I should have taken more photos, but sometimes you just want to enjoy the moment in peace. This garden is absolutely huge and absolutely stunning. We went there when the rain was poring, but that just made these beautiful smells much more intense. All the gardeners were absolutely nice and it is amazing what they all brought to life there. Seriously! If a version of me, who say the park would talk to another version of me, who didn't, I'd advise to visit even if it would cost 100. It was absolutely worth it. (Paying by card is possible at the house in the middle).

I went to the Ayrlies initially on impulse and it is quite honestly one of the most beautiful gardens I've ever been to. So I decided to go back for my birthday, with friends and family. Organising a group visit with Ayrlies was easy and smooth. My family and friends were all amazed at the artistry of the garden and wanted to come back again in the future. We didn't make it through all of the wetlands because the grounds are enormous, but I'm determined to go there again. Highly recommend!

Overall, both the garden, and the adjacent wetlands were quite nice, on very tranquil grounds. If one does not have their own transportation, however, it is a bit of a logistical issue getting there. My recommendation from Auckland CBD: take the Pine Harbour Ferry, from the Ferry Building in AKL. Arrange in advance with Country Roads transport company to meet your ferry upon arrival, and to take you to and from the Gardens. It is not cheap. I was charged NZD 60 roundtrip. But you have no options, as there are no taxis and no Uber in Beachlands ( the community where the garden is located ). Country Roads can be found on Facebook. Here is their WhatsApp #: 021 084 28757 The ferry from Auckland to Pine Harbour ( Beachlands ) is NZD 32, per person, for return ( round trip ). Admission fee to the garden is NZD 20 per person. Allow 2-3 hours to walk the garden + wetlands.

This is a mature garden with some lovely water features and trees. The autumn must be stunning with all the liquidambars and acers. The owners kindly allowed us to visit on a bank holiday when they were closed and we enjoyed a long walk around the gardens and wetlands wildlife Sanctuary. Beware… map not 100% accurate and not a huge amount of signs but definitely worth a visit

This entire property is magnificent and is a must for residents of NZ and visitors alike. There are fabulous water features and ponds; commanding views to distant places including Rangitoto and wonderful spots to sit throughout the garden to see a variety of views some intimate while others will take you much further a field. You will experience different plants in bloom depending on the time of the year you visit. Huge variety of trees some huge; some mass planting and all of them stunning to behold. At the wetlands, which is mainly native plants you’ll encounter many lovely birds. Leave an hour and a half extra to experience a full excursion around the wetlands. The entire property is the most wonderful gift to NZ. Congratulations to the family responsible and to those who keep the dream alive.