Christchurch City is recognised as New Zealand’s 'Garden City' with over 740 parks and an extensive system of rivers, streams and wetlands that contribute to creating a world renowned quality environment for residents and visitors.

Christchurch is fortunate to have such a diversity of parks and waterways, from neighbourhood playgrounds, sports grounds and heritage gardens, to large wilderness areas, coastal parks, wetlands and rivers.

To find out more about Christchurch’s wonderful parks and waterways click on the links below:

• Garden city
  Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand, sited on the Canterbury Plains between the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean.
• Botanic Gardens
  The grounds of the Botanic Gardens encompass an area of 21 hectares (52 acres), within the loop of the Avon River. Contained within this area is undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand.
• Natural areas
  Christchurch's natural areas provide the opportunity to enjoy a more natural setting and get away from it all.
• Hagley Park
  Hagley Park is Christchurch's premier metropolitan park, which nearly encloses and is closely linked with the Botanic Gardens – about 12 hectares (30 acres) of North Hagley Park is also managed for botanic garden purposes. The Park is renowned for its extensive area of 165 hectares (407 acres), its wide open spaces and mature woodlands. It is a major sporting and cultural focal point for the city and is a space valued by both the city's residents and its visitors for recreation and entertainment close to the city centre.
• Recreation
  From quiet relaxation to energetic physical activity, there's something for everyone.

If you would like to contact the Council for more information on parks and waterways or to report a problem please telephone Parks and Waterways (03) 941 6840 or email us LeisureandParks@ccc.govt.nz.