Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Founded in 1863 and set in a loop of the Avon River, beside Hagley Park, these are some of the finest gardens in New Zealand. Highlights include the Central Rose Garden, the native plant section, the heritage conservatories and glasshouses, the herb garden and the huge old trees. It's free and open every day.

The gardens are a short walk from the city centre, next to the Canterbury Museum (closed for redevelopment until about 2028) and the Arts Centre, a cluster of beautiful Gothic Revival stone buildings. The café at the visitor centre is a good stop. The gardens are especially lovely in spring (September to November) and in autumn colour.