Tucked away in Auckland’s Dove-Myer Robinson Park, botanical enthusiasts will find a treasure trove of roses. At the Parnell Garden, visitors find a selection of over 4,000 roses to muse over while strolling the paths or sitting and sipping a cup of tea at one of the cafés surrounding the area. The Parnell Rose Garden is adjacent to another bountiful rose garden, the Nancy Steen Garden. The key attraction in the Nancy Steen Garden is a fine selection of heritage roses and the white garden.
The annual Parnell Festival of Roses takes place in November, and is free for all who attend. During the event, there are a number of unique exhibitions, performances and guided tours throughout the surrounding area. The park is open during daylight hours throughout the year, however, for the best of blooms visitors are advised to come to the rose gardens between October and April. There is ample parking nearby along Gladstone Road and Judges Bay Road.