Sculpture tour and morning tea at the Botanic Gardens

Join Connect the Dots for a relaxed conversation drawing connections between the ideas and themes in 1-2 of the outdoor sculptures on display in the Sculpture in the Gardens exhibition and enjoy a complimentary morning tea in the stunning gardens!

Make Moments programmes are aimed at older people, people living with dementia, and their families. This tour is highly recommended for visitors who enjoy a gentle pace. These works are in close proximity to each other allowing for a relaxing morning. Stools will be provided so that we can comfortably chat for a time at each of the artworks. No experience of art required.

We have designed five tours for you to choose from! These are based on varied mobility needs and we welcome groups to book multiple tours on different days. Please just let us know your preference and we will be in touch with the finer details!

Tours 1&2 meet on the garden side of the visitor centre (meeting point A) and have the least amount of walking.

Tour 3 will require a 5 minute walk to Meeting point B (lake/duck pond).

Tours 4&5 will require a 5-10 minute stroll to Meeting Point C (Rose Garden).

Seats provided, morning tea included, sunscreen available.

Please bring comfortable shoes, masks, sun hats, umbrella for shade and a bottle of water. COVID Vaccine passport needed to enter the visitor centre.

These sessions are free! We will require 48 hours cancellation notice to avoid fee.

Location

Sculpture in the Gardens is situated at: The Auckland Botanic Gardens, 102 Hill Road, Manurewa, Auckland (Tip: Put 98 Hill Road, Manurewa in Google maps to get directions to the main carpark)

Parking

Come in through the Auckland Botanic Gardens main gates. This will bring you to the main carpark (Car Park 1). Car Park 2 is opened when this is full. If this park is full, continue on through the Gardens and out the Katote Close exit. You can then look for carparks in the surrounding streets. There is no time restriction for parking at the Gardens, and no parking fees. Please keep your speed below 10km/hr and be patient if it is busy. Please follow the one way system when using Car Park 2 and ensure you exit via Katote Close

Accessibility options

Book a wheelchair or mobility scooter at the visitor centre for free. Pre-booking is advised in the height of summer and weekends ph 09 267 1457 ext 1. The trail is on footpaths and over grass. If there are stairs on the trail, signs will show an alternative route suitable for wheels, such as pushchairs, wheelchairs and walking frames.

Covid-19 protocols at The Botanic Gardens

Covid-19, and particularly the Delta variant, has meant this year’s Sculpture in the Gardens protocols and guidelines have been adjusted to ensure the health and safety of all who come to Auckland Botanic Gardens. Please follow protocol as marked by onsite signage. This includes staying in your own bubbles, wearing masks and physical distancing.

FAQs

How fit do I need to be?

The sculptures are scattered throughout the gardens, and Connect the Dots have designed our tours to accommodate the needs of individuals with limited mobility. This tour has the least amount of travel distance between sculptures.

Where will we meet?

The tours begin just outside the Visitor Centre, on the park side, and Connect the Dots will be there waiting for you.

What if I need to cancel? We appreciate that things can come up that mean you are no longer able to make it. We would appreciate as much notice as possible so that we can offer this opportunity to someone else. We require 48 hours cancellation notice to avoid a fee.

How can I find out more about Connect the Dots and the Make Moments programme?

We would love you to visit our website to learn more about who we are and the work we love to do: www.connectthedots.org.nz

You can find us on Facebook and Instagram @Connectthedotscharitabletrust

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

Please visit the Auckland Botanic Gardens website for all the visiting and transportation information for the site: http://www.aucklandbotanicgardens.co.nz/visit-us

How can I contact the organiser with any questions?

Please do contact us with any questions!

Amberleigh@connectthedots.org.nz, Amberleigh 021 212 8878