The Butterfly and Orchid Gardens

Take the time and enter this little wonder world, full of the most beautiful butterflies. Enjoy peace and magic while exploring our exotic garden. Follow a winding garden path and reach a splashing waterfall. Discover our birds and stroll amongst beautiful orchids, waterlilies and other flowers while butterflies flutter around you. You may even be lucky enough to have them land on you! The Butterfly and Orchid Garden in Thames is New Zealand's first and only tropical butterfly and orchid house. In addition it is the only one in Australasia which is able to show butterflies from all over the world. The butterfly house is fully sheltered, heated, ideal for sunny and rainy days, wheel chair friendly, with a good selection of drinks and souvenirs. We also have more than 100 different plant species and 250 to 300 exotic orchids, which flower at different times throughout the season.The butterfly house is also the home for many different birds including Finches, Doves and Quails. Our birds provide a selection from all over the world. Take the time and enter this little wonder world, full of the most beautiful butterflies. Enjoy peace and magic while exploring our exotic garden. Follow a winding garden path and reach a splashing waterfall. Discover our birds and stroll amongst beautiful orchids, water lilies and other flowers while butterflies flutter around you. You may even be lucky enough to have them land on you! We also have more than 100 different plant species and 250 to 300 exotic orchids, which flower at different times throughout the season. The butterfly house is also the home for many different birds including Finches, Doves and Quails. The butterfly house is fully sheltered and heated to suit the needs of its inhabitants our tropical butterflies and exotic plants. Therefore it is ideal for every day, rain or shine. Opening hours: Open 7 days, Summer 10am until 4pm (starting with NZ daylight saving time), Winter 10am until 3pm (starting after Easter).