If you missed out last year, now is your chance to witness hundreds of monarchs take flight in a spectacular release returning to the Auckland Botanic Gardens this weekend.
The free, family-friendly event on Sunday 22 February celebrates pollinator conservation and the beauty of nature in support of a struggling species, the monarch butterfly, of which only 10% still exist today compared to 20 years ago.
“Butterflies bring joy to so many people, and we are thrilled to host this magical event again this year,” says Auckland Botanic Gardens Manager, Bec Stanley.
“It’s a perfect alignment to our mission of connecting people with plants and celebrating the vital role insects play in our ecosystem. Seeing the community come together with an appreciation of nature at the heart of an event like this is always a highlight for us.”
The stars of the show are raised by Franklin Farms, a fifth-generation family business with a 120-year legacy in New Zealand. After witnessing the monarch’s alarming decline, the family launched a dedicated farming operation in Waimauku to revitalise the species.
Now in its second year of public release, the family considers it a privilege to share this revival with the public at Auckland’s much-loved Botanic Gardens.
Community Committee Chair, Councillor Julie Fairey highlighted the importance of initiatives that foster a deeper connection between Aucklanders and nature.
“This is a great opportunity to experience something wonderful and magical, in our very own botanic gardens, and support our city’s biodiversity,” Cr Fairey says.
“It’s a timely reminder that we are part of the ecosystem we live in, and that these butterflies are too; let’s protect and restore it for all the creatures in it.”
The monarch butterfly release event will also support Multiple Sclerosis Auckland, a charitable organisation that works in the community to inform, support and advocate for those living with MS.
Auckland Botanic Gardens Butterfly Release event details:
Date: Sunday 22 February 2026
Time: 10am – 1pm (butterfly release at 11am)
Location: Auckland Botanic Gardens
Parking: Free event parking at 177 Everglade Drive (9am – 2pm). Accessible parking/drop-offs at the main entrance, 102 Hill Road.
