For most people that visit Wellington, the botanical gardens is one of the place that they will visit. The trip on the cable car both ways often is the highlight.
But within the gardens there are a number of secrets that may not get the attention that they deserve. The sculptures that dot the gardens are often overlooked.
The main ones can be found on the Sculpture Walk that runs from above the Lady Norwood Rose Garden and completes a loop all the way back to the Rose Garden.
There is also one that is near the Mariri Road Entrance which is near the Karori Road.
From the Rose Garden you will see 4 plinths that follow the path up to the Herb Garden. These were designed by Regan Gentry and were 1st put on display outside Te Papa, the national museum. These were then acquired by the Botanical Gardens and have been on display since around 2010.
The next one you will come across is the Peacemaker Sculpture. This was installed in 1991 and designed by Chris Booth.
A short walk later you will come across the Listening and Viewing Device Sculpture. This was installed in the Gardens in 1993 and was designed by Andrew Drummond.
Touch it or take a look from the bottom and view the sky.
Then you will come to a interesting sculpture called Rudderstone Sculpture. On a bright day it will reflect the trees around it. Take a walk through the gap in the sculpture and see the different colour that the sculpture has to offer.
This was designed by Denis O’Connor and installed in 1997.
From here it is a longer walk along the track until you come across the Body to Soul Sculpture It was designed by Mary Louise Brown and installed in 1996.The Steps take you a gentle slope to a small hill with tress on the outside forming a circle.
From here you head out of the trees into the open and head back down to the Rose Garden. On the way you pass the last major sculpture which is called Inner Form which was designed by Henry Moore. This was installed in 1988. Originally it was placed in Midland Park but was moved to its present location after it was vandalised on a number of occasions.
The James Hector Memorial is located near the West Entrance. This is in memorial of James Hector who contributed to the Botanical Gardens. It also marks the top triangulation point. This was opened in 2004.
There are also a number of smaller sculptures around the gardens. All have information plaques near by.
James/ Windy Hill Flying Club.
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