Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tours and Activities

Christchurch Botanic Gardens featuring heritage elements as well as a large group of people
Christchurch Botanic Gardens featuring a fountain and a park as well as an individual child
Christchurch Botanic Gardens featuring a park
Christchurch Botanic Gardens featuring a fountain and a garden
Christchurch Botanic Gardens showing a garden


With miles of open lawns and vibrant flower beds, this serene area of parkland ensures Christchurch’s reputation as a garden city.

Stroll beside the gently flowing Avon River in the shade of lush pines and exotic palm trees at Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Admire native roses as well as greenhouses full of cacti and carnivorous plants.

Founded in 1863, the garden began with the planting of an English oak tree. An array of flora and fauna now covers an area of 30 hectares (74 acres), divided into 10 separate gardens that form a loop along the banks of the river.

Enter this peaceful haven and make your way to the colourful rose garden. Along with traditional red flowers you will find this area lit up by hybrid-teas and ramblers.

Continue to the nearby New Zealand garden where you will discover a selection of indigenous plants. You won’t miss the bright Kowhai and Rata that stand alongside the nation’s highly distinctive ferns, many of which don’t grow anywhere else in the world.

An undoubted highlight of the garden is the conservatory complex. Whatever the time of year you can come here to marvel at tropical orchids and a range of cacti. Be sure to pay a visit to the carnivorous flytraps and tall sarracenia.

Back outside, head to the grassy fields where you can lie back and relax in the sun. Watch as people play in the gardens and boats punt by on the river.

If you would rather a more luxurious route around the garden, hop on the caterpillar train. For a small fee it runs regular tours around the grounds, stopping at all the gardens’ most impressive sights. A local guide will inform you about the variety of plants you see.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens are on Rolleston Avenue in the heart of the city. There is a small visitor centre and a café that serves drinks and snack food. The garden is open all year and entry is free.

Plan a trip to see Christchurch Botanic Gardens

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Carnmore Hotel Christchurch
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Rydges Latimer Christchurch

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Top Christchurch Botanic Gardens Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Hotel Give

Hotel Give

3.5 out of 5
12 Hereford Street, Christchurch
Hotel Give
Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street

Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street

4 out of 5
64 Kilmore St, Christchurch, Canterbury
Wyndham Garden Christchurch Kilmore Street
Sudima Christchurch City

Sudima Christchurch City

5 out of 5
47-49 Salisbury Street, Christchurch, Canterbury
Sudima Christchurch City
Rydges Latimer Christchurch

Rydges Latimer Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
30 Latimer Square, Christchurch, Canterbury
Rydges Latimer Christchurch
Fable Christchurch

Fable Christchurch

4.5 out of 5
166 Gloucester Street, Christchurch
Fable Christchurch
Chateau on the Park - Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton

Chateau on the Park - Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton

4 out of 5
189 Deans Ave, Riccarton, Christchurch
Chateau on the Park - Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch

3.5 out of 5
165 Cashel Street, Christchurch
BreakFree on Cashel Christchurch
Carnmore Hotel Christchurch

Carnmore Hotel Christchurch

4 out of 5
840 Colombo St, Christchurch, Canterbury
Carnmore Hotel Christchurch
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

The Observatory Hotel Christchurch

5 out of 5
9 Hereford Street Christchurch, Christchurch, Canterbury
The Observatory Hotel Christchurch
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens offer a delightful experience with activities such as guided tours and city sightseeing. Visitors can explore the stunning botanical gardens, participate in various festivals, and enjoy shopping nearby. Whether you're taking a dedicated botanic gardens tour or simply wandering through the lush landscapes, there's plenty to see and do in this beautiful oasis.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience, head to Riccarton Road, only 805m from the gardens, where you'll find a family-friendly vibe. Riverside Market and Cashel Mall, both 1.1km away, offer vibrant city atmospheres with plenty of entertainment and local goodies.

Recreation

Orangetheory Stadium offers an energetic environment for fitness enthusiasts, just 1.6km from the gardens. For family fun, Margaret Mahy Playground, also 1.6km away, provides outdoor play areas. Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre, 3.2km distant, is perfect for relaxation and wellness activities.

Adventure

The Christchurch Gondola offers stunning panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes, located 9.7km from the Botanic Gardens. For an exhilarating experience, visit Christchurch Adventure Park, only 4.8km away, where you can zipline through the treetops. If motorsports excite you, Woodford Glen Speedway, 14.5km away, showcases thrilling races.

Nightlife

In Christchurch, the Isaac Theatre Royal offers a captivating blend of culture and romance with its stunning performances, located 1.4km from the Botanic Gardens. Similarly, The Court Theatre, also 1.4km away, provides a lively atmosphere, perfect for family entertainment and night outings.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch Botanic Gardens offers a delightful mix of urban parks, piazzas, and streets, perfect for tourists seeking cultural experiences and family-friendly activities. Explore the stunning gardens and nearby attractions, taking in the beauty of the flora while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. Don’t miss out on the various points of interest around the Botanic Gardens for a truly memorable visit to Christchurch.

  • Hagley Park: A sprawling urban oasis, Hagley Park is perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Enjoy leisurely strolls, picnics, or sports activities amidst lush greenery and vibrant flower gardens, all within a stone's throw of the Botanic Gardens.
  • Te Pae Christchurch Convention and Exhibition Centre: This modern venue is a hub for business and events, featuring state-of-the-art facilities. It’s an ideal spot to explore innovative exhibitions and conferences while soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Christchurch.
  • Cathedral Square: A cultural landmark, Cathedral Square is the heart of the city, surrounded by historic buildings and lively cafés. Experience local art, community events, and the stunning architecture of the iconic Christchurch Cathedral.

Best time to go to Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The best time to visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Christchurch Botanic Gardens falls in January, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Christchurch Botanic Gardens falls in July, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January62.1°F (16.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly HighAverage
February61.5°F (16.4°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
March58.5°F (14.7°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly HighSlightly High
April54.0°F (12.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowAverage
June45.1°F (7.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
July43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
August45.5°F (7.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
September48.0°F (8.9°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October51.1°F (10.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November55.2°F (12.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
December59.4°F (15.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Christchurch Botanic Gardens

For a budget-friendly visit to Christchurch Botanic Gardens, consider travelling between June to August when accommodation prices drop. Book your hotel about a month in advance or check for last-minute deals on Expedia, especially on Sundays for the best rates. Use Expedia’s search tool to find eco-certified hotels and package deals that include flights and activities. Don’t forget to explore the gardens and nearby attractions, as many outdoor activities are free, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of Christchurch without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Christchurch Botanic Gardens are June to August, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to February to March and November, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Christchurch Botanic Gardens is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Christchurch Botanic Gardens is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Christchurch Botanic Gardens is Wednesday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool gives you the flexibility to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can organise your search results to display the lowest prices first, ensuring you find the most affordable accommodation right away. Additionally, if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll be presented with a range of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by combining your hotel stay at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.