- stomps
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- 4 out of 5
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Tranquility in the Heart of the City
- December 22, 2008
- Rated 4 of 5 by
wolfbrother from Edinburgh, United Kingdom
You hear about many cities' famous botanic gardens but you don't often hear about Christchurch's. I suspect that's because it's not set out like many Botanic Gardens are - they're not as scrupulously constructed as many are, there's not as many latin names attached to the trees and plants as you wander around the place. But that shouldn't stop you from having a look around. Whilst they may not be one of the best from a botanical standpoint, what they are is an extremely pleasant environment to stroll around within comfortable walking distance of the city centre.
They're free, so there's no financial impediment. You can find them easily, right next to Christchurch Museum and over the road from the Christchurch Art Gallery. There are some really beautiful trees scattered around the gardens, and in a very natural way. It doesn't feel sculpted, which makes it a very relaxing place to be. The walkways lead you along tree-lined pathways, around rock gardens and flower gardens and through a host of sculptures and fountains and bridges.
One of the most interesting features of the place is the Peace Bell. It hangs on the north side of the river, constructed of bronze donated from a host of countries around the world. It has no clapper, but rings melodiously with the tap of a finger, despite its size.
With a selection of other attractions within easy grasp, it's a good place to come and unwind on a summery Christchurch day. The museum, the art gallery, the old bandstand, the Peace Bell, kayaking on the river - it all adds up to an oft-forgotten garden city landmark that's well worth an hour or two's exploration.
From journal New Zealand's Garden City
Editor Pick
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
- November 14, 2008
- Rated 5 of 5 by
Red Mezz from Inverness, Scotland
After spending the last few years living in Edinburgh with one of my favourite city gardens in the world a few minutes walk from my door step, I hadn’t expected to be so impressed with another cities attempt at a calm and accessable city garden.
But Christchurch didn’t get it’s title of the Garden City lightly, and the Botanic Gardens are yet another shining example of the peace and serenity this city does so very well.
I’ve met a good many English travellers in my time in New Zealand who assure me that Christchurch is an extremely English city. As I haven’t spent as much time as I should have in the lower part of the country, I can’t verify that. But what I can say is that it’s one of the most pleasant and the Botanics show yet again how beautiful and peaceful a city can be.
With plenty of space to walk around – the gardens make for a lovely day out when you’ve tired (IF you’ve tired) of sampling all the bars, restaurants and shops the city has to offer. It’s also extremely good for those travelling in the city on a budget, as it’s a very relaxing place – and a part of the city you should experience with out having to pay for it.
And it’s also large enough that it’s not difficult to find an area to yourself. There are a lot of families that make use of the gardens, especially in good weather, but there are plenty of areas as well that you can be a bit more secluded to sit and chat, read a book – or just soak up the southern hemisphere sun.
The autumn seemed to be a fantastic time to see the gardens, as some of the colours of the changing leaves could rival New England. We spent almost a full afternoon just wandering around, and still didn’t get a change to see all of it. There are some spectacular trees in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and the entire place is beautifully laid out. And probably best of all, once you are a few steps inside the gardens the fact that you are in a city at all slips completely from your mind.
Like the Edinburgh Botanic Gardens, those in Christchurch have a wonderful and relaxed vibe. A great spot to take a book on a sunny day to sit and read and just enjoy the peaceful setting. But if you are on a bit of a sight seeing day, it is still well worth popping in for a wander around to see the wonderful gardens the city has put together. And be sure to make it to see the Peace Bell – and there is also a great café.
From journal So There's More to Christchurch than Just Great Restaurants...
Editor Pick
Botanic Gardens
- April 7, 2006
- Rated 4 of 5 by
stomps from Houston, Texas
What Christchurch is known for--its wonderful gardens. We had an afternoon ramble through these sprawling grounds that surround the Avon River (sound familiar?), just outside the central loop in Christchurch.These gardens can keep you busy for hours, because there are so many different sections to explore. There are huge old trees to lounge under and take a nap, or read a good book. Or, when we were there, there was even a stage with a play going on, set up in one of the lawns. There are rose gardens, natural NZ gardens, fountains, and the River Avon, among other things. And don't worry, there are lots of maps to guide you around in case you feel that once you enter, you'll never find your way out again!
From journal Christchurch - Crepes, Gardens, and Kiwis, Oh My!