Shopping Guide: West Lynn Garden & Butterfly House
Shopping Guide: A Visit to the Gardens
Why You Should Visit
From my experience, this garden offers a tranquil escape and is well worth a visit. Here's what makes it appealing:
- A Hidden Gem: You'll find a "hidden gem" experience, a peaceful retreat tucked away in the Auckland suburbs.
- Reasonable Entry Fee: The entry fee is only $3-$5, making it an affordable outing.
- Beautiful Gardens: The location offers beautifully maintained gardens with a variety of plant life to enjoy. Expect to see autumn shades, flowering shrubs (like camellias), trees, shrubs, and flowers.
- Butterfly House: The Butterfly House is a highlight. Shoppers can expect to see Monarch butterflies (though the number may vary depending on the season), and experience the joy of observing them in their natural habitat. Some have mentioned the butterflies even dance around you!
- Relaxing Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as calming, natural, and peaceful. You'll find a space perfect for relaxing and reflection.
- Well-Maintained: The gardens are kept in good condition by volunteers.
- Accessibility and Amenities: You will find accessible walkways (though some areas have stairs), plenty of seating/resting spaces, picnic spots, and shaded areas.
- Natural Retreat: It's a wonderful natural retreat with a mixture of path types, including a native tree loop track.
- Photography Opportunities: It’s a perfect place for portrait photography.
- Additional Features: There is a fish pond with an umbrella to keep the water cooler for the Goldfish, and summer houses dotted around the garden. Seeds are available for sale at the counter.
- Family-Friendly: Great place to take the family for a relaxing time.
- Convenient Location: Easily accessible by public transport.
Why You Might Consider Alternatives
While the garden has much to offer, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Seasonality: Be aware that the presence of butterflies varies with the season. Some visitors mentioned a lack of butterflies during the winter months.
- Butterfly House Condition: The butterfly house could use some updating and TLC.
- Size and Layout: The garden is not extremely large and has paths that can be a bit of a maze, so be prepared to backtrack.
- Expectations vs. Reality: If you are expecting something similar to a large, elaborate butterfly pavilion, you may be disappointed.
- Crowds: During peak times, the garden might get a little busier, so plan your visit accordingly.
- Facilities updating: Some facilities could use some work.
