Events at the Botanic Gardens

You are invited to join a number of events throughout the year at the New Zealand World Peace Bell located in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Celebrate, commemorate and have a go at ringing the bell.

Annual events

The World Peace Bell Association(external link) organises all of the above ceremonies with the exception of UN Holocaust Memorial Day, Hiroshima and Nagasaki Remembrance and Joya-no-kane 108 Bells.

Sometimes new events are added so please check back for commemorations of interest.

Find out more about the New Zealand World Peace Bell.

10am to 11.30am, Mondays during the school term.

Calling all parents, grandparents and caregivers! Bring your preschool-aged tamariki into the Christchurch Botanic Gardens to enjoy a simple craft or plant-based activity with the Canterbury Horticultural Society.

Stories, toys and colouring-in are available too.

• All welcome - no booking needed (caregiver supervision is required).
• Tea and coffee are provided.
• Gold coin koha entry
• Runs during school term-time.

Enjoy gardening and nature-based activities with your preschooler.

More information is available on the Canterbury Horticultural Society Facebook page(external link).

Envirokids is a chance to connect Kiwi kids to our environmental community and it's free.

Every Saturday, the Envirohub(external link) will have activities for kids inspired by the mahi (work) of different organisations that work with the environment.

Activities are available between 10am to 3pm every Saturday, even in the holidays.

• 10am to 3pm every Saturday at the Kiosk, Botanic Gardens.
• Children who come regularly can record their learning in a special passbook available once they attend their second event.
• EnviroKids is also an accredited Children's University learning destination so stamps are available for participating children's passports.

Find out more information about EnviroKids(external link) or keep up to date on the EnviroKids Facebook(external link). 

10.30am to 1.30pm Thursdays.

Pop in for an environmental chat if you need inspiration or advice on anything from starting a new environmental project,  volunteer challenges,  funding advice for green projects, sustainability at home or waste and recycling processes.

The EnviroHub are here to help:

• An opportunity to join an ongoing conversation or have a one-on-one chat.
• Free, no bookings required.
• Drop into the Kiosk anytime between 10.30am and 1pm in the Kiosk, Botanic Gardens.

Find more information about Environmental Chat(external link).

The Friends of the Botanic Gardens run a plant stall opposite the Kiosk. It is restocked daily and available plants often change.

• All plants are just $7.
• Payment is either via cash in the donation box, or eftpos at the Kiosk.
• Kiosk hours for EFTPOS payment are 10am to 4pm from September to April, and 10am to 3pm from May to August.
• Please bring your own bag to carry plants, the Kiosk does not have any available.

For more information about the varieties on offer, please contact friendsofthegardens@gmail.com.

Join the Friends of the Botanic Gardens volunteer guides for free guided walks at the Botanic Gardens (October to April) and Mona Vale Gardens (year-round).

Pick and choose from a wonderful selection of topics or come along to all of them for a dose of exercise, beautiful displays, and education rolled into one.

See the walk schedule.

Botanic Gardens guided walks

• October to April
• 1.30pm daily lasting 45 to 90 minutes.
• Meet at the Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Mona Vale guided walks

• Selected dates throughout the year.
• 1.30pm, lasting approx. 90 minutes.
• Meet by the Mona Vale rose garden.

If you have any queries about guided walks at Mona Vale or the Botanic Gardens, please contact friendsofthegardens@gmail.com.

Kia auaha! Let’s make and create at six of our favourite central city locations in this free discovery trail.

Create leaf boats, theatre masks, mosaics, wiggly sculptures, invent a machine and much more. 

• 10am to 3pm daily, Saturday 12 to Sunday 27 April.
• Some venues may have different opening hours than stated above, please check individual websites before you head out.
• Please be aware that some locations are shut for Easter Friday and Anzac Day.

Grab your free trail booklet from any of the locations listed below. This is a big trail, and you may need more than one day to fit everything in.

Brought to you by the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa, Te Puna o Waiwhetū Christchurch Art Gallery, Tūranga, Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre and Canterbury Museum. 

