three weeks of free entertainment set around the scenic Soundshell amphitheatre.

Te Rauawa | Social, Cultural and Environment Committee Chair Laurie Foon says this popular event always draws the big crowds, and kicks-off the summer calendar on the right note!

“Having its origins in Summer City, a series of outdoor events and activities designed to employ local artists and musicians in the 1970s, it’s evolved into the Gardens Magic event we all love and adore.

“Celebrating diversity, creativity and culture, it’s the ultimate stage to showcase some of the best talent in town.”

Mayor Andrew Little says Garden Magic showcases some of the best elements of the Wellington experience.

“It’s great to see whānau and friends of all ages spending time together, sharing good times among the beauty of the Botanic Garden, being entertained by our homegrown talent. It is a magic experience.”

With crowds flocking to the gardens, parking can be tricky, so where possible walk, bike, scoot, or use public transport.

Accessibility is a priority too – drop-off zones, mobility parking and accessible toilets make sure everyone can enjoy the magic.

Head to wellington.govt.nz/gardens-magic for more information about all the events and the full concert series programme.

Gardens Magic concert series

7pm–9.15pm | Tuesday 6–Sunday 25 January | Botanic Garden Ki Paekākā

The Soundshell becomes a stage for Wellington’s finest talent with some old favourites, some new kids on the block, and lots of toe-tapping performances bringing whānau-friendly entertainment to this scenic spot.

The concert series will fill Wellington’s summer nights with rhythm, beats, blues, pop and soul. Each evening starts with a solo act at 7pm, followed by the main performance from 8pm to 9.15pm.

The Light Display

9pm–10.30pm | Tuesday 6–Sunday 25 January | Botanic Garden Ki Paekākā

As the sun sets, the area sparks into life transforming the gardens into a glowing wonderland.

On Mondays (12 and 19 January), the vibe softens with relaxed performances at the Duck Pond from 9.15pm–10.15pm. These low-sensory evenings feature intimate music set in a relaxed beautifully lit setting.

Kids’ Garden Trail

9am–5pm | Tuesday 6–Sunday 25 January | Botanic Garden Ki Paekākā

Daytime brings its own magic as families explore the Kids’ Garden Trail – a self-led adventure through butterfly scenes scattered throughout the lower Botanic Garden.

Pick up an activity sheet at the Soundshell, Treehouse or Cable Car office, or download it online. Hunt for hidden golden butterflies, complete the sheet and enter the draw for a prize pack. It’s part scavenger hunt, part nature lesson – and all fun.

Kids’ Explorer Days

10am–2pm | Wednesdays 7, 14 and 21 January | Discovery Garden and Quad Lawn, Botanic Garden Ki Paekākā

For curious minds, Wednesdays are Kids’ Explorer Days. Held in the Discovery Garden and Quad Lawn, these sessions dive into the world of plants and pollinators.

Enjoy hands-on activities, and a chance to see nature up close – the perfect mix of science and play.

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