Townend House, known for its seasonal flowering plants such as begonia, cyclamen, and primula, Garrick House, home to the most extensive collection of cacti and succulents in New Zealand, and Gilpin House, featuring orchids, bromeliads, and carnivorous plants, are all set to receive maintenance work.

This includes structural strengthening and improvements to ensure the safety and longevity of these cherished garden spaces.

Cuningham House, which celebrates its 100th anniversary this year, will close for an extended period of 18 to 24 months to undergo a comprehensive refurbishment.

This restoration project will include earthquake repairs, additional structural strengthening, and the installation of new lighting, misting, and climate control systems. The building will also receive modern compliance glass with thermal properties, designed to improve energy efficiency while preserving its historical character.

Botanic Gardens Director Wolfgang Bopp said, “We will need to close Cuningham House for 18-24 months while this refurbishment is completed.  There are many tropical plants which will need to be carefully transported and relocated to the Townend, Gilpin, and Garrick glasshouses ahead of Cuningham’s closure.”

Cuningham House, originally known as Winter Gardens, is the oldest and largest of the display houses in the Botanic Gardens.

It is also recognised as a Heritage New Zealand Category 2 historic place. Bopp said“As we mark its centenary, we know people will be pleased that this much-needed restoration is taking place and will be undertaken in such a way as to preserve what is a unique and beautiful heritage building, as well as providing a better growing environment which is more efficient to run.”