If you like trees then Hagley Park probably rates as one of your favourite "Go-To" places, just as it is mine. With 164 hectares to wonder around in, and 5000 trees in Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens there is always something new to see and enjoy, regardless of the weather, and it's never crowded despite the 1 million plus annual visitors. On a sunny afternoon it can be very restful just to sit and watch the people go past ....
One of the best sights in Canterbury is when the blossom trees on Harper Avenue burst into flower - roll on Spring! The daffodils! Then there's the Heritage Rose Garden (which I finally found near the hospital) as well as the main rose garden which is a joy to nose and eye alike. And don't forget the conservatories - they've been repaired and re-opened for a while now, so if you haven't ventured into Cuningham House (or the other four Houses) post-quake, then it really is time to take a wonder through.
With KidsFest and the school holidays upon us, the Botanic Gardens, opens a new window are running a Planet Gnome promotion - the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre will give you a passport and all you need to know to join in.
Botanic D'Lights on 3-7 August for the second year running - I didn't go last year, and kicked myself for it, because it sounded amazing, and so much fun. The event listing describes it as:
this five-night winter spectacle engages NZ’s leading lighting artists, designers and creative thinkers. When darkness falls, you’ll explore an illuminated pathway which turns the Gardens’ vast collection of plants and grand conservatories into a glittering winter wonderland. All to the beat of exciting soundscapes and special performances.
So looking forward to it! Note to self: bring hat, coat, gloves, torch and cash for hot drinks and food as well as the gold coin donation for the Children's Garden renewal project. See you there!
Search our catalogue
Looking at the Botanic Gardens
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens heritage images
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens Flickr
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens DigitalNZ set
- Gordon M. Gee botanical illustrations
Looking at Hagley Park
- History of Hagley Park
- Hagley Park heritage images
- Hagley Park photos on Flickr
- Hagley Park DigitalNZ set
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens 150th anniversary information sheet [360KB PDF]
Resources
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens. A history and guide with information on hours, plantings and a tour map of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
- Hagley Park plans. Christchurch City Council’s management plans.
- Hagley Park. Archives New Zealand’s online exhibition of documents important to the history of Hagley Park.
- A World Peace Bell for Christchurch, New Zealand a Christchurch City Council resource
- Christchurch Botanic Garden Walking Guide
- Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
- Search Papers Past for the Christchurch Botanic Gardens earlier called the Christchurch Domain
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