Comparing the environments
The botanical gardens has a more Open gardeny vibe
Totara park has a more of a jungle type vibe
Totara
This is a piece of original remnant forest and represents almost all that is left of the alluvial flat forests common in Manukau in pre-human times. It is characterised by mature rimu, kahikatea, miro, mataī and tōtara. These grow alongside some 170 other species of native plants.There are multiple entry points to the trail and different options for short or long walks. The full trail is 4 kms and will lead you on a loop of the whole forest area – it will take approximately 2 hours at a leisurely pace. So I would go here if I want to be alone or have fun exploring
Botanical gardens
Botanical gardens is a tropical garden type place where kids family’s dogs and bees and all type of people and animals and plants. There is a dog park and a main place where there is a cafe I would go there if I wanted to do a picnic or play sports like cricket football softball hockey batmingtin