To explore the botanical features of the Canterbury region, I recommend you base yourself in Christchurch. The city itself has many fine gardens, and other opportunities for outdoor enjoyment radiate out towards the west, north and south.

Any good Christchurch guide will point you towards private gardens that can be visited by appointment. Or you could simply wander the streets of Fendalton, the city’s most gracious suburb. The beautifully manicured lawns, flower beds and arbours are very easy on the eye.

A perfect park

An absolute must see is Hagley Park, which flanks the Botanic Gardens. This huge, green heart of the city is a place to walk and admire the planting efforts of Christchurch’s early settlers. Cricket grounds, playing fields, tennis courts, fountains, sculptures, rose gardens, herb gardens, rock gardens, alpine gardens, water gardens and conservatories all come together to create a wonderful place to relax or get some exercise.

In early spring the annual Gardenz garden show is held in Hagley Park. There’s a huge amount to see and buy.

Lyttelton and the peninsula

The Canterbury Cat cruises scenic Akaroa Harbour in Banks Peninsula.
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Behind Governor’s Bay are the parks and reserves of the Port Hills. If you can ride a mountain bike, this is the place to do it. Otherwise use the walking tracks to discover the wild, tussocky landscape.

Akaroa is a place to look at rose gardens and herbs. Fyrne Brook is an old-fashioned woodland garden with heritage roses. The Herb Farm nestles under a giant kahikatea tree - the proprietor can tell you all about the herb drying process.

At the pass

Porter’s Pass and Arthur’s Pass are my favourite Canterbury gardens. I like to get up early and walk for a few hours, before anyone else is awake. It’s tussock country - almost alpine - with an incredible diversity of flora and terrain. If you want to, you can do a bit of climbing, but it’s very good for the soul.

Refurbishing the land

At the Motukarara Conservation Nursery, which is run by the Department of Conservation, a special garden area has been established to display Canterbury’s native vegetation. The plants grown at this nursery are being used to refurbish the Port Hills, Banks Peninsula and Arthur’s Pass with eco-sourced material.