A great family activity at any season of the year: enjoy the world famous Botanic Gardens of Christchurch.

Explore one of the world’s most historic Botanic Gardens. Our tour guides really know their stuff and can answer all sorts of questions. Which trees are best for making bows and arrows? Can corks be made from trees? Do bananas grow in Christchurch?

Leaves entwine and flowers flourish in the steamy tropical heat of the conservatories. Compare the sub-Antarctic daisies, tough enough to survive wind and sleet. Appreciate the outdoor circular Rose Garden containing 150 different varieties. Crush a leaf and smell each herb in the Fragrance Garden. See New Zealand’s only World Peace Bell.

Botanic Gardens Tour Times
Tours begin at 10am (summer only), 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, and 3.30pm from the Canterbury Museum entrance to the Botanic Gardens on Rolleston Avenue, and at 10.30am (summer only), 11.30am, 2pm, and 3pm from outside the new Botanic Gardens. The full circuit, with commentary by our expert tour guide and driver, takes approximately one hour.

We are open 364 days of the year  (closed Christmas Day)

Summer 10am to 3:30pm  (November – March)

Winter 11am to 3:30pm  (April – October)

What You Need to Know
Our Botanic Gardens Tour suits all ages. Buy individual tickets or save with a family pass (2 adults & 3 children).

Each of our shuttles holds up to 20 people, and the shuttles make frequent stops. Our all-weather vehicles are easy to board, requiring one step to get on or off, and have safety handrails. The three electric and solar powered vehicles are also environmentally friendly.

Dress warmly on the day you go exploring, and wear comfortable shoes. For safety reasons, children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Please note that children are classed as being from 5 – 15 years of age.