Parks and gardens

Christchurch has long been known as The Garden City – and with good cause. We take enormous pride in our gardens and the city is alive with natural beauty throughout the year.

One third of all public land is devoted to parks and reserves. This includes 13 major metropolitan parks covering some 3,000 hectares. The jewel in the crown is Hagley Park the green heart of the city. Bordered by the tranquil Avon River, it is 161 hectares of majestic trees, greenery, lakes, playing fields and flowers.

Within Hagley Park is the glorious Christchurch Botanic Gardens with its stunning displays of native and exotic trees, flowers and plants.

Nearby Mona Vale is also famous for its beautiful grounds, river boundary and annual spring and summer displays of flowers.

Considered an outstanding natural feature and landscape of national importance, the Port Hills provide a distinctive backdrop to the City, harbour and low plains.

For more rugged beauty the nearby beaches of Sumner, New Brighton, Waimairi and Taylors Mistake make a great place to swim, surf, walk or just sit back and relax.