Attractions

Sprawling Hagley Park sits at the heart of Christchurch – 165 hectares of vast green space, dotted with century-old trees, and stunning floral shows in springtime. Walk, run or cycle its pathways, or take on the fitness circuit.

For a great first-hand experience of New Zealand native plants, take the short drive from the city to Riccarton Bush. There’s 12 hectares of native forest reserve, with manicured gardens and historic buildings sitting alongside the Avon River. Tucked away in a nearby Christchurch suburb lies a stunning garden – one of the city’s best kept secrets. Visit Ilam Homestead Gardens in spring or summer, and you’ll be dazzled with scores of azaleas and rhododendrons in a secluded natural haven.

To the north east of Christchurch City you'll find plenty of flourishing reserve land to explore. Head north for the popular retreat of The Groynes, with picnic spots and walking trails amid wildlife and native and exotic plants. Nature lovers will be in heaven at Styx Mill Conservation Reserve - 57 hectares of low lying wetlands, home to a range of vegetation, and an array of birdlife to spot on its many walking tracks. If you love birds, Travis Wetland hosts 55 species, living within a huge wetland park.To the north east of Christchurch City you'll find plenty of flourishing reserve land to explore. Head north for the popular retreat of The Groynes, with picnic spots and walking trails amid wildlife and native and exotic plants. Nature lovers will be in heaven at Styx Mill Conservation Reserve - 57 hectares of low lying wetlands, home to a range of vegetation, and an array of birdlife to spot on its many walking tracks. If you love birds, Travis Wetland hosts 55 species, living within a huge wetland park.

Head up to the Christchurch Port Hills for parkland with a view. Victoria Park, just a short drive through the hillside suburb of Cashmere, gives superb vistas over the city, the Canterbury Plains, towering Southern Alps, and the coast. There's a great picnic spot here, and if you're up for stretching your legs, take your pick of short bush walks

For trees trees as far as the eye can see, visit Bottle Lake Forest Park, just on the outskirts of Christchurch. Take a wander through this huge exotic pine forest with the cooling canopy of trees, or get the legs really working with a mountain bike ride or run.

Just south of Christchurch lies Halswell Quarry Park, a former quarry offering a fascinating mix of attractions. A once rowdy rocky area is now a quiet amphitheatre, surrounding by grasslands, gardens and wetlands. There's also six sister city gardens, and a Canterbury botanical collection.

Waimate's Knottingley Park (Waihao Back Road, Waimate) is a great place for walking, picnics, barbeques, and camping. Situated on 36.7 hectares, there are over 3,000 trees, large and small having been planted there since 1874.