Ayrlies

Situated in Auckland, Ayrlies is a large country garden characterised by sweeping lawns, mature trees, and informal but detailed drifts of plantings alongside ponds and waterways softly woven into a tapestry of great beauty and tranquility. For near six decades, Beverley McConnell has created and tended the garden from a blank clay canvas of farmland, in a style that is quintessentially New Zealand. Trees and shrubs form a changing backdrop for roses, perennials, bulbs and grasses while plants native to New Zealand are a strong component. A wild flower meadow is an unusual attraction in early summer.

The Garden is linked to the sea by the Wetlands constructed in 2001 on land that was originally a salt marsh. Only New Zealand native trees and plants including giant grasses line the boardwalks, bridges and lake that provide an abundant refuge for wildlife. The ecologically rich environment combined with the foreshore has become home to an outstanding count of over 82 species of native and visiting wildlife.

We suggest visitors spend 2 hours walking the garden and allow an extra hour to walk to the wetlands. Those that prefer can drive from Ayrlies Garden carpark to the Wetlands carpark one kilometre apart.