Christchurch & Canterbury - New Zealand's South Island - page 274

( www.ccc.govt.nz ; Rolleston Ave; 7am-8.30pm Oct-Mar, to 6.30pm Apr-Sep) Strolling through
these blissful 30 riverside hectares of arboreal and floral splendour is a consummate
Christchurch experience. Gorgeous at any time of the year, it's particularly impressive in
spring when the rhododendrons, azaleas and daffodil woodland are in riotous bloom.
There are thematic gardens to explore, lawns to sprawl on, and a playground adjacent to
the Botanic Gardens Information Centre MAP GOOGLE MAP ( 9am-4pm Mon-Fri, 10.15am-4pm Sat & Sun) .
Guided walks ($10) depart at 1.30pm (mid-September to April) from the Canterbury
Museum, or you can tour around the gardens in the Caterpillar train (

0800 88 22 23;

11am-3pm) . www.gardentours.co.nz ; adult/child $18/9;