There is nothing quite like the fragrant beauty of the Parnell Rose Gardens. Like so many Aucklanders, we try to visit anytime we find ourselves nearby, from late spring to early autumn. It’s a reminder of the colourful beauty of nature as over 5,000 roses bloom annually in the park.
Also known as Dove Myer Robinson Park (the namesake of the longest-serving Auckland mayor), this is the largest of the Auckland rose gardens. It bursts into life with roses starting to bloom in October. By mid-November, it’s a floral masterpiece.
About the Parnell Rose Gardens
Featuring both new and old rose varieties, the gardens are a highlight in Parnell, Auckland’s oldest neighbourhood.
The roses themself are a combination of varieties from local growers and others from internationally celebrated rose breeders.
The adjacent Nancy Steen Garden features excellent examples of heritage roses that are typically in bloom from October to April, providing a continuous spectacle of nature’s beauty.
Dove Myer Robinson Park stands out as one of Auckland’s most beautiful urban parks. Accessible 24 hours a day at no charge, it offers more than just roses.
In fact, it is home to Auckland’s oldest manuka and the largest pohutukawa tree, adding to the botanical richness of the site.
The Parnell Rose Gardens are one of many rose gardens in New Zealand.
When to visit these Auckland rose gardens
Our favourite time to visit depends on our goal.
- When we are seeking peace and serenity as we stroll through the lush, blooming pathways of Parnell Rose Gardens, we prefer a weekday morning in early November. During this time, the garden is tranquil, the air is fresh with the scent of thousands of roses, and the crowd is thinner, allowing us to truly appreciate the serene beauty of the gardens in relative solitude.
- If we want a festive atmosphere, are bringing kids, or want gardening tips, we make sure to visit in mid-November during the Festival of Roses. Fun for the whole family, it offers arts and crafts stalls, live music, and a range of entertainment options. It’s a fantastic time to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere, learn from expert gardeners, and let the kids engage in fun, educational activities amidst the beauty of blooming roses.
- If we find ourselves in Parnell at other times of the year, the Rose Gardens remain a delightful destination. Each season offers its own unique charm, from the lush greenery of summer to the subtle elegance of winter roses. No matter when you visit, the well-maintained gardens and the variety of roses ensure a beautiful and relaxing experience.
Know before you visit the Parnell Rose Gardens
- There are accessible toilets, picnic tables, and BBQs inside the park.
- Dogs must be on lead.
- The park is alcohol and smoke-free.
- The park is easy to locate, off of Gladstone Road in Parnell. There is also pedestrian access from Judges Bay Road and path.
- There is street parking as well as parking inside the gate.
- On the property sits a charming cottage used for weddings or other private functions. You can see it behind the roses in the image just above.
For more great gardens, see 9 Best New Zealand Gardens.
Explore nearby attractions
- The Auckland Hop-on Hop-off bus stops near these Parnell gardens. It’s a great way to enjoy the city, as well as the park. Check for discounts on the Auckland Hop-on Hop-off bus here.
- Across Gladstone Rd and about 200 metres from the park is Rosie, often referred to as the Parnell Rose Garden Cafe.
- Parnell Village has several charming restaurants, unique galleries, and a laid-back café culture.
- Also nearby is the Holy Trinity Cathedral, the world’s only example of a Polynesian Gothic style church.
- If you love flowers, don’t miss the Auckland Wintergardens. Also free to enter, it is on the Auckland Domain, near the Auckland Museum.
Parnell Rose Gardens is one of the many free things to do in Auckland.
Save on your NZ trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), Bookabach (self-contained in NZ), or Hostelworld (budget). See all our personal favourite NZ hotels here.
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Motorcycles: we have heard good things about BikesBooking.
- Campervans: Our readers prefer Jucy, and we get consistently great feedback.
- Activity discounts: we check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on activities.
- Private guides: we do have a go-to when we hire a private guide from Viator.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
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Have you been to the Parnell Rose Gardens?
More from Auckland you might also like … starting with these 75 free and nearly free things to do in the city
Denise Covey
Hi Rhonda! Roses have to be my favourite flower and you sure have photographed some gorgeous ones here! Thank you for sharing them with us. The quality was so good I felt I could reach out and touch them.
