The blooming of cherry blossom in particular provides a welcome signpost for spring and a visually spectacular opportunity for photos and enjoyment.
North of Auckland Matakana Village retailers and locals have been keeping a careful watch on the buds of their cherry blossom trees. As a result they have confidently predicted they will be in full bloom the weekend of October 11 and 12.
The maturity of the cherry trees (Prunus “Aawanui”) – planted in 2006 by Matakana Village founders Richard and Christine Didsbury – has put Matakana Village firmly on the spring floral map as one of the best places to see and enjoy the fleeting cherry blossom season in Aotearoa.
Last year the blossoms in Matakana unfurled in early October 2024. The trees in bloom lead into the area where the weekly markets are held each Saturday morning and make a popular drawcard with out-of-town visitors and locals alike.
Cherry blossoms in New Zealand typically bloom for about one to two weeks during peak season, though the entire flowering period can extend over several weeks depending on the variety and local weather conditions.
In Auckland, one of the most popular locations to see the pretty pink petals is Cornwall Park. The park team recently flagged the imminent arrival of the cherry blossoms with two spots to enjoy the spectacular abundance of flowers.
“Our trees have slowly started blooming which makes it a good time to start planning your visit in the next couple of weeks,” park staff posted on social media this week.
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The largest collection is located inside the park, halfway down Pōhutukawa Drive on the right when entering from the main gates at Greenlane West. The second smaller collection is located along Pūriri Drive, on the left when moving toward Campbell Crescent.
Cornwall Park is home to several different species of cherry trees, first planted more than 50 years ago, with each variety contributing its unique beauty to the display. The Prunus x yedoensis “Awanui” is known for its masses of large, single blossoms with a subtle pink tint. The Prunus “Accolade” offers semi-double, rich pink flowers on bare stems.
Auckland’s Botanic Gardens in Manurewa also has a grove of “Awanui” cherry trees that gradually open their blooms throughout early to mid-spring.
“The blossoms are beginning to open in our ‘Awaunui’ cherry grove,” Botanic Gardens staff posted on Instagram. “This weekend may be the start of its full show but we will keep you posted on their progress over the next few days/weeks.”
In the central city, the Auckland Domain is also home to a grove of cherry trees framing a walkway on the city-side of the park near the motorway on/off ramps.
In East Auckland, the Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple in Flat Bush is an opportunity to see cherry blossom near traditional temple architecture. A cherry blossom festival is being held this year on Saturday November, 8.