Join the Friends of the Botanic Gardens for their monthly speaker series.

This month's speaker is Robert Watson, a Christchurch-based Landscape Architect, plantsman and gardener. Robert will give us a fascinating insight into the art and science of his profession, as well as discuss recent projects and some of his well-known gardens.

• 4pm Sunday 27 April.
• Ilex Function Room, Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre.
• $5 for CHS and Friends' members, $10 for non-members.

Afternoon tea refreshments will be provided.

No bookings are required.

Join the Canterbury Horticultural Society for their monthly meet up! Hear fascinating speakers, connect with like-minded folk and learn new skills for the garden.

Garden life runs at 6pm on the first Tuesday off the month, with a repeat on Wednesday at 1pm.

• The Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• $5 for CHS and Friends members, $10 general public.
• Tea, coffee and biscuits provided in the afternoon session and nibbles and a glass of wine in the evening.

May

6pm, Tuesday 6 May and 1pm, Wednesday 7 May.

Main speaker: Dr Matthew Cromey, Plant pathologist

Dr Matthew Cromey is a Senior Plant Pathologist at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). He develops strategies to manage diseases affecting ornamental and edible plants, combining RHS research findings with other sources to provide effective advice. 

Now living in New Zealand, his work includes diagnosing plant problems, conducting field research, and collaborating with various stakeholders to manage garden diseases. Dr. Cromey has contributed to numerous scientific publications on plant pathology. 

Mini speaker: David Adams

David will talk about highlights from the 2025 Edible and Sustainable Garden Awards.

June

6pm, Tuesday 3 June and 1pm, Wednesday 4 June.

Main speaker: Michael Brown, rose pruning demonstration

As the current and former president of the Canterbury Rose Society, Michael has showcased his expertise at a national level, both as a competitor and judge. Now retired, he dedicates his time to growing and hybridizing roses, daffodils, chrysanthemums, and begonias, creating new blooms on his rural Loburn property. Michael will be conducting a live pruning demonstration with plants suitable for pruning in bush and miniature form.

Join renowned flower preservationist and artist Debz Eagle for two inspiring workshops in flower pressing and botanical art.

Pressed Flower Art Workshop

10am to 1pm Sunday 4 May.

Create botanical masterpieces and let your creativity blossom! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will inspire you to turn pressed flowers into beautiful paintings, collages, and mixed-media artworks.

• Artistic exploration: Learn unique techniques to combine pressed flowers with pencils, acrylics, and paint pens. Watch your creativity bloom as you craft one-of-a-kind pieces that blend nature with fine art.
• Materials supplied: Every participant will receive an exclusive art kit with pressed flowers, specialised adhesives, and all the art supplies you’ll need to get started.

Pressed Flower Workshop

2pm to 3.30pm Sunday 5 October.

Step into the captivating world of pressing flowers. This workshop is perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to expert floral artists. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your flower-pressing skills, this hands-on experience promises to guide you on your floral pressing journey.

• Botanical Exploration: Discover botanicals perfect for pressing and some unusual ones that you might not have thought of. Learn ways to preserve different kinds of flowers and how we can use them in arts and craft items.
• Materials Supplied: Each participant will be supplied with fresh flowers and leaves to press, a small traditional press to take home and an information booklet.

Location

Join us at The Kiosk, Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa Christchurch Botanic Gardens, just over the footbridge from the Armagh Street car park.

Free parking is available for the duration.

03 366 6937
office@chsgardens.co.nz

Costs

Use the coupon code SAVE$10 to save $10 when booking both Pressed Flower Workshops:

• $60 per workshop for members and Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
• $80 for non-members.
• $120 for one workshop plus CHS membership.
• $170 for both workshops and CHS membership.

Price includes materials and self-serve tea, coffee and biscuits.

Become a member of the CHS(external link)(external link) and receive up to 30% off all our courses and workshops.

Book on the Canterbury Horticultural Society website(external link).

