A small palm-ringed park (the scene of many weddings) leads you to a lush display of exotic plants, through a desert garden of startling prickliness, and into a dark bush-world of ferns.
It is not new - the Snow Conservatory was established in 1970, but the Council with the Whangarei Native Forest and Bird Protection Society has been adding to it since.
Drive, if you prefer, to First Ave. It is open every day from 10am till 4pm. Entrance is free - and it is wheelchair, and pushchair friendly!
This little-known attraction will appeal to locals, visitors and tourists for the uniqueness it provides - a real break from the city, in the heart of our city.