A dog and cycle friendly alternative to the Botanic Gardens River Walk, this trail follows the Avon around the Gardens on the Hagley Park bank.
| Start | Armagh Street car park, Rolleston Ave |
| Finish | Armagh Street car park, Rolleston Ave |
| Distance | 2.2km |
| Time | 30 to 40 minutes one way |
| Access | Suitable for wheelchairs and strollers |
| Toilets | Located in several places along the route including the Armagh Street car parks and the Woodland Bridge |
| Dogs | Under effective control |
| Description |
Start in the Armagh Street car park and follow the riverside path, passing the entrance to the Botanic Gardens and heading further into Hagley Park. Further along the trail, enter the Kate Sheppard Memorial Walk dedicated to New Zealand's most famous suffragette who won women the right to vote in 1893. In Spring, the walkway bursts with camellias of all varieties and colours, the symbol of women's suffrage in New Zealand. Continuing along the river trail you will walk through the Pinetum which has existed since before the Second World War. The collection has matured into a handsome expanse of conifers including cultivars of cedar, cypress, fir, larch, juniper and spruce. The next garden to see is the Woodland Garden where colourful primulas bloom in Springtime and other woodland plants such as hosta and iris thrive. Following on is the Daffodil Woodland, another bright treat for Spring where daffodils have been grown since 1933. When the season finishes, pink campion and cow parsley flower. At the hospital, cross the bridge and turn left bringing the trail past the front gates of the Botanic Gardens. Continue along the path past the attractive Gothic Revival Canterbury Museum building, built in 1870 and past the front of Christ College who house their own stunning collection of heritage buildings from all different eras. Once past the school, turn left and cross the Armagh Street bridge. Follow the meandering river back to the car park where you started. |
Walking tracks
Shared use
Connecting tracks
Closed
Parking
Bus stop
Toilets
Water fountains
Accessible tracks
Challenging feature
Entry and exit point
Point of interest