Events at the Botanic Gardens

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

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.

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 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 who 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). 

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).

The Friends of the Botanic Gardens run a plant stall opposite the Kiosk. It is restocked daily and available plants often change.

• All plants are just $7.
• Payment is either via cash in the donation box, or eftpos at the Kiosk.
• Kiosk hours for EFTPOS payment are 10am to 4pm from September to April, and 10am to 3pm from May to August.
• Please bring your own bag to carry plants, the Kiosk does not have any available.

For more information about the varieties on offer, please contact friendsofthegardens@gmail.com.

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.

Join the Friends of the Botanic Gardens for their monthly speaker series. 

March's speaker is Chris Donaldson from Pegasus Bay Winery

Chris Donaldson will talk about the 40-year horticultural journey to create, from bare paddocks in the Waipara Valley, the Pegasus Bay vineyards and winery and the lush gardens that surround them.

Cantabrian nurse Chris and her husband Ivan took inspiration from European vineyards and gardens while he was training in neurology in London. On returning to Christchurch, they set about fulfilling their dreams, and Pegasus Bay Winery Gardens is now a New Zealand Garden of Significance.

• $5 for Friends and CHS members, $10 for general sale.
• Talks are held in the Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, located as you enter via the Armagh Street footbridge.
• Afternoon tea refreshments will be provided.

Join the Canterbury Horticultural Society for their monthly meet up! Hear fascinating speakers, connect with like-minded folk and learn new skills for the garden.

Garden life runs at 6pm on the first Tuesday off the month, with a repeat on Wednesday at 1pm.

• The Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• $5 for CHS and Friends members, $10 general public.
• Tea, coffee and biscuits provided in the afternoon session and nibbles and a glass of wine in the evening.

March

6pm, Tuesday 4 March and 1pm, Wednesday 5 March.

Main speaker: Colin Meurk, Xeric Gardens.

Xeric gardening focuses on growing drought-tolerant plants to conserve water and thrive in arid conditions. Colin will talk about creating appealing native gardens that are adapted to local and ever-changing conditions - without incurring excess water charges.

Mini speaker: Marion Smith, Petal & Co.

Marion runs Petal & Co(external link), a sustainable flower farm near Rangiora, specialising in edible flowers for Christchurch's hospitality, bakers, and home cooks, while promoting eco-friendly practices.

April

6pm, Tuesday 1 April and 1pm, Wednesday 2 April.

Main speaker: Astrid Harris, Champion of healthy soil.

Astrid Harris is a passionate gardener dedicated to cultivating healthy soil and promoting sustainable gardening practices. Using a microscope to analyse soils and composts, she identifies whether the right balance of microbes is present to enable natural nutrient cycling with minimal external inputs. When soil microbes are in harmony, nature can thrive on its own.

Astrid combines hands-on experience with a deep understanding of soil ecosystems, regenerative agriculture, and ecosystem restoration. Her work focuses on helping communities nurture the earth to grow vibrant, nutritious plants.

Mini speaker: Louise Young, Curator at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Louise's career at the Botanic Gardens started with an apprenticeship in the 1990's. It wasn't until 2000 in partnership with the Friends that she helped develop the Curator's garden. The purpose was to demonstrate how to grow fruit and vegetables in a small area.

Louise will share her love of heritage vegetables as well as some more unusual culinary and medicinal plants among other things.

May

6pm, Tuesday 6 May and 1pm, Wednesday 7 May.

Main speaker: Dr Matthew Cromey, Plant pathologist

Dr Matthew Cromey is a Senior Plant Pathologist at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS). He develops strategies to manage diseases affecting ornamental and edible plants, combining RHS research findings with other sources to provide effective advice. 

Now living in New Zealand, his work includes diagnosing plant problems, conducting field research, and collaborating with various stakeholders to manage garden diseases. Dr. Cromey has contributed to numerous scientific publications on plant pathology. 

Mini speaker: Mary and Rick, Sogetsu School of Ikebana.

The Christchurch branch of the Sogetsu School of Ikebana offers instruction in the modern Japanese art of flower arranging. Certified instructors teach a structured program from the Sogetsu headquarters in Tokyo, focusing on balance, movement, and harmony in floral designs. 

Join the Canterbury Horticultural Society for a delightful morning in nature

Explore unique Waitaha gardens, meet the gardeners, and enjoy a guided tour through their beautiful grounds. 

• These trips are self-drive. Please meet on-site.
• Bookings are required to attend.
• $20 for Friends and CHS members, $30 general sale.

Events are aimed at adults. If you are under 18 or wish to bring tamariki, please contact the CHS at office@chsgardens.co.nz before booking so they can check with the venue.

Petal & Co with Marion Smith

10.30 to 12pm, Thursday 13 March.

238 Easterbrook Road, Kaiapoi.

Petal & Co was created in 2017 with the aim of providing chefs and bakers in Christchurch access to local, fresh, edible flowers and leaves. We also supply florists and local flower lovers with fresh garden-cut flowers. 

