Explore the Botanic Gardens Christchurch New Zealand to
See Breathtaking NZ Plants

British settlers brought with them the traditions and pleasures of gardening from their homeland. In 1863, an English oak tree was planted to commemorate the marriage of Queen Victoria’s eldest son Prince Albert Edward to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. This is regarded as the first official planting in the Botanic Gardens Christchurch New Zealand.

The Botanic Gardens include an area of 30 hectares (74 acres), most of this within the confines of the Avon River’s twists and turns. In the beginning, the Gardens were largely natural wetlands and sand dunes. Since 1863, planners have transformed the Gardens into a place of beauty. The Gardens feature some of the finest plantings of exotic and indigenous vegetation found anywhere in New Zealand, and framed with many large majestic trees, some in excess of 120 years old.

Open daily, the park features an Information Centre, which provides maps and information about the location of plants and specific collections. Guided walks are available upon request. A full colour Botanic Gardens booklet, along with a nice selection of books, prints and cards with a plant theme and other souvenirs are available for purchase. The original Curators’ House is now open as an education facility and restaurant. This building, built in 1920, is the second dwelling to be constructed in the gardens.

The Gardens provide a habitat for plentiful bird life, including both introduced species such as the Blackbird and Finches and indigenous birds such as the Fantail and the Waxeye. Ducks are numerous on the river, lakes and in the ponds, both the common mallards and growing numbers of New Zealand Scaup.

While a combination of trees, shrubs, perennials and lawn areas provide an overall balanced garden, it is the addition of annual plants that make many designs look complete and help to emphasize the seasonal aspects. The Fragrant Garden is a special area which contains a selection of herbaceous perennials, trees and shrubs noted for their fragrances.

The Rock Garden contains many exotic and indigenous bulbs along with herbaceous perennials. Evergreen and deciduous shrubs amidst various volcanic rock outcrops provide the permanent structure. The Water Garden is known for its wide diversity of flowering and foliage plants, both moisture loving exotic and indigenous herbaceous perennials. Meticulous preparation, maintenance and care of each of these gardens is necessary to continue the beauty and culture of the Botanic Gardens.

Don’t forget to visit this lush, stunning, beautiful Christchurch attraction on your New Zealand vacation! Take a look at some inexpensive flights to New Zealand to enable you to get to Christchurch and savor its memorable sights.