I recently visited two amazing places: Tōtara Park and the Botanical Gardens.Both places are truly special.

When I walked through Tōtara Park, I felt like I was in a big forest. The trees towered above me and the bushes and stream running through it made me feel like I was in a hidden world. It was so peaceful and quiet, with birds in the trees. I saw some really cool things there, like a big rock that looked like a turtle and a tree with a trunk that was shaped like a heart.

The Botanical Gardens were different, but just as amazing. They were like a big park, but with so many more colours and types of flowers and plants from around the world. I saw a big fountain and a garden full of roses which smelled so good! I also saw plants I had never seen before.

As I explored both places I realised that they have some things in common. They’re both really pretty and fun to explore. They both have lots of plants and trees and they both make me feel happy and peaceful.

But they’re also different in some ways. Tōtara Park is like a wild forest, while the Botanical Gardens are more like a planned park. Totara Park has more trees and bushes, while the Botanical Gardens have more flowers and plants. Tōtara Park is quieter and more peaceful, while the Botanical Gardens are more lively and colourful.

I think both places are special and important in their own ways. Totara Park is like a big forest. The Botanical Gardens are like a big bouquet of flowers.