For more information, please visit the CHS website(external link), email office@chsgardens.co.nz or phone 03 366 6937.

Learn to design with confidence and creativity – these are practical skills for a beautiful, functional garden.

6.30 to 9pm every Wednesday, 7 May to 13 June plus a practical session on 15 June.

Join us for an immersive garden design course that will help you see your outdoor space with fresh eyes.

Over seven sessions, you’ll gain practical skills and design knowledge to create a beautiful and functional garden tailored to your needs. Each session will comprise a mixture of teaching and hands-on activities, with a short break in the middle.

Requirements

No prior knowledge of garden design is required for this course; however, participants should be prepared to dedicate at least 1.5 hours per week to homework to ensure they are ready for the next session.

Participants will need to provide some of their own sketching tools. A list will be available soon.

Location

Join us at The Kiosk, Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa Christchurch Botanic Gardens, just over the footbridge from the Armagh Street car park.

03 366 6937
office@chsgardens.co.nz

Costs

• $590 for CHS members and Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
• $700 for non-members.
• Bundle the course with a CHS Membership and pay just $650.

We are pleased to offer a payment plan for this course. Give Jenny a call or email(external link) in the office to chat through the options.

Self-serve tea, coffee and biscuits available throughout

Find out more and book your space(external link).

Ceramics inspired by nature - craft your own botanical clay patterns and let your creativity flourish.

Join ceramicist Jane McCulla for a hands-on practical workshop. In each workshop, Jane will demonstrate how to imprint botanical textures onto clay using hand-building techniques.

Jane will take care of the glazing and firing, and two weeks later, you’ll collect your work imprinted with botanical patterns and suitable for everyday use.

Botanical mug

2pm to 4pm Sunday 10 May.
Mother's Day ceramics - make a unique botanical-inspired mug with mum.

Botanical bud vases

2pm to 4pm Sunday 24 August.
Create a cluster of bud vases - hand-built vases perfect for displaying delicate botanicals.

Botanical container with lid

2pm to 4pm Sunday 7 September
Father's Day ceramics - make a botanical-inspired container with Dad.

Green man tile

1pm to 3.30pm Sunday 12 October.
An old age symbol of seasonal renewal and ecological awareness.

Location

Join us at The Kiosk, Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa Christchurch Botanic Gardens, just over the footbridge from the Armagh Street car park.

Free parking is available for the duration.

03 366 6937
office@chsgardens.co.nz

Costs

• $65 Members and Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
• $80 for non-members.
• Price includes all materials and self-serve tea, coffee and biscuits.
  

Please bring along an apron or wear clothing that you are happy to get a spot or two of clay on.

Book your mug, vase or container workshop(external link).

Book your Green Man tile workshop(external link).

Become a Member of the CHS(external link) and receive up to 30% off all our courses and workshops.

Please note: Our courses are aimed at adults. If you are under 18, please contact us before booking so we can check with our tutors.

Join a magical mid-winter Christmas celebration at the Kiosk nestled within the enchanting Botanic Gardens.

1pm to 4pm Wednesday 25 June.

Delight in crafting exquisite decorations as you enjoy sumptuous sandwiches, freshly baked scones with cream and jam, and sweet, festive treats, all served with a selection of fine teas.

Only 30 tickets are available. Secure your spot today.(external link)

Location

Join us at The Kiosk, Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa Christchurch Botanic Gardens, just over the footbridge from the Armagh Street car park.

03 366 6937
office@chsgardens.co.nz

Costs

• $30 for CHS members and Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
  $40 for non-members.
  $105 for the workshop and CHS Membership.

Become a Member of the CHS(external link) and receive up to 30% off all our courses and workshops.

Discover a passion for bonsai.

9am to 1pm Sunday 3 August.

Join bonsai artist Aaron Curtis for an in-depth 4-hour workshop experience in the Botanic Gardens.

Aaron will guide you through the intricate process of creating a bonsai. From in-depth wiring, styling and design, followed by on-going care. Learn to create a tree that tells a story, creates a memory, or simply resembles that balance of art and nature. 

