Join us for one of our upcoming events at the Gardens. We look forward to seeing you.

Stay up to date with Botanic Gardens events and seasonal highlights on Facebook(external link).

Download a map of the Botanic Gardens [PDF, 2.2 MB] showing all event locations.

Peace Bell events

You are invited to join a number of events throughout the year at the New Zealand World Peace Bell located in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Celebrate, commemorate and have a go at ringing the bell.

Annual events

Event Date
UN Holocaust Memorial Day 27 January
Christchurch Earthquake Memorial

Thursday 22 February

In 2024 the Peace Bell will be available to any person to ring as a personal tribute and remembrance of the day.

The bell striker will be in place from 11am to 3pm.
Tōhoku Japan Tsunami and Earthquake Day [PNG, 1.7 MB]

Monday 11 March

In 2024 a memorial event will take place from 3.30pm onwards.
UN International Bicycle Day 3 June
Hiroshima and Nagasaki Remembrance 7 August
UN International Day of Peace 2pm to 3pm, Saturday 21 September 2024

In recognition of this day, an informal bell-ringing ceremony will be held the World Peace Bell in the Botanic Gardens. Everyone is invited to come along and ring the bell in the name of international peace.
Parihaka Day(external link)

10am to 12pm, Tuesday 5 November 2024

Join a commemorative service at the New Zealand World Peace Bell. The service will include karakia, waiata, a short talk about Parihaka, a choral item by Christ's College choir, and the ringing of the bell. This event will take place rain or shine. In the event of cancellation, please check social media. 

If you have any queries, feel free to contact parihakaotautahi@gmail.com or 021-405-039.

Check the Parihaka Ōtautahi Facebook page(external link) for more events happening on Saturday 2 and Sunday 3 November.
UN International Malala Day for Girl's Education 10 November
CHC Peace Bell Open Day 2.30pm to 4.30pm, Sunday 1 December.

Open to anyone to visit the bell, learn about it and to ring it in peace.
Joya-no-kane 108 Bells 31 December
This is a traditional Japanese New Year's Eve event. It is organised by the Christchurch Japanese Society(external link).

The World Peace Bell Association(external link) organises all of the above ceremonies with the exception of UN Holocaust Memorial Day, Hiroshima and Nagasaki Remembrance and Joya-no-kane 108 Bells.

Sometimes new events are added so please check back for commemorations of interest.

Find out more about the New Zealand World Peace Bell.

Bot Tots

10am to 11.30am, Mondays during the school term.

Calling all parents, grandparents and caregivers! Bring your preschool-aged tamariki into the Christchurch Botanic Gardens to enjoy a simple craft or plant-based activity with the Canterbury Horticultural Society.

Stories, toys and colouring-in are available too.

  • All welcome - no booking needed (caregiver supervision is required).
  • Tea and coffee are provided.
  • Gold coin koha entry
  • Runs during school term-time.

Enjoy gardening and nature-based activities with your preschooler.

More information is available on the Canterbury Horticultural Society Facebook page(external link).

EnviroKids

Envirokids is a chance to connect kiwi kids to our environmental community and it's free.

Every Saturday, the Envirohub(external link) will have activities for kids inspired by the mahi (work) of different organisations that work with the environment.

Activities are available between 10am to 3pm every Saturday (even in the holidays).

  • 10am to 3pm every Saturday at the Kiosk, Botanic Gardens.
  • Children that come regularly can record their learning in a special passbook available once they attend their second event.
  • EnviroKids is also an accredited Children's University learning destination so stamps are available for participating children's passports.

Find out more information about EnviroKids(external link) or keep up to date on the EnviroKids Facebook(external link). 

Environmental chat

10.30am to 1.30pm Thursdays.

Pop in for an environmental chat if you need inspiration or advice on anything from starting a new environmental project,  volunteer challenges,  funding advice for green projects, sustainability at home or waste and recycling processes.

The EnviroHub are here to help:

  • An opportunity to join an ongoing conversation or have a one-on-one chat.
  • Free, no bookings required.
  • Drop into the Kiosk anytime between 10.30am and 1pm in the Kiosk, Botanic Gardens.

Find more information about Environmental Chat(external link).

Botanic Gardens and Mona Vale guided walks

Join the Friends of the Botanic Gardens volunteer guides for free guided walks at the Botanic Gardens (October to April) and Mona Vale Gardens (year-round).

Pick and choose from a wonderful selection of topics or come along to all of them for a dose of exercise, beautiful displays, and education rolled into one.

See the walk schedule.

Botanic Gardens guided walks

  • October to April
  • 1.30pm daily lasting 45 to 90 minutes.
  • Meet at the Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Mona Vale guided walks

  • Selected dates throughout the year.
  • 1.30pm, lasting approx. 90 minutes.
  • Meet by the Mona Vale rose garden.

If you have any queries about guided walks at Mona Vale or the Botanic Gardens, please contact friendsofthegardens@gmail.com.

Botanical ceramics workshops

Ceramics inspired by nature

Join ceramicist Jane McCulla for a hands-on practical workshop at The Kiosk in the Botanic Gardens to make a botanically inspired Green Man tile. 

Jane will take care of the glazing and firing and two weeks later you’ll collect a glazed tile imprinted with botanical patterns and suitable for everyday use.

Green Man tile

  • 10am to 12pm, Sunday 2 March 2025

Members: $65
Non-members $80
Workshops include all materials, glazing and kiln firing.

Please bring an apron or wear clothing you are happy to get a spot of clay on.

Courses are aimed at adults. If you're under 18 please contact the CHS before booking so they can check if the course will be suitable with the tutors.

Find out more and book.(external link)

Volunteer

To get involved in volunteering in the Botanic Gardens, join the Friends of the Botanic Gardens(external link).