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 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). 

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).

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.

Ceramics inspired by nature

Create a vase, plate, or a botanically inspired Green Man tile.

Join ceramicist Jane McCulla for a hands-on practical workshop at The Kiosk in the Botanic Gardens. In each workshop, Jane will demonstrate how to imprint botanical textures onto clay, hand-building techniques (vase or plate) or how 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 vase/plate or tile imprinted with botanical patterns and suitable for everyday use.

Botanical plate

• 10am to 12pm, Thursday 7 November
• 1pm to 3pm, Sunday 10 November

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)

The Canterbury Horticultural Society invite you to their monthly get-together: Garden Life(external link), a two-hour programme of gardening tips and socialising including a main and mini speaker of horticultural interest.

Garden Life takes place at The Kiosk in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. This is located opposite the entrance when you first enter the Gardens from the Armagh Street car park footbridge.

$5 for CHS and Friends members, $10 non-members.

Refreshments provided - tea, coffee and biscuits in the afternoon sessions, and cheese, crackers and fruit punch in the evening sessions.

November

• 6pm, Tuesday 6 November.
• 1pm, Wednesday 7 November.

Main speaker:

Giulio Sturla from Mapu Test Kitchen, Lyttelton.

Mapu(external link) is the brainchild of Chef Giulio Sturla, who has garnered acclaim for his innovative approach, turning simple, locally sourced produce into masterpieces of modern gastronomy. His dedication to fresh, sustainable, and ethical ingredients is evident in every dish at Mapu.

The intimate dining space in Lyttelton only seats six guests. It provides a unique and personal experience, where diners can watch Chef Sturla create culinary magic. Mapu has recently been named in the New York Times as one of the top 50 restaurants in the world. 

Mini speaker:

Gina Russell (Ngāpuhi), an organic fibre and colour farmer.

A graduate of the BHU Organic College, Gina has been on an exploratory mission to create a local textile industry for New Zealand makers. With a passion for plant fibre, she has cultivated 1/2 an acre of her own organic linen flax while reconnecting to the past and our own linen production history.

Discover the process of pulling fibre from linseed straw for yourself at this informative and hands-on talk. There will be seeds available to purchase for those interested in growing your own fibre or dye plants.

Bring the festive spirit home this Christmas!

Learn the art of making a stunning Christmas-themed fresh floral wreath. Perfect for adding a personalised touch to your Christmas door, table or gifting to someone special! A glass of bubbles on arrival.

• 7pm to 9pm, Wednesday 11 December
• The Kiosk, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, just over the footbridge entrance from the Armagh Street car park.
• Members $105, non-members $125.
• Only 12 spaces available, get in quick!

Join Isabelle Weston at the Kiosk in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens for a delightful hands-on workshop. Enjoy a cozy and festive environment with holiday music, light refreshments, a glass of bubbles (with or without alcohol), and good company.

Workshop Highlights

• Step-by-Step Guidance: Learn techniques from a knowledgeable tutor to craft a perfectly balanced and festive wreath.
• Floral Selection: Choose from a variety of fresh seasonal flowers, greenery, and embellishments to customise your wreath.
• Assembly: Hands-on creation of your wreath with all materials provided.
• Tips & Tricks: Gain insights on how to keep your wreath fresh throughout the holiday season.

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

For all inquiries, please contact 03 366 6937 or office@chsgardens.co.nz

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