Hagley Park

In spring, Hagley Park is a riot of cherry blossom and daffodils, whilst in autumn mature introduced trees produce a mass of striking colours; in summer a walk through the gardens beside the river in search of an ice cream vendor proves irresistible, as does opportunities to attend free summer evening theatre or jazz, and in winter designated recreational areas buzz with thousands engaged in winter sport (especially on Saturday morning).

Set centrally within Hagley Park and adjacent to the City centre, the Botanic Gardens are fringed on the eastern side by the Neo-Gothic architecture of Christ's College, Canterbury Museum, and the Arts Centre. The Gardens were begun in 1850 along with the founding of the city of Christchurch.