Christchurch, the Garden City

Garden Parks of Christchurch

Mona Vale

In the true Christchurch tradition, elegant Mona Vale is an historic Victorian homestead surrounded by English style gardens, with the bonus of charming outbuildings.

It is within short driving distance of the central city and was part of the estate belonging to the Deans, one of Christchurch’s first settler families. The house and garden date from 1899, with additional land acquired and outbuildings constructed after the turn of the century.

The property passed into City Council ownership in the late 1960s, with help from the public of Christchurch in raising funds for the purchase.

From its beginnings, the garden has featured significant plantings of English and European trees, rhododendrons, camellias, conifers and maples. More recently, magnolias, many ericaceae, herbaceous perennials and beds of annuals have been added. Members of the Canterbury Horticultural Society have been involved with the development of Mona Vale and several affiliated groups have display areas, such as the iris garden on the riverbank which creates a significant and colourful impression each spring.

Mona Vale house is leased as a restaurant and function centre.

• Gate closing times:
  • January 9.00pm
  • February 9.00pm
  • March 8.00pm then 7.00pm (daylight savings ends)
  • April 6.30pm
  • May 6.00pm
  • June 5.30pm
  • July 5.30pm
  • August 5.30pm
  • September 6.00pm
  • October 6.30pm then 8.00pm(daylight saving begins)
  • November 8.30pm
  • December 9.00pm