Spring is one of the most beautiful times of year in Christchurch, from the avenue of cherry blossoms around Hagley Park, to the wonderful Botanic Garden flower beds and many other gardens open to the public around the city and nearby.
Check out some of the most popular gardens to visit when you are staying in Christchurch with us.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Rolleston Avenue
Notable at this time of year for the beds of yellow daffodils alongside the Avon River, and the multi-coloured beds of annuals, the Botanic Gardens stretch for 30 hectares in the centre of the city and are a very popular destination for visitors and locals alike, any day of the week. Entrance is free, and they close at 6.30pm daily.
While you are visiting the gardens, why not also take a wander through the Canterbury Museum, located in the Gardens with access from Rolleston Avenue. The Arts Centre is also just over the road, so you can enjoy several of the city’s visitor attractions all in one day without having to leave this precinct.
The tramway also goes right past this area, so you can incorporate a tram ride around the city at the same time.
Mona Vale Homestead and Gardens, Fendalton Road
One of the city’s historic homesteads, and just a short walk from Hagley Park, Mona Vale features rose and iris gardens, woodland plantings along the river and colour-themed borders.
More recently, magnolias, many Ericaceae, herbaceous perennials and beds of annuals have been added.
The homestead itself is hired out for functions and has a cafe where you can order coffee and cake while you enjoy the surroundings.
Entrance to Mona Vale is free and closing time varies depending on the time of year. Check the City Council website for more information and opening hours.
Riccarton Bush, 16 Kahu Road
Located just off Riccarton Road, Riccarton Bush – also known as Deans Bush, is the last remaining remnant of virgin native bush left in the city.
Boardwalks take visitors through the bush itself, to ensure the tree roots are not damaged and you can also enjoy the historic Riccarton House with its restaurant and the original Deans cottage which has been preserved to provide an insight into the life of the first English settlers in the Christchurch area.
On Saturday mornings, the whole site is alive with the local farmer’s market, which is very popular and provides a great opportunity to browse, shop for locally grown and made produce, enjoy a coffee and go for a wander through the gardens and the bush.
Entry to Deans Bush is free and open year round.
Edmonds Factory Garden, 357 Ferry Road
The garden and factory, which feature on the cover of the best-selling Edmonds Cookery Book, have been a horticultural delight for generations of visitors and residents.
The Edmonds gardens have won many awards in civic beautifying competitions, and, until the late 1980s, a succession of gardeners were employed full-time to maintain and develop the formal geometric beds, lawns and plantings of annuals.
Christchurch City Council acquired a major portion of the original Edmonds Factory Garden in 1991 after the building had been demolished and the property sub-divided.
Since then, a rose garden and an oval garden have been added. Recently new, enclosed areas of a more natural style have been developed, with an emphasis on low maintenance, featuring permanent plantings of evergreen shrubs and dwarf conifers.
Entry to the gardens is free and you can use the parking up the long driveway. A children’s playground is included along with the large parkland area adjoining the gardens, so this a perfect spot to take the family. Dogs are also welcome as long as they are on a leash.
The original Edmonds cookbook featuring the “Sure to Rise” slogan and the garden.
