Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens is a popular attraction located just 15 minutes from the city centre of Christchurch, New Zealand.

Founded over 150 years ago, the gardens have grown from small beginnings to become a much-loved destination for Cantabrians and visitors alike. The gardens are mostly contained within a loop of the Avon River and cover 21 hectares of elegantly cultivated parkland with more than 10 different gardens framed by mature trees and expansive lawns. Visitors can explore the gardens on their own or join a guided tour with knowledgeable and friendly guides showcasing some of the spectacular collections.

The gardens feature an impressive collection of plants that provide a tranquil oasis throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy the spring drifts of daffodils, spectacular summer roses and herbaceous border, stunning autumn leaf display, and cosy conservatories to warm up in over winter. The New Zealand Garden also offers an accessible glimpse into the country’s unique wilderness to lose yourself in throughout the year. Adjacent to the rose garden is the New Zealand garden, which provides an introduction to native species. The conservatory complex displays everything from cacti and succulents to. The Botanic Gardens also host a number of fun events, especially throughout the summer months and school holidays, with live music and discovery trails.

Entrance to the Botanic Gardens is free, and with over a million visitors a year, it is a popular Christchurch attraction. For those who want a more comfortable tour, the Botanic Gardens Tour offers a guided tour on an all-weather electric shuttle. The tour takes visitors around the 21-hectares of the gardens, and the driver navigates the visitors through the various sections of the gardens while a guide provides information about the different trees and flowers which they pass. The gardens are accessible by car, tram, or foot, and there are plenty of on-street and off-street parking options near the Botanic Gardens. The tour departure point is also a 2-3 minute walk long Rolleston Avenue from Punting on the Avon’s Antigua Boat Sheds site.

The Friends of the Botanic Gardens offer free guided walks at the Botanic Gardens between October and April, and throughout the year on request. The tours are 45 to 60 minutes long unless otherwise stated, and the Mona Vale tours are 90 minutes. Special interest group tours are also available for a fee. With so much to see and do, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting the city.