Join us for one of our upcoming events at the Gardens. We look forward to seeing you!
Stay up to date with Botanic Gardens events and seasonal highlights on Facebook(external link).
Download a map of the Botanic Gardens [PDF, 2.2 MB] showing all event locations.
Throughout the year
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.
Event | Date |
UN Holocaust Memorial Day | 27 January |
Christchurch Earthquake Memorial | 22 February |
Tōhoku Japan Tsunami and Earthquake Day | 11 March |
Christchurch Mosque Memorial | 15 March |
UN International Bicycle Day | 3 June |
Hiroshima and Nagasaki Remembrance | 7 August |
UN International Day of Peace | 21 September |
UN International Malala Day for Girl's Education | 10 November |
CHC Peace Bell Open Day | Second Sunday in December |
Joya-no-kane 108 Bells | 31 December |
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.
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.
Enjoy gardening and nature-based activities with your preschooler.
More information is available on the Canterbury Horticultural Society Facebook page(external link).
10am to 3pm, Saturdays
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 who work with the environment. Activities available between 10am-3pm every Saturday (even in the holidays!).
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
Find more information about Environmental Chat(external link).
Throughout the year
Join the Friends of the Botanic Gardens volunteer guides for free guided walks at the Botanic Gardens (November 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.
If you have any queries about guided walks at Mona Vale or the Botanic Gardens, please contact friendsofthegardens@gmail.com
10am to 4pm daily, Friday 7 to Tuesday 25 April
A Hidden History Trail for the whole family!
Go on a history hunt with the fictional Paul family and discover what they have collected as reminders of Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa Christchurch Botanic Gardens over the last 160 years.
Grab a free map from the Visitor Centre or Kiosk. The trail runs 10am to 4pm daily through the school holidays.
Ka mua, ka muri. The past informs our future.
Find out more on the Botanic Gardens Facebook page(external link).
To get involved in volunteering in the Botanic Gardens, join the Friends of the Botanic Gardens(external link).
4pm, Sunday 16 April
Join Lisa Williams, owner of RhodoDirect, who will share her insights as to why, in recent years, it has become increasingly difficult to find a diverse selection of rhododendrons in plant nurseries. Lisa will also talk about the conservation projects RhodoDirect have started in Canterbury and elsewhere, and why propagation is so important in this industry.
Attendees will come away with practical tips for growing healthy, beautiful rhododendrons in the home garden.
RhodoDirect(external link) is a plant nursery dedicated to helping people cultivate healthy and vibrant rhododendrons.
Hosted by the Friends of the Botanic Gardens.(external link)