Botanic Gardens

Christchurch's Botanic Gardens were established in 1863 and cover 30 hectares (74 acres), the majority within the loop of the Avon River just minutes from the city centre. This award-winning garden has NZ’s only Peace Bell (a temple bell from Japan that is a symbol of world peace) and undoubtedly is home to the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand. Permanent and temporary artworks are scattered throughout the gardens. As well as daily walking tours, an electric shuttle tour of the gardens is available from 10am to 4pm in summer and 11am to 3pm in winter.