Extreme South
Christchurch is THE gateway to New Zealand's Extreme South. Enough of the flowers and history? Check out Queenstown, 'Adrenalin Capital' of New Zealand. Read more...
Flower Power
The well-tended features of the Garden City of New Zealand are matched by the stunning natural beauty of its surrounding mountain regions and coastal wildlife areas. Read more...
Auckland to Christchurch
Christchurch the Garden City
When you fly from Auckland to Christchurch visit the well-tended features of Christchurch the Garden City of New Zealand. The Garden city has gardens that are matched by the stunning natural beauty of its surrounding mountain regions and coastal wildlife areas. As New Zealand's oldest established city, the original buildings and gardens of Christchurch the Garden City, offer the richest experience of New Zealand colonial history and of course this makes the sight seeing even better.
Hagley Park has been at the heart of Christchurch since the 1850s and is today the most significant central city park. It is renowned for its 165 hectares (407 acres) of wide-open spaces and mature woodlands. Hagley Park is also a venue for a range of entertainment events and informal sports activities.
Botanic Gardens
Located in Victoria Square, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens is a must-see in this, the 'Garden City' of New Zealand'. Founded in 1863, by the planting of an English oak tree, this 21 hectare (52 acre) garden is home to the finest collections of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand. A walk through these beautiful gardens is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon or a morning, make room for it in your trip from Auckland to Christchurch.
Some of the beautiful trees are over 120 years old. Contrasting gardens feature rocks, water, and herbs. Woodland areas and a conservatory complex will inform a visitor of any age, with a paddling pool and duck-feeding for the children, this is also a great day out for the whole family when you fly to Christchurch.
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens also has a restaurant. The Botanic Gardens are open daily from 10.15am until 4pm. 
Mona Vale Gardens
Sitting on the banks of the River Avon, is a late-Victorian Homestead and Gardens. Take your time here, with a tea break or lunch, served in the beautiful Homestead. Mona Vale is within short driving distance of Christhchurch's central city so you could leave your car in the city and travel to and from the homestead by river. A gorgeous way to enjoy a beautiful Christchurch afternoon.
A visit to these gardens is akin to time travel. Mossy sculptures guard the paths, covered by arching trees which display green and red shades of leaves. A large sculptured pool and bath house are also well-kept testimonials to New Zealand's rich colonial past.
Mona Vale was once owned by the Deans, one of the first settler families in Christchurch. The Mona Vale Restaurant is open daily 9.30am-5pm in Summer and 10am-3.30pm in Winter. As you can see there is so much to do!Book your flight from Auckland to Christchurch today!