Our flowers are grown just twenty minutes North of Christchurch, where they grow naturally in compost-rich soil for optimum flavour and longevity.

Marion has long been immersed in all aspects of gardening. Growing up in a green-fingered family she was surrounded by trees and flowers and went on to study horticulture at Lincoln University. Her business Petal & Co is a joyful culmination of her interests in flowers, food and creativity.

www.petalandco.nz(external link)

For more information please visit the CHS website(external link), email office@chsgardens.co.nz or phone 03 366 6937.

The Friends of the Botanic Gardens are looking for enthusiastic volunteer guides for 2025.

Join a supportive team of like-minded folk who love to learn and share their knowledge.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener, a storyteller, a history buff or just keen to try something new, we'd love to hear from you! Full guide training is provided.

Come along to our information evening to meet the team and learn about the role:

• 7.15pm to 9pm Thursday 13 March 2025.
• The Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, just over the Armagh Street footbridge.

Contact friendsofthegardens@gmail.com for more information.

Discover flower pressing

Join renowned flower preservationist and artist Debz Eagle for two inspiring workshops in flower pressing and botanical art.

$60 for CHS members, $80 general sale per workshop.

Use the coupon code SAVE$10 when booking both pressed flower workshops for a discount.

Book on the Canterbury Horticultural Society website(external link).

Workshops take place at the Kiosk in the Botanic Gardens.

Pressed flower workshop

10am to 12pm, Sunday 23 March.

May your blooms last forever. Step into the captivating world of pressing flowers with the expert guidance of Debz Eagle, a well-known flower preservationist.

This workshop is perfect for all skill levels, from beginners to expert floral artists. Whether you’re just getting started or refining your flower pressing skills, this hands-on experience promises to guide you on your floral pressing journey.

• Botanic exploration: Discover botanicals perfect for pressing and some unusual ones that you might not have thought of. Learn ways to preserve different kinds of flowers and how we can use them in art and craft items.
• Materials supplied: Each participant will be supplied with fresh flowers and leaves to press, a small traditional press to take home and an information booklet.

Pressed flower art workshop

10am to 1pm, Sunday 4 May.

Create botanical masterpieces and let your creativity blossom! Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, this workshop will inspire you to turn pressed flowers into beautiful paintings, collages, and mixed-media artworks.

• Artistic exploration: Learn unique techniques to combine pressed flowers with pencils, acrylics, and paint pens. Watch your creativity bloom as you craft one-of-a-kind pieces that blend nature with fine art.
• Materials supplied: Every participant will receive an exclusive art kit with pressed flowers, specialised adhesives, and all the art supplies you’ll need to get started.

For more information please visit the CHS website(external link), email office@chsgardens.co.nz or phone 03 366 6937.

Planting your cut flower garden in autumn

7pm to 9pm, Thursday 27 March.

Join flower enthusiast Isabelle Weston from the Canterbury Horticultural Society and discover the benefits of planting hardy annuals in the autumn. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this workshop will guide you through preparing your garden for a stunning early spring bloom.

Learn the advantages of planting hardy annuals in autumn—saving you time and effort in spring while ensuring a vibrant, colourful display as the weather warms. Don’t miss this chance to set your garden up for success!

Key highlights:

• Understanding hardy annuals: Learn about various hardy annual flowers that are ideal for autumn planting and will thrive in cooler weather.
• Benefits of autumn planting: Explore the advantages of planting in the autumn, including reduced workload in spring and better establishment of plants.
• Planting Techniques: Get hands-on tips and guidance on the best techniques for sowing seeds while you sew seedlings in trays for your garden.
• Seasonal Planning: Gain insights into planning your cut flower garden to ensure a continuous supply of beautiful blooms from early spring onwards.

$55 for members, $77 for general sale. Bookings are required.(external link)

Materials provided to take home

• A variety of flower seeds.
• Seedling trays and pots.
• High-quality potting mix.
• Instructional planting guide.
• Seed to take home.

What to bring

• Notebook and pen for taking notes
• Gardening gloves (optional)
• Mask for potting mix
• A large plastic or cardboard storage box for transporting your newly planted seeds home. A plastic storage container can also serve as a seed-raising glass house.

For more information please visit the CHS website(external link)(external link), email office@chsgardens.co.nz or phone 03 366 6937.

Painting workshop

10am to 1pm, Sunday 6 April.

Immerse yourself in the delicate and beautiful world of botanical watercolours under the expert guidance of renowned artist and teacher, Kay Duncan. Whether you are a novice or a seasoned painter, this workshop offers a fantastic opportunity to hone your skills and create stunning botanical artwork.

• Suitable for both beginner and experienced artists
• Hands-On Experience:  Engage in practical sessions where you will work on creating your own botanical watercolour pieces.
• Comprehensive Learning: Understand the intricacies of choosing the right materials, mixing colours, and capturing the delicate essence of botanical subjects.
• Takeaway Art: You will leave with one or two pieces of finished artwork, created and inspired during the workshop.

