Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Christchurch

Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Christchurch (must see)

In 1863 an English oak tree was planted in an area of land just south of Hagley Park in Christchurch. The tree was planted for two reasons: 1) To inaugurate the Christchurch Botanic Gardens; and 2) To honor the marriage of Prince Albert of England and Princess Alexandra of Denmark. The marriage prospered and the park grew.

The garden ranges over 21 hectares by the Avon River. It has a variety of exotic and local plants, conservatories, a nursery, a playground and a climate station. The visitor center, opened in 2014, has a gift shop, cafe and an interactive exhibition on the history of gardening. Next door is the Ilex Nursery, home to 10,000 plant species.

The Armstrong Lawn has formal beds of flowers throughout the seasons. The Peacock Fountain, imported from England, is installed on the Lawn. The Curator's House (1920), also on the Lawn, has its own kitchen garden of flowers and vegetables.

Trails and formal paths wander about the park, bringing visitors through many different gardens and environments. The herbaceous border of the gardens is divided by an ornamental sundial. The gardens feature plants of different climates and regions. The Central Rose Garden has 104 beds holding a profuse collection of roses.

The Rock Garden's terraces are ideal for alpine plants. There is the Azalea and Magnolia Garden, canopied by oak and birch trees. There are gardens of heritage roses, the Temperate Asian Collection, and the Water Garden. Woodlands are represented in the Daffodil Woodland, the Woodland Garden and the arboretum of pine trees, called the Pinetum.

There are ornamental buildings, pavilions and follies, and the Bandsmen's Memorial Rotunda. Conservatories are the Cunningham House, the Townend House, the Garrick House, the Gilpin house, the Fern House and the Foweraker House. The conservatories shelter tropical plants, ferns, cacti and desert flora and water plants.

All this, and including a popular children's playground, a climatological station and a cafe are open to visitors.

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Christchurch Botanic Gardens on Map

Sight Name: Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Sight Location: Christchurch, New Zealand (See walking tours in Christchurch)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Walking Tours in Christchurch, New Zealand

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Create Your Own Walk in Christchurch

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Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.4 Km or 0.9 Miles
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Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.8 Km or 2.4 Miles