Christchurch Botanic Garden
★★★★★
Renowned for its beautiful trees, the Christchurch Botanic Garden, part of Hagley Park, dates back to the early 1860s when the first plantings were made. The garden is flat and easily explored with an information centre, tea kiosk and all facilities. While the well-tended, century-old trees are of major interest there are many other features including rhododendron and shrub borders, a long herbaceous border and an excellent formal rose garden where the mostly hybrid tea roses are at their best in December. Adjacent to the rose garden is the tropical plant conservatory, fern and cacti houses, while the native plant collection centered on the Cockayne Memorial Garden is not to be missed.
Across the Avon is the Heritage Rose Garden where old roses may be seen at their best in early December and nearby the delightful Primula Garden where primulas and other plants from Asia are displayed in a natural setting. Formal bedding is mostly confined to the eastern boundary on Rolleston Avenue where the Peacock Fountain is a feature. From here it is worth strolling to the potager garden behind the former curators' house, now a café. N.B. Please note the conservatories are shut at present due to earthquake damage.
Facilities and Amenities
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Open every day
Free entry
Gates open: 7am every day.
Gates close: November to February 9pm March 8.30pm April to September 6.30pm October 8.30pm
Visitor Centre is open: Monday to Friday 9am – 4pm Saturday & Sunday 10.15am – 4pm
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Driving The garden is in central Christchurch on Rolleston Avenue.
You can enter the garden at four different entrances:
Armagh footbridge off Rolleston Avenue Rolleston Avenue.
West Bridge off Riccarton Avenue Woodland Bridge off Riccarton Avenue.
Public car parks are available at Armagh Street and Rolleston Avenue entrance ( a parking limit of 180 minutes applies Monday to Friday 8am – 6pm).
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Physical Address: Rolleston Ave, Christchurch
Phone: 03 941 7590
Email: christchurchbotanicgardens@ccc.govt.nz
Website: http://ccc.govt.nz/parks/botanicgardens
