Christchurch Botanic Gardens

One of the largest city parks in the world, these superb gardens are known for the magnificent trees planted here in the 19th century. Pick up the Historic Tree Walk brochure from the information centre for a self-guided Who's Who tour of the tree world. Spend time in the conservatories to discover tropical plants, cacti, and ferns on days when you'd rather not be outside. Go to the New Zealand plants area at any time of the year. Free. Daily 7 am--dusk, conservatories daily 10:15--4.