What it is
The gardens date from 1863, when an English oak was planted to mark the marriage of Prince Albert Edward and Princess Alexandra of Denmark. Today they hold New Zealand plant collections, a central rose garden, a heritage rose garden, a rock garden, a water garden and woodland areas including a pinetum.
Cuningham House, a conservatory opened in 1924, shelters a large tropical collection, and smaller glasshouses hold ferns, cacti and alpine plants. The ornate Peacock Fountain, first erected in 1911 and restored in 1996, stands near the Rolleston Avenue entrance, and a visitor centre with a café and exhibition opened in 2014.
Getting there by bus
Rolleston Ave near Gloucester St (stop 53185), by the main gate area, is served by route 8 (Airport/Lyttelton) and is about 7 minutes' walk from the centre of the gardens. On the southern side, Riccarton Ave (Hospital) (stop 51254) and Riccarton Ave (stop 14715), around 5 minutes' walk away, are served by routes 3, 5, 80 and 86.
Christchurch Hospital Main Stop (stops 14704 and 51824), about 9 minutes away, adds routes 7, 60, 81, 84, 85, 91 and 92.
