The Sister Cities Gardens at Halswell Quarry Park was a millennium project initiated by Turning Point 2000. The gardens cover almost 20 hectrares and form part of the 55 hectare park at the quarry site, on the outskirts of Christchurch.
Groundwork on the gardens started in early 1999 and the first trees were ceremoniously planted in June 1999. The Sister Cities Gardens were 
officially opened by Governor General Sir Michael Hardie Boys on 17 February 2001. Delegations from each of Christchurch's six sister cities then moved to their relevant gardens and unveiled a small plaque and planted a tree in a small ceremony to dedicate their garden.
The individual gardens have been designed and landscaped after extensive consultations with each sister city and the plants within each garden are all native of their respective regions.
Each of the sister city committees has pledged a significant permanent feature for its respective garden, which is representative of the culture of the sister city.
There are picnic facilities, interesting walks, wonderful views and ample car parking.
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| Kurashiki Garden - the wisteria in bloom October 2006 |
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| Kurashiki Garden - path to the summerhouse with sakura (Japanese cherry blossoms) |
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| Kurashiki Garden - pergola with wisteria October 2006 |