Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tours - Historic Botanic Gardens

A visit to Christchurch is not complete until you visit the historic Botanic Gardens. Climb aboard one of our all-weather electric vehicles and tour in comfort. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour is an affordable activity for nature enthusiasts of all ages, allowing you to view some of the best examples of native and exotic flora in New Zealand.

Explore one of the world’s most historic Botanic Gardens. Our tour guides really know their stuff and can answer all sorts of questions. Which trees are best for making bows and arrows? Can corks be made from trees? Do bananas grow in Christchurch?

Leaves entwine and flowers flourish in the steamy tropical heat of the conservatories. Compare the sub-Antarctic daisies, tough enough to survive wind and sleet. Appreciate the outdoor circular Rose Garden containing 150 different varieties. Crush a leaf and smell each herb in the Fragrance Garden. See New Zealand’s only World Peace Bell.

A great family activity any season of the year: enjoy the world-famous Botanic Gardens of Christchurch.

What you need to know

Duration

Approximately 50 minutes

OPEN HOURS

We are open 364 days a year (closed Christmas Day)
Summer 10am to 3:30pm (November – March)
Winter 11am to 3:30pm (April – October)

Christchurch Attractions - Age Limit Icon

MINIMUM AGE

There is no minimum age but for safety reasons children must be accompanied by a paying adult

Things to note

Dress warmly on the day you go exploring, and wear comfortable shoes.

TRIPADVISOR

TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2019 winner

What we offer

CUSTOMER SATISFACTION FIRST

We are committed to giving you the best experience possible

ADD MORE GET MORE

Add 2 different attractions to the shopping cart = $5 OFF
Add 3 different attractions to the shopping cart = $10 OFF
Add all 4 attractions to the shopping cart = $15 OFF
Each attraction added to a single cart must have the same number of participants
Discount applied automatically to your entire shopping cart

Looking for more?

THE CHRISTCHURCH PASS

Botanic Gardens Tour Punting on the Avon River Christchurch Tram City Tour Scenic Gondola Ride

PUNTING, BOTANIC GARDENS TOUR & GONDOLA TRIPLE PASS

Botanic Gardens Tour Punting on the Avon River Scenic Gondola Ride

MOST POPULAR TRIPLE PASS: TRAM, PUNTING & BOTANIC GARDENS TOUR

Botanic Gardens Tour Punting on the Avon River Christchurch Tram City Tour

TRAM, BOTANIC GARDENS TOUR & GONDOLA TRIPLE PASS

Christchurch Tram City Tour Botanic Gardens Tour Scenic Gondola Ride

TOP SELLING COMBO: PUNT & BOTANIC GARDENS TOUR

Botanic Gardens Tour Punting on the Avon River

GONDOLA & BOTANIC GARDENS TOUR COMBO

Christchurch Gondola Botanic Gardens Tour

#1 SELLING COMBO: TRAM & BOTANIC GARDENS TOUR

Botanic Gardens Tour Christchurch Tram City Tour

Customer Reviews

May 2, 2019

I used to be the person who would save a few dollars and just walk around these sort of places but what I have realised is that you miss out on a lot of information. If you’re just visiting and trying to include a number of sightseeing activities, it’s a great option. Thanks to fabulous Faye our driver who provided an interesting commentary and in about an hour we covered what would maybe take twice as long at least I’m guessing. Visit the cafe and i/site before and/or after-lovely!

Harr1son3 - Mount Maunganui, New Zealand

April 20, 2019

You'll get a different perspective of the flora in New Zealand's second largest city by riding through this botanical garden in a lime-colored open sided shuttle called the Caterpillar. Founded in 1863 with the planting of a single English Oak tree, the gardens have grown to include nearly 75 acres of native species, rare plants and exotic succulents. The driver/narrator has informative and at times, humorous commentary to share. One of the best gardens of this type I have ever visited.

Eddiemack - Pompano Beach, Florida

April 3, 2018

We rode the caterpillar train around the gardens.It takes an hour stopping for a while at the rose gardens.Our guide was very was very informative and it was very enjoyable.

Laraine C - Brisbane, Queensland, Australia

March 20, 2018

Only had 3 hours to spare so took a guided tour around the gardens.Our guide Faye was excellent and informative.The tour lasts about an hour and gives you a good overview of how the gardens came about and their history since then.There is also a museum and places to eat.

anyoldtut - Luton, United Kingdom

What You Need to Know

Our Botanic Gardens Tour suits all ages. Buy individual tickets or save with a family pass (2 adults & 3 children).

Each of our shuttles holds up to 20 people, and the shuttles make frequent stops. Our all-weather vehicles are easy to board, requiring one step to get on or off, and have safety handrails. The three electric vehicles are also environmentally friendly.

Dress warmly on the day you go exploring, and wear comfortable shoes. For safety reasons, children must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Please note that children are classed as being from 5 – 15 years of age with infants under five years.

Tours begin at 10am (summer only), 11am, 12pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm, and 3.30pm from the Canterbury Museum entrance to the Botanic Gardens on Rolleston Avenue. Tours are also available at 10.30am (summer only), 11.30am, 2pm, and 3pm from outside the Botanic Gardens Visitors Centre (dependent on seat availability).

Botanic Gardens Tour

Cruise in Comfort Aboard Our Electric Shuttle

Book Now