Located in the heart of Christchurch, a short stroll from Distinction Christchurch Hotel, the Botanic Gardens are one of Christchurch's most visited public spaces with half a million recorded visitors each year.
Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English oak tree, this jewel of Christchurch city now consists of 21 hectares boasting some of the finest collections of native and exotic plants in New Zealand.
Wander amongst annual bedding displays, colourful herbaceous borders and some of the tallest and largest trees in the country. Appreciate the outdoor circular Rose Garden containing 150 different varieties of colourful and fragrant modern and cultivar roses. 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 tropical orchids, carnivorous plants and New Zealand’s only World Peace Bell.
The Armstrong Lawn within the gardens is home to the well photographed Peacock Fountain, originally imported from England and installed in the gardens in the early 1900s. The Curator’s House is another key feature of the Armstrong Lawn. Built in 1920 as the home of the gardens curator. The house is constructed from volcanic basalt rock from the Port Hills Quarry in the Old English or Tudor style of architecture.
The edible gardens at the homestead produce herbs, fruit and vegetables. Gardeners can learn about companion planting, crop rotation and composting at the Curator’s House demonstration gardens.
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are open every day from 7am and admission is free. The Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre, open daily from 8.30am - 5pm.
For more information about the Christchurch Botanic Gardens please contact our friendly Distinction Christchurch Hotel team who can provide assistance with information and directions.