 Cost: Members $125, general sale $155. Self-serve tea and coffee are supplied.

Location: The Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Materials provided:

• Two premium A3 watercolour paper pre-stretched for you onto boards to work on in the workshop and to take home.
• Acid-free sketch paper to develop your ideas on.
• Fresh flowers and other still-life props to paint.
• Tracing paper.
• Colour images to work from if needed, ideally we will be working from real life.
• Handy towels, cotton tips, rags, water containers.
• A special mystery gift.

Essential items to bring

List of essential requirements for participants to bring (external link) [PDF].

Please note that materials can be sourced from either Gordon Harris(external link) or The Drawing Room(external link).

• Watercolour Paints: A minimum of:
  • 3 warm primaries
  • 3 cool primaries
  • 1  warm green (Hookers/Grass)
  • 1 cool green (Viridian) 
  • 1 Payne’s Gray
  • Bring extra colours if you have them.
• A selection of Soft Round Head Watercolour Brushes:
  • Synthetic brushes are fine but please choose good quality from an art shop.
  • Sizes: small, medium, large approx. sizes 5,10, 18.
  • A small detail brush.
  • A medium-sized flat end soft brush. Other soft brushes are optional.
• Watercolour sketch pad: A4 or A3. Ideally 300gms (But 200gms sufficient). Acid Free not Reeves brand, please.
• Pencils: B and 2B. Others if you have or require them.
• Pencil sharpener and Erasers – not plastic-type please.

For more information please visit the CHS website(external link)(external link), email office@chsgardens.co.nz or phone 03 366 6937.

Kia auaha! Let’s make and create at six of our favourite central city locations in this free discovery trail!

Create leaf boats, theatre masks, mosaics, wiggly sculptures, invent a machine and much more. 

• 10am to 3pm daily, Saturday 12 to Sunday 27 April.
• Some venues may have different opening hours than stated above, please check individual websites before you head out.
• Please be aware some locations are shut for Easter Friday and Anzac Day.

Grab your free trail booklet from any of the locations listed below. This is a big trail, and you may need more than one day to fit everything in.

Brought to you by the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Te Māra Huaota o Waipapa, Te Puna o Waiwhetū Christchurch Art Gallery, Tūranga, Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre and Canterbury Museum. 

How to craft kono baskets and putiputi

Enjoy zero-waste, nature-based craft that creates beautiful, sustainable gifts and home decorations. Join tutor Toni Rowe and learn how to craft kono baskets and putiputi.

Members $40, general sale $50. Bookings are required.(external link)

Meet at the Kiosk, just over the Armagh Street footbridge to the Botanic Gardens.

Kono (four corner) Basket

• 10am to 1pm, and 1.30pm to 4pm, Sunday 28 September.
• 10am to 1pm, Sunday 26 October.

In this workshop, you’ll learn how to make a useful Kono (four corner) basket from harakeke.

By the end of the workshop you’ll have the knowledge and skills to craft your own practical and sustainable harakeke basket.

Putiputi (flax flowers)

10am to 1pm, Sunday 26 October.

Join us at The Kiosk for an enriching and hands-on workshop where you’ll learn the art of making different styles of Putiputi and leave with a bunch.

By the end of the workshop you’ll have the knowledge and skills to craft your own stunning putiputi, carrying a piece of sustainable and cultural artistry into your life.

For more information please visit the CHS website(external link)(external link)(external link), email office@chsgardens.co.nz or phone 03 366 6937.

A creative and spooky family workshop

2pm to 4pm, Saturday 18 October.

Get into the spooky spirit and unleash your creativity by crafting your very own Halloween-themed scarecrow! Perfect for individuals, families, and groups, this hands-on workshop is a fun and festive way to celebrate the season.

• Work solo or as a team
  Whether you’re flying solo, teaming up with your whanau, or crafting with friends, this workshop caters to everyone. Create a spooky masterpiece to scare (or delight) your neighbourhood.
• All materials provided
  We’ll provide all the essentials for building your scarecrow, including a variety of materials and accessories. But if you’ve got old clothes, hats, ties or props lying around, feel free to bring them along to add a personal touch and upcycle.
• Seasonal treats for a break
  Halfway through, take a break and enjoy some sweet treats and fresh fruit to keep your energy and creativity flowing.
• Take home your creation
  At the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a unique, handcrafted scarecrow ready to display in your garden, porch, or anywhere that needs a bit of Halloween magic.

15 individuals/family groups per session only.

Workshop is recommended for children 10 and up who are comfortable sewing on their own. For younger children, it's a wonderful opportunity to team up with a parent or guardian for some hands-on creative fun.

Don’t miss out on this frightfully fun workshop! Book your spot now(external link) and let your Halloween creativity shine.

Members $55, general sale $70.

For more information please visit the CHS website(external link)(external link)(external link), email office@chsgardens.co.nz or phone 03 366 6937.

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