This workshop is exclusive for Canterbury Horticultural Society and combines two of his popular offerings from Shiro Bonsai(external link).

Location

This workshop will take place at The Kiosk, Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa Christchurch Botanic Gardens, just over the footbridge from the Armagh Street car park.

03 366 6937
office@chsgardens.co.nz

Costs

• $185 CHS members and Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
• $225 for non-members.
• $245 for the workshop and CHS Membership.

Take home a 2.5l nursery juniper and a high-quality ceramic Yixing bonsai pot.

Self-serve tea, coffee and biscuits available throughout

Book your place.(external link)

Become a member

Become a Member of the CHS(external link) and receive up to 30% off all our courses and workshops.

Please note: This course is aimed at adults. If you are under 18, please contact us before booking so we can check with our tutors. If the event is sold out online, and you would like to go on the waitlist, please also get in touch.

Discover how simple it is to grow a variety of cut flowers from seed and bring home your own sown seeds for your garden.

6.30pm to 8.30pm, Thursday 28 August.

Sow an array of flower seeds to brighten your garden with this hands-on workshop with plenty to take home to get you growing.

In this easygoing session, self-taught flower-garden enthusiast Isabelle Weston will introduce you to growing cut flowers from seed.

Designed for beginners, this hands-on workshop will teach you the essentials of raising your own flower seeds, from planting to growth.

You’ll gain valuable knowledge on how to nurture a thriving flower garden and take home enough seeds to provide plenty of future planting and picking.

Materials provided to take home

• A variety of flower seeds
• Seedling trays and pots
• High-quality potting mix
• Instructional planting guide
• Seed to take home

What to bring

• Notebook and pen for taking notes
• Gardening gloves (optional)
• Mask for potting mix
• A large plastic or cardboard storage box for transporting your newly planted seeds home. A plastic storage container can also serve as a seed-raising glass house.

Location

This workshop will take place at The Kiosk, Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa Christchurch Botanic Gardens, just over the footbridge from the Armagh Street car park.

03 366 6937
 office@chsgardens.co.nz

Costs

• $185 for CHS members and Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
• $225 for non-members.
• $245 for the workshop and CHS membership.

Take home a 2.5l nursery juniper and a high-quality ceramic Yixing bonsai pot.

Self-serve tea, coffee and biscuits are available throughout.

Book your place(eternal link)(external link)

Become a Member of the CHS(external link)(external link) and receive up to 30% off all our courses and workshops.

Please note: This course is aimed at adults. If you are under 18, please contact us before booking so we can check with our tutors. If the event is sold out online, and you would like to go on the waitlist, please also get in touch.

Enjoy zero-waste, nature-based craft that creates beautiful, sustainable gifts and home decorations. Join tutor Toni Rowe and learn how to craft kono baskets and putiputi.

Kono (four corner) basket

• 10am to 1pm, and 1.30pm to 4pm, Sunday 28 September.
• 10am to 1pm, Sunday 26 October.

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to make a useful Kono (four corner) basket from harakeke.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to craft your own practical and sustainable harakeke basket.

Putiputi (flax flowers)

10am to 1pm, Sunday 26 October.

Join us at The Kiosk for an enriching and hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the art of making different styles of Putiputi and leave with a bunch.

By the end of the workshop, you’ll have the knowledge and skills to craft your own stunning putiputi, carrying a piece of sustainable and cultural artistry into your life.

Location

This workshop will take place at The Kiosk, Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa Christchurch Botanic Gardens, just over the footbridge from the Armagh Street car park.

03 366 6937
office@chsgardens.co.nz

Costs

• $40 for CHS members and Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
• $50 for non-members

Bookings are required.(external link)(external link)(external link)

Become a Member of the CHS(external link)(external link) and receive up to 30% off all our courses and workshops.

Please note: This course is aimed at adults. If you are under 1,8 please contact us before booking so we can check with our tutors. If the event is sold out online, and you would like to go on the waitlis,t please also get in touch.

