About one third of the way down the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island lays a city that has recently been in the news for earthquakes but has long been a quaint yet booming town that has earned high praise for its urban planning: Christchurch. One of just four cities in the world built on the design of a central square surrounded by four other squares with generous parks sprinkled in the center, Christchurch is one of three New Zealand cities that regularly find its way onto “most livable” lists. The large multi-purpose parks and numerous houses with well-kept gardens have earned Christchurch the title of “The Garden City.”
Adding to the beauty of the city is a river that runs through its center and empties into the Pacific Ocean. The farms outside the city have long been a base for much of New Zealand’s agricultural industry. The ring of forests beyond the farms reminds tourists of why New Zealand has often been chosen as the site for famous films that had to feature a rich and fertile landscape. In the distance beyond both forest and farm stand the Southern Alps to complete a gorgeous picture of Christchurch in the foreground of a truly picturesque country.
The temperate oceanic climate that Christchurch enjoys makes it a year-round destination for travelers who rarely have to fear sub-freezing temperatures or highs above 30° C. Even if it gets quite cold or hot, one stop that the locals recommend to inquisitive travelers is The Christchurch Botanic Gardens near the center of the city, adjacent to the Avon River next to Hagley Park.
The gardens boast the best collection of indigenous and exotic plants in New Zealand, and visitors report that they could spend hours and hours in the gardens due to its massive size and diversity. Lots of great information about the many plants in the gardens makes a trip there not only eye-catching but informative, and the sequoia trees and abundant roses (more than 250 varieties!) have both drawn special mention. The Water Garden and opportunities for bird-watching have also drawn praise, and even locals who visit regularly say that they see something different each time that they drop in.
What differentiates The Christchurch Botanic Gardens from other urban gardens is the sheer number of massive trees that are there, as well as the 21-hectare size that will require many hours to take it all in. Activities for children make this a good spot for the entire family to spend a morning or afternoon, and the park has a fine café and is surrounded by numerous other eateries for refreshment after a long walk.
The Botanic Gardens is so popular that tourists warn of difficulty finding a parking spot near them, and the lines in the café at lunch time can become extreme. The gardens can be reached by public transportation and, if your hotel is near enough, by foot as well. Many tourists also opt for hiring a car from one of Christchurch’s many car rental companies (such as Omega Rental Cars Christchurch).
Author Bio: Omega Car Rental New Zealand runs a fleet of high quality rental cars for travelers throughout New Zealand.
