Parks, Gardens and Zoos • Nature

Tāne Whakapiripiri, Ōtari Visitor Centre

Client

Location

Completed

Wellington City Council

Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush, Wellington, New Zealand

2021

The Project

Our local city Wellington has a lot to offer, from city to sea and everything in-between. Tucked amongst it all is the world’s leading collection of New Zealand native plants, Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush. An immensely rich, biodiverse landscape filled with a multitude of ecosystems, flora and fauna, walking tracks and community-focused activities. With help from the Wellington City Council Gardens team, local artists and mana whenua, we embarked on a project to update the visitor centre, Tāne Whakapiripiri.

The Result

Enveloped by the native trees, plants and creatures, the space reflects the surrounding environment with an interior of immersive illustrations, through which the story of Ōtari is told. Interactive elements such as the Curio screen, infographic illustrations, maps and kids drawing/rubbing table encourage visitors, especially families and young children, to learn about nature and conservation topics. Touching up the paint and lighting, along with spatial reorganisation made the space more open, inviting and functional for both visitors and staff.

As well as providing a place of welcome and rest for visitors, the Centre also helps people to understand the mission of Ōtari-Wilton’s Bush and its stories: the history, the people, the science and conservation efforts and, most importantly, how crucial it is that we care for our natural environment because it is, quite literally, a collection of what we have to lose if we don’t. The space aims to encourage visitors to get outside and discover the wonders of this incredible place!