Barbara Radisavljevic
The photos you shared are spectacular. In the gardens, they are impressive. My favorite rose color is coral or salmon. But I also like yellow and red. In fact, it’s hard to find any rose color I would not like.
Indah Nuria Savitri
Love all those roses..we have the UN Rose Garden here in NYC and I relaly enjoy it during summer. Cheers..
Dolly
The yellow rose (I think it’s a rose is my favorite and absolutely gorgeous. What a wonderful picture thanks for sharing.
Cathi
Absolutely gorgeous captures!!
Lexa Cain
I loved the pics – who wouldn’t? My fave was the fourth one. Those orangy-pinkish roses are so gorgeous and I love how the front ones are in focus and the ones behind are fuzzy. It’s so beautiful that it looks like a painting. Thanks for sharing !! 🙂
Kelleyn
Gorgeous! I used to live in Portland, Oregeon which was famous for it’s roses. They don’t grow so well here in Georgia!
Karren Haller
There is nothing more beautiful than a rose, to me it does not mater the color, only its beauty and smell, I love to bend and smell the roses! Karren
Serenia
As to the Parnell Rose Gardens, Have I ever been there?
Girl, I got MARRIED in the Parnell Rose Gardens!!!
15 years ago, I married my Canadian husband and we are now living happily ever after in Canada.
I have tons of wedding photos taken in and around the Parnell Rose Gardens.
The ceremony itself took place in an area surrounded by a lattice wooden fence and a couple of benches like those I see in the last photo, and also a small fountain!!
Rhonda Albom
How cool that you got married at the Parnell Rose Gardens. What an amazing location. Your photos must be really amazing.
Hilary
The roses are just beautiful – I’d love to visit .. one day! It’s gloom here … still at least it’s ‘warm’ … so often we’re in frost weather already by Bonfire Night …
BARBARA
i love roses and your pictures are beautiful! right now I’m surrounded by yellow and red leaves so it’s quite ‘strange’ seeing gardens full of flowers!
Anda
What a beautiful display of color and beauty, Rhonda!
Angie Rose
You take such stunning photographs. I really enjoyed this post and felt like I was there! Lovely shot of the foxglove.
Sher
those flowers are gorgeous.
Linda W
What a beautiful garden! The roses are lovely, and you’ve captured some nice photographs of them. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog. 🙂
Colleen
I break for roses and take time to smell them.
Michelle c
Hi Rhonda,
Love the photos of the rose gardens and the roses. We may now make a visit there, haven’t been for quite a few years.
Love Michelle xxx
Nancy Hardin
YES!! Your photos are gorgeous as always, but your joy is contagious! Thank you for sharing it with others. It’s a beautiful thing!
Kathryn Grace
Your photographs immediately invoke memory scents, so strong that I literally smelled green grass, soil and the sweet scent of tea hybrid roses. Thank you for adding the digitalis too, as foxglove is ever one of my favorites.
Linda Blatchford
Those flowers are so gorgeous, I can almost smell them.
Nick Wilford
Thanks for the pics, the rose garden looks lovely.
Mascha
Beautiful photos of a wonderful garden.
Enjoy your time
Anabel
The roses are beautiful!
ladyfi
And wonderful flower shots.
Cascia @ Healthy Moms Mag
Those roses are beautiful! Have a great week.
Comedy Plus
The flowers were nice.
Have a fabulous day. ☺
Ellen
The Parnell gardens are so peaceful and beautiful. Lovely photos!
noel
Those gardens look spectacular, I really love all those macro rose images especially the first one, stunning!
eileen
What a pretty garden, I would like to walk there too. The roses are gorgeous. Lovely post and images. Enjoy your new week!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
Great shots. The long, purple flowers are so vivid.
stevebethere
Beautiful close ups and colours I particularly like the yellowy/cream ones 🙂
Have a bloomingtastic day 🙂
Amila
wow! Stunning captures of roses and other flowers…The first photo is so beautiful and lovely.