A creative and spooky family workshop.

2pm to 4pm Saturday 18 October.

Get into the spooky spirit and unleash your creativity by crafting your very own Halloween-themed scarecrow! Perfect for individuals, families, and groups, this hands-on workshop is a fun and festive way to celebrate the season.

• Work solo or as a team:
  Whether you’re flying solo, teaming up with your whanau, or crafting with friends, this workshop caters to everyone. Create a spooky masterpiece to scare (or delight) your neighbourhood.
• All materials provided:
  We’ll provide all the essentials for building your scarecrow, including a variety of materials and accessories. But if you’ve got old clothes, hats, ties or props lying around, feel free to bring them along to add a personal touch and upcycle.
• Seasonal treats for a break:
  Halfway through, take a break and enjoy some sweet treats and fresh fruit to keep your energy and creativity flowing.
• Take home your creation:
  At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a unique, handcrafted scarecrow ready to display in your garden, porch, or anywhere that needs a bit of Halloween magic.

15 individuals/family groups per session only.

The workshop is recommended for children 10 and up who are comfortable sewing on their own. For younger children, it's a wonderful opportunity to team up with a parent or guardian for some hands-on creative fun.

Location

Join us at The Kiosk, Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa Christchurch Botanic Gardens, just over the footbridge from the Armagh Street car park.

03 366 6937
office@chsgardens.co.nz

Costs

• $55 per individual or family group.
• $70 for non-members.
• $115 for the workshop and CHS membership.

Includes all materials and light refreshments.

Don’t miss out on this frightfully fun workshop. Book your spot now(external link), and let your Halloween creativity shine.

Age suitability

We recommend this workshop for kids aged 10 and up who are comfortable sewing on their own. For younger children, it’s a wonderful opportunity to team up with a parent or guardian for some hands-on creative fun.

Every family is different, so if your little one enjoys crafting and has a bit of patience, they’re more than welcome to join with your support!

Become a member

Become a member of the CHS(external link) and receive up to 30% off all our courses and workshops.

For more information, please visit the CHS website(external link)(external link)(external link), email office@chsgardens.co.nz or phone 03 366 6937.

Walk, talk and taste with gardener and award-winning author Sue Heazlewood.

1.30pm Saturday 22 November. Rainy day date Sunday 23 November.

Join the Canterbury Horticultural Society for an enchanting afternoon at the beautiful Tangleby Gardens in Ohoka. Featuring a talk from the gardener and author, cooking demonstration and decadent afternoon tea, you’re sure to be inspired by Tangleby’s captivating Canterbury setting.

Event highlights

• 1.30pm: Talk with gardener and author Sue Heazlewood. Discover the story behind this classic country house surrounded by colourful, inviting gardens.
• 2pm: cooking demonstration. Sue will share some of the dishes that grace the table at Tangleby in an hour-long demonstration. Sure to leave you inspired to cook and bring a little bit of the Tangleby magic home.
• 3pm: Garden tour. Stroll around the picturesque gardens at your leisure.
• 3pm: Afternoon tea Enjoy a beautifully curated afternoon tea by Sue Heazlewood, featuring savoury canapés, delicate tarts, and indulgent sweet treats, perfectly paired with an elegant garden setting.

Location

Tangleby Gardens(external link), 14 Joy Place, Ohoka, Canterbury Waitaha.

Canterbury Horticultural Society Office, 03 366 6937, office@chsgardens.co.nz

Costs

• $95 for members and Friends of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.
• $120 for non-members.
• $155 for the event and CHS membership.

Reserve your spot today.(external link) Limited places available.

Become a member of the CHS(external link) and receive up to 30% off all our courses and workshops.

Please note: our events are aimed at adults. If you are under 18 or wish to bring along tamariki please contact us before booking so we can check. 

To get involved in volunteering in the Botanic Gardens, join the Friends of the Botanic Gardens(external link).