As there is so much to see in the Botanic Gardens you might like to consider taking a tour. There are a number of different options for tours.

COVID-19 update: The Botanic Gardens is closed

The Government is asking for everyone to stay at home. Their advice is that you can go for a walk or exercise outdoors for a short time, but to stick to simple walks or exercise spots close to home. 

We’ve closed all of our Council facilities until further notice, to support the Government’s fight against COVID-19. This includes the Botanic Gardens.

The following are also closed:

  • Public toilets.
  • Playgrounds, play equipment or exercise equipment in parks.
  • Car parks within parks.
  • Visitor and information centres.
  • The Spencer Park animal area and fenced dog parks.
  • All Council-owned sports facilities

Unite Against Covid-19, visit covid19.govt.nz.

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Friends of the Botanic Gardens tours

Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens tours

Friend's Guided WalkVolunteer guides from the Friends of the Botanic Gardens conduct 1.5 hour guided tours of Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

  • Tours cost $10
  • No bookings required
  • Departs at 1.30pm from the museum gates daily

A fantastic guided tour by knowledgeable and friendly guides who will tailor to your interests or showcase the best of the Botanic Gardens.

See what is possibly the longest herbaceous border in the Southern Hemisphere, the famous silver fern, the rediscovered wollemi pine, prizewinning roses, a jungle like conservatory, avenues of sequoia, fir, kauri and cedar, and much more.

Alternatively, group tours with the volunteer guides can be arranged at any time. For more information or to book a tour contact 03 384 3475.  

Botanic Garden caterpillar tours

Caterpillar TourBotanic Garden Tours(external link) operate a guided audio tour of the Gardens in electric shuttles. 

Tour times:

  • Summer (October to March): 10am to 3.30pm daily 
  • Winter (April to September): 11am to 3.30pm daily 

For more information or to book, contact Botanic Gardens Tours on (03) 366 7830 or info@christchurchattractions.nz.

Meet the shuttle at the museum gates on Rolleston Avenue, or outside the Visitor Centre.

Group tours

Interested parties are asked to contact the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre via phone or email. 

Tour type Duration Cost Description
Limited mobility
 1 hour $30 per vehicle Groups of local visitors with limited mobility (e.g. resthome residents) can request driven tours through the gardens. This service is not available during the school holidays.
Community group
 1.5 hours $150 per group Groups of local visitors can request tours through the gardens on a range of topics.
Tourist group
 1.5 hours $290 per group A limited number of tourist group tours are offered on a first-in-first-served basis.

For more information or to book contact 03 941 7590 or christchurchbotanicgardens@ccc.govt.nz