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.

Please note that the caterpillar tours are currently not operating. They are scheduled to reopen in October 2022.

Volunteer guides from the Friends of the Botanic Gardens offer free guided walks at the Botanic Gardens between October and April, and throughout the year on request. Seasonal walks at Mona Vale are offered throughout the year.

Guided walks:

  • 1.30pm.
  • Meet outside the Kiosk for Botanic Gardens walks and by the Rose Garden car park at Mona Vale.
  • Botanic Gardens tours are 45 minutes long unless otherwise stated and all Mona Vale tours are 90 minutes.
  • If you have any queries or would like to request a guided tour, please contact Friendsofthegardens@gmail.com.

A fantastic guided tour by knowledgeable and friendly guides showcasing some of our spectacular collections.

Guided walks at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens will return in October.

Mona Vale walks

  • Saturday 7 May

  • Saturday 21 May

  • Saturday 25 June

  • Saturday 23 July

  • Saturday 27 August

  • Saturday 10 September

  • Saturday 24 September

Please note that the caterpillar tours are currently not operating. They are scheduled to reopen in October 2022.

Caterpillar Tour (external link)

Botanic 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.

Please contact the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre for more information or to book a tour – phone 03 941 7590 or email christchurchbotanicgardens@ccc.govt.nz

Tour type Duration Cost Description
Guided walking tour for community group
 1 hour $5 per person, with a minimum of $60 and maximum of $155 per group Groups of local visitors can request guided tours through the Botanic Gardens on a range of topics.
Guided walking tour for tourist group
 1 hour $350 per group Tourist groups can request guided tours through the Botanic Gardens on a range of topics.

 If one or more members of your group has limited mobility, please contact the Botanic Gardens Visitor Centre on 941 7590 or email christchurchbotanicgardens@ccc.govt.nz to discuss accessibility options.