Feeling overloaded and burnt out, or simply looking for inspiration? Here are five delightful destinations that will boost your wellbeing.
Auckland Botanic Gardens
Studies show that being in nature helps reduce stress and makes us feel calmer. Auckland Botanic Gardens covers 64 hectares – including 10 of native bush – making it an ideal spot for forest bathing, a form of Japanese ecotherapy that originated in the 1980s as an antidote to high-tech living and to foster a desire to protect the environment.
After you’ve breathed in the earthy scent of our native flora, transport yourself to the temple woodlands of Japan and China with a visit to the Camellia Garden, or let cherry blossom petals rain down upon you in Spring Blossom Valley in October.
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
As well as extending our minds with new ideas, looking at art is good for our brains. In fact, a study from University College London showed that when people viewed beautiful artworks it triggered a release of dopamine similar to the experience of falling in love.
And there’s plenty to swoon over at Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki. As well as hosting dynamic exhibitions, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki’s award-winning building is full of tranquil spaces like the terraces overlooking ancient pōhutukawa trees in Albert Park – you can experience art and nature in one place.
Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple
You don’t have to be a Buddhist to visit Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush – all are welcome at this peaceful, sacred space. Built in the style of the Tang Dynasty, it’s New Zealand’s largest Buddhist temple, with shrines and statues nestled among beautifully landscaped gardens. There’s also an art gallery featuring paintings, calligraphy and woven art, and a tea house where you can order tea, coffee and healthy vegetarian kai. Note that visitors must adhere to the dress code of covered shoulders, long skirts or long pants.
Te Pātaka Kōrero o Te Hau Kapua Devonport Library
Lose yourself in a good book at Te Pātaka Kōrero o Te Hau Kapua Devonport Library. Five local iwi collaborated on the tōtara pare (lintel) at the main entrance with the intention that all visitors who pass under it will absorb the library’s knowledge. This architecturally award-winning building is cosy and warm, with delightful discoveries throughout, including a staircase that doubles as a bookshelf, a book-lined secret door and a porthole-shaped window seat in the teen area – a reference to Devonport’s naval history.
West Lynn Garden
Embrace the transformative power of nature at the West Lynn Garden butterfly house. From December through to April, you can see monarch butterflies emerging from their chrysalises and fluttering about. Afterwards, explore the garden’s 2.5 hectares of flowers, shrubs and tree-lined paths, or lie back and do some cloud-watching on the expansive green lawn.
The site is run by volunteers and supported by funding from Auckland Council. Entry is $5 (free for under-twos), and most of the garden – including the butterfly house – is wheelchair accessible.
