Explore Christchurch by Tram

Christchurch is known as the Garden City - for good reason.

With its Botanic Gardens boasting stunning spring daffodils, vibrant summer roses, autumnal leaves of every colour of the spectrum, and cosy conservatories over winter, visiting the Botanic Gardens is a must-do during any season of the year.

History

Founded over 150 years ago in 1863 with the planting of an oak tree to celebrate the marriage of Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark, Christchurch Botanic Gardens has been a much-visited destination by both locals and international tourists for over a century.

In 1901, the Magnetic Observatory complex was constructed in the domain, and used by explorers Robert Scott and Ernest Shackleton to calibrate their compasses before heading to Antarctica, and was routinely used by Antarctic explorers and visiting scientists.

Since then, the Botanic Gardens have also been a New Zealand leader in the areas of horticulture, display, interpretation, education, research, networking, cultural and heritage relevance, and community appreciation. Native plant diversity and global plant diversity in particular has been of utmost importance to protect heritage and cultural values, and continues to be today.

Attractions

For horticulture and art-lovers out there, there’s no shortage of sculptures, plants, trees, and artworks to explore.

Art: In addition to permanent artworks located in the gardens, there are also a number of temporary installations from donors or organizations that change regularly. To view the exact locations of the featured artworks, click here.

Visitor Centre: The Visitor Centre is the perfect place to start on your trip to the gardens. Well-known in the architectural world and boasting some impressive awards, this building has a function room, the Ilex Café, a gift shop, and a permanent exhibition that tells the story of Christchurch and Canterbury through plants and gardening.

Conservatories: The Botanic Gardens boasts six magnificent conservatories, spread out across the domain.

From tropical plants, cacti and succulents, indigenous and alpine plants, and flowers and foliage of every type, the conservatories are an excellent place to wander through on any trip to the gardens.

New Zealand World Peace Bell: Unveiled in 2006, this bell was gifted to Christchurch by the World Peace Bell Association, and is New Zealand’s only peace bell. The World Peace Bell attracts many people, locals and visitors alike, for events and memorials throughout the year and has come to represent a place of serenity and reflection.

Location & Transportation

Located in the heart of the city near Hagley Park, it’s an easy destination to travel to by foot within the CBD. 

To plan your journey from your destination, view the Christchurch public transport website here.