Is there parking at Botanical Reserve?

On-site or nearby parking is available at Botanical Reserve.

Is Botanical Reserve shaded?

Botanical Reserve has trees, shade sails, or other shelter that offers some shade. Coverage varies by time of day.

Are there picnic tables at Botanical Reserve?

Yes, picnic tables or seating are available at Botanical Reserve.

Does Botanical Reserve have swings?

Yes, swings are part of the equipment at Botanical Reserve.

Does Botanical Reserve have a slide?

Yes, Botanical Reserve includes a slide.

Is there a climbing frame at Botanical Reserve?

Yes, a climbing frame or climbing structure is part of the equipment at Botanical Reserve.

Where is Botanical Reserve?

Botanical Reserve is in Maitai, Nelson City, New Zealand.

What rating does Botanical Reserve have?

Botanical Reserve has a Google Maps rating of 4.7 out of 5 from 140 reviews.

Playground

Botanical Reserve

Unnamed Road, 205 Milton Street, Maitai, Nelson 7010

4.7

140
visits

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NatureParksPlaygrounds

Best suited to

Toddler zone0–4

NearbyWaterAt a distance

Why these ages?

Simple younger-child kit — slide, climbing frame, turn spike carousel and infant swing on bark under good shade. Built for littlies rather than a big group. No fencing but the Maitai River swimming holes and path are along the wider reserve, some distance from the playground corner. Small enough to be quick supervision but nothing to hold primary or tween attention.

Accessibility

Partial access

- Bark or wood-chip surface (wheels sink)

Access notes

Description states the slide, climbing frame, carousel and swing all sit on bark, a barrier for wheelchair users. The site is reachable via a path from town with street parking nearby, but toilets are only at a separate nearby field, not the playground itself.

What's here

Baby swingsClimbing frameParkingPicnic tablesShadeSlideSwingsSign in to add

The playground at Botanical Reserve keeps things simple: a slide, climbing frame, turn spike carousel and infant swing set out on bark, with seating alongside for parents. It's built for younger children rather than as a big group destination, tucked into the corner of a much larger and historically significant reserve.

Good to know

HistoryThe Botanical Reserve was set aside by the New Zealand Company in 1858 for public use. The area comprises two distinct parts: the playing field on the corner of Milton and Hardy Streets, and Botanical Hill with its forested area behind, stretching alongside the Mahitahi/Maitai River.
Source: theprow.org.nz
HistoryOn 14 May 1870, the first recorded game of rugby union in New Zealand was played at the Botanical Reserve (The Botanics) in Nelson, between Nelson College and the Nelson Football Club, with around 200 spectators. The town team won 2-nil. Charles Monro, son of the Speaker of Parliament, introduced rugby after learning it at Christ College, Finchley, England.
Source: theprow.org.nz
HistoryThe Botanical Reserve in Nelson was set aside by the New Zealand Company in 1858 for permanent public use, making it one of the oldest dedicated public reserves in New Zealand.
Source: theprow.org.nz
HistoryThe first game of rugby in New Zealand was played at The Botanics (Botanical Reserve) in Nelson on 14 May 1870, between Nelson College and the Nelson Football Club. About 200 spectators watched. Charles Monro introduced the game after learning it at Christ College, Finchley, England. The town team won 2-nil.
Source: theprow.org.nz
HistoryThe Botanical Reserve was set aside by the New Zealand Company in 1858 for permanent public use, making it one of the oldest dedicated public reserves in New Zealand. It comprises playing fields at Milton and Hardy Streets and Botanical Hill with forested slopes, alongside Branford Park and the Mahitahi/Maitai River.
Source: theprow.org.nz
HistoryNelson's Botanical Reserve is historically significant as the site of one of the earliest rugby matches in New Zealand, held in the 1870s.
Source: explorenelson.co.nz
HistoryThe Centre of New Zealand Monument, established in the 1870s atop Botanical Hill in Nelson, marks a historically important geographic surveying point.
Source: explorenelson.co.nz
HistoryBotanical Reserve's Centre of New Zealand Monument was established in the 1870s atop Botanical Hill as an important surveying landmark reflecting the region's mapping heritage.
Source: explorenelson.co.nz
HistoryNelson's Botanical Reserve is traditionally associated with the first game of rugby played in New Zealand, on 14 May 1870. Charles Monro, who learned the game in England, introduced rugby to Nelson, making it the birthplace of New Zealand rugby.
Source: rugbymuseum.co.nz
HistoryPlayground established: pre 2009.
Source: services1.arcgis.com

Forecast

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Photos (1)

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Spotted broken gear, a hazard, or something that needs a fix? Let Nelson City know. They look after this park.

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From the crew

Visits

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Coen C.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Lovely walks in this area. Short, or atleast an hour's long is you want... Dog friendly and plentiful parking on multiple entries to the part. Not busy when we did go up to see the monument on top of the hill. The paths are very well maintained, most are sealed or compacted gravel, some dirt parts on the longer tracks. Lovely views over Nelson, but far enough to be quiet with plenty of nature to enjoy.
0Helpful
Flynn S.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Awesome tracks, very well maintained and plenty of different tracks to try. Plus there’s signs at every intersection so you can’t get lost in what seems like a maze of tracks!
0Helpful
Steve W.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Good stiff walk to the Centre of New Zealand summit, always just a bit further than I remembered! The walk is sealed all the way unless you go off track and the views are great, because you wouldn't bother going up in the rain would you?
0Helpful
Jared
from Google15 Apr 2026
Great place to walk or excercise. 360degree panoramic views of Nelson, the Brook and Maitai.
0Helpful
Ingrid W.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Visit every time I am in Nelson, excellent walk/views/parking and Coffee at Jokers
0Helpful
Jenny J.
from Google15 Apr 2026
We did the walk up the hill to the "middle of New Zealand". For me (and my arthritic knees) it was hard going but at least I can say 'I did it'. It was well worth it for the view but definitely not a 15 minute walk. If your going to try it, don't forget your water bottles
0Helpful
Warren S.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Lovely walks around here. A number of walks start here to the Maitai valley. Walk to the view point for Centre of NZ. A good work out or leisurely stroll if you prefer. Magnificent views of Nelson and beyond. Tranquil amd well maintained paths.
0Helpful
Janita P.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Lovely wide open space with coffee cart, toilets and small play area. Great for a picnic or run around on a fine day before it street a walk up one of the tracks.
0Helpful
Michael B.
from Google15 Apr 2026
Home of the first game of New Zealand rugby, and now venue of age grade and social-tier FC Nelson soccer football matches. …
0Helpful
Ray B.
from Google15 Apr 2026
A great venue for picnics, cricket,concerts etc Centrally located,also the entrance to the centre of New Zealand walk Historically the site of the first rugby game in N.Z.
0Helpful