The Intrepid Wanderers: Adventurers at Heart
West Lynn Garden is a hidden sanctuary in New Lynn, covering 4.5 acres of beautiful trees, flowering shrubs, and home to a large Monarch Butterfly House.
Epsom Village’s recent trip to West Lynn was fully booked, with many residents eager to explore this peaceful gem in Auckland. They spent the day enjoying the fresh air, stunning scenery, and the calming relaxation that nature always provides.
The gardens offer a unique opportunity to witness the full life cycle of the Monarch butterfly. From December to April, hundreds of Monarch butterflies can be seen fluttering around, along with eggs, chrysalises, and caterpillars—a true spectacle of nature’s magic.
Monarchs are not only known for their striking orange and black wings but also for their incredible migration journey, traveling thousands of kilometers in other parts of the world. While they don’t migrate in New Zealand, they still symbolize endurance, transformation, and beauty, captivating visitors of all ages.
Established by the Eden Garden Society in 1981 and developed with the same community spirit as its Mt Eden counterpart, West Lynn Garden was opened to the public in November 1983. Initially managed under the wing of the Eden Garden Society, the West Lynn Garden Society later became an independent organisation. Today, it’s run by a dedicated group of volunteers who share a passion for gardening and a commitment to maintaining this unique green space for everyone’s enjoyment.
With an entry fee of just $5, there’s no excuse not to admire this beautiful haven. Epsom Village residents thoroughly enjoyed the peaceful stroll through the park, soaking in the fresh air and gorgeous surroundings before gathering for a lovely lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Among the many amenities offered at Epsom Village, residents can take advantage of weekly shopping trips and outings to popular local destinations and restaurants. Once a month, the Intrepid Wanderers set out on special trips to explore more out-of-the-ordinary destinations. Past adventures have included Kiwi Valley Farm Park, Ayrlies Garden, Goat Island, Westbrook Winery, and Mangawhai Museum. These experiences offer the perfect combination of discovery, relaxation, and friendship, which are always at the heart of our community life.
If you’d like to know more about joining our community contact Lyn on 021 845 524 or email Lyn.Ellis@realliving.co.nz
(Special thanks to West Lynn Garden for sharing some of these pictures with us.)
