Trip Planner:   South Pacific  /  New Zealand  /  South Island  /  Canterbury Region  /  Christchurch  /  Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Christchurch

4.8
#1 of 478 in Parks in South Island
Must see · Garden · Park
Stroll through South Island's colorful plant life at Christchurch Botanic Gardens, sheltering both native and exotic species. Sprawled over 21 hectares (52 acres) near the loop of the Avon River, this garden serves as one of Christchurch's major year-round tourist attractions. Highlights include a rose garden with 250 different varieties, a large Victorian glasshouse containing an impressive collection of tropical species, and a rock garden sheltering plants that flower throughout the year. In addition to a small cafe and gift shop, the visitor center features an interactive exhibit about the history of the area's gardening. Take a guided tour, or hop on one of the garden's electric shuttles. Make Christchurch Botanic Gardens part of your personalized Christchurch itinerary using our Christchurch trip planner.
Create an itinerary including Christchurch Botanic Gardens
© OpenMapTiles © OpenStreetMap contributors

Christchurch Botanic Gardens reviews

Rate this attraction
TripAdvisor traveler rating
TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
6,679 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • By 160dereks
    An absolute credit to the city, very well laid out and a really nice walk around the perimeter, then around the central areas.  more »
  • By markilee
    A large area of beautiful plants, flowers, trees, small lakes and grass area. Well worth a visit. Could spent a whole day there.  more »
See more on TripAdvisor »
Google
  • By Ron Sereda
    We visited here on two occasions and thoroughly enjoyed it each time. The gardens are huge, well designed and well maintained. The walking and cycle paths take you to all corners of the area, and one can easily find a secluded bench to enjoy the quiet beauty of nature in the midst of city bustle. Definitely worth the time, and nice to do in combination with a visit to the museum.
  • By Nyka Osteen
    Beautiful gardens that are free to walk around. We loved exploring all the different areas, including ponds, greenhouses, rose gardens, and a children's play area with pool. The cafe was great and perfect for a quick lunch. Parking gets pretty bad during the summer and the parking lot is difficult to drive in and out of so I suggest walking there or arriving early if you plan to park.
See more on Google »

Plan your trip to Christchurch

  • Get a personalized trip
    A complete day by day itinerary
    based on your preferences
  • Customize it
    Refine your trip. We'll find the
    best routes and schedules
  • Book it
    Choose from the best hotels
    and activities. Up to 50% off
  • Manage it
    Everything in one place.
    Everyone on the same page.

Popular things to do in Christchurch

TranzAlpine Train ©
Tramway
TranzAlpine Train
4.3
Duration: 8 hours
Canterbury Museum ©
History Museum
Canterbury Museum
4.6
Duration: 2 hours
International Antarctic Centre ©
Specialty Museum
International Antarctic Centre
4.2
Duration: 2 hours
Christchurch Gondola ©
Observation Deck
Christchurch Gondola
4.3
Duration: 2 hours

Side trips from Christchurch

©
Dolphin / Whale Watching
Dolphin & Whale Watching
Akaroa
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
©
Swim with Dolphins
Swim with Dolphins
Akaroa
4.5
Duration: 3 hours
Ohinetahi Garden ©
Garden
Ohinetahi Garden
Lyttelton
4.9
Duration: 2 hours
Geraldine Observatory ©
Observatory
Geraldine Observatory
Geraldine
4.9
Duration: 2h 30 min

Parks in Christchurch

Hagley Park ©
Park
Hagley Park
4.7
Duration: 2 hours
Margaret Mahy Family Playground ©
Playground
Margaret Mahy Family Playground
4.8
Duration: 30 minutes
Frensham Gardens ©
Garden
Frensham Gardens
5.0
Duration: 2 hours
Imagination Station ©
Playground
Imagination Station
4.8
Duration: 1h 30 min

Hidden gems in Christchurch

Christchurch Art Gallery (Te Puna o Waiwhetu) ©
Art Museum
Christchurch Art Gallery (Te Puna o Waiwhetu)
4.2
Duration: 2 hours
Pegasus Bay Winery ©
Winery / Vineyard
Pegasus Bay Winery
4.5
Duration: 2 hours
Mona Vale ©
Historic Site
Mona Vale
4.5
Duration: 2 hours
Ferrymead Heritage Park ©
Historic Site
Ferrymead Heritage Park
4.2
Duration: 1h 30 min

Shopping in Christchurch

The Arts Centre
Civic Center
The Arts Centre
4.0
Duration: 30 minutes
Re:START ©
Shopping Mall
Re:START
4.2
Duration: 2 hours
Cashel Street ©
Shopping
Cashel Street
4.0
Duration: 2 hours
Christchurch Farmers' Market ©
Farmers Market
Christchurch Farmers' Market
4.8
Duration: 1h 30 min

Nearby attractions in Christchurch

Christchurch Tramway
Tramway
Christchurch Tramway
4.3
Duration: 2 hours
185 Empty White Chairs - Earthquake Memorial ©
Landmark
185 Empty White Chairs - Earthquake Memorial
4.5
Duration: 2 hours
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve ©
Zoo
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
4.5
Duration: 1h 30 min
Quake City ©
Specialty Museum
Quake City
4.4
Duration: 1h 30 min

Featured attractions

Rent A Classic ©
Day Trip
Rent A Classic
5.0
Duration: 4 hours
Exchange Christchurch (XCHC) ©
Civic Center
Exchange Christchurch (XCHC)
4.7
Duration: 1h 30 min
Maossie Tours ©
Nature / Wildlife Tour
Maossie Tours
5.0
Duration: 8 hours
Orana Wildlife Park ©
Zoo
Orana Wildlife Park
4.1
Duration: 3 hours

Don't Miss a Thing. See & Do More.

Trips to Christchurch Botanic Gardens by other users

6 days in Christchurch BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Christchurch Art Gallery (Te Puna o Waiwhetu) 185 Empty White Chairs - Earthquake Memorial Exchange Christchurch (XCHC) 1 day in Christchurch BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Canterbury Museum Christchurch Botanic Gardens Cashmere Hill Lookout 6 days in Christchurch & Queenstown BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Christchurch Queenstown 13 days in South Island BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Queenstown Te Anau Wanaka 21 days in New Zealand BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Woodhill Auckland Taupo 19 days in Oceania BY A USER FROM NEW ZEALAND Tauranga Gisborne Napier