Moko Tree in Wellington, New Zealand

An ancient Rimu tree estimated to be at least 800 years old peeks through the canopy at Ōtari-Wilton's Bush. These remarkable, slow-growing trees can only be found in New Zealand. Park officials erected a platform around the ancient Rimu tree, nicknamed 'Moko,' to protect its fragile roots system. 

The botanical garden and forest preserve is a reminder of what the New Zealand's landscape was like before the arrival of European settlers. Upon arrival, European settlers quickly cleared the land for development and farming. John Wilton, a farmer, fenced off a portion of land to preserve the native forest. This area, now known as Ōtari-Wilton's Bush, became New Zealand's only botanical garden dedicated to endemic plants. The park is also home to 1,200 native plant species and endemic animals species including kākāriki, koura, river eels, and glowworms.