Just a short drive from Christchurch, Waimakariri is blossoming with gardens that delight and inspire. From pockets of brilliant blooms to expansive formal landscapes, you’ll find beauty tucked all over the district, many just minutes from cafés and eateries, perfect for pairing a garden stroll with a local bite.
Whether you’re seeking inspiration for your own backyard, a serene escape to recharge, or simply a lovely outing with friends or family, there’s a garden to suit. Visit one or plan a full day exploring many, the choice is yours.
Many gardens are open by appointment, giving you the chance to connect directly with passionate garden owners who are always eager to share their stories, knowledge, and love of growing.
A 2.5 acre English garden inspired by the great estates of England. By Appt Only.
Discover Broadoak’s enchanting English-style gardens with fountains, intricate knot designs, and a sunken native area featuring a giant chessboard. Wander rose-arched wedding gardens, admire sculptures, and enjoy wide, all-weather paths at a leisurely 1.5–2-hour visit.
Open: By appointment only
Price: $15 per person
Location: 232 Jacksons Road, Ohoka
Contact: 021 880 583
Email: info@broadoak.co.nz
Website: www.broadoak.co.nz
A whimsical 2-acre sculpture garden with a curated boutique gift shop.
Stroll around ponds, through orchards, and vibrant gardens of rhododendrons, camellias, and roses. Admire steel sculptures by Allan O’Loughlin, unwind on shaded lawns, and explore Andrea’s boutique for hand-picked vintage and new treasures to style your home and garden.
Open: Fridays – Sundays, 10 am to 4 pm from October to April
Other days: By appointment
Location: 1 Roscrea Place, Mandeville
Contact:021 146 6426
Email: therustyacre@gmail.com
Facebook: Click here
A garden of beauty, intrigue, and and horticultural wonders. Dedicated tour times.
A stunning garden with native trees, shrubs, and perennials, meandering paths, bridges, a rose garden, pond, productive vegetable garden, orchard, and a bonsai collection. Allow two hours to fully explore this remarkable and diverse space.
Open Wed – Sat, 2 hour guided tours at 10am and 1pm
Location: Southbrook, Rangiora
Contact: 027 432 9803
Bookings on website: Here
A serene 4 acre haven with lush, ever-changing landscapes and relaxed country charm. Appt only.
Wander Ribblesdale’s exquisite garden zones and browse its boutique nursery of rhododendrons, alpines, hostas, and succulents. Relax in peaceful self-contained accommodation amid a tranquil rural setting, a celebrated Canterbury garden close to Christchurch with treasures to take home.
Open: By appointment
Location: 4 Barracks Road Oxford
Contact: 0274 545 386
Email: ribblesdale@xtra.co.nz
Facebook: Click here
Where history meets enchantment. Wander 5 acres of ever-changing floral beauty. Offers open days.
Discover ever-changing seasonal displays, orchards, and the striking Blue Garden. Stroll meandering paths to quiet corners, birdwatch from scenic decks, and enjoy complimentary tea. Explore the floral studio’s European-style bouquets in this NZ Gardens Trust 3-Star (Notable) destination.
Price: $15 per person self guided, or $25 for a fully guided tour
Allow 60–90 minutes to explore.
A 4.5 acre formal garden, lovingly developed over a 30 year period. By appt only.
This formal, parklike garden features themed “room” areas to explore. Wander lawns and pathways, discover ponds and water features, and enjoy a guided tour. For more information or to plan your visit, we welcome your call.
Price: $15 per person
Open: Oct to April
By Appointment Only
Locaton: 21 Keetly Place, Ohoka
Contact: 03 312 6414
Email: elaine.john@xtra.co.nz
Secret gardens hidden within formal hedging, surrounded by manicured laws, rose beds and established trees. By appt only.
Take some time out in this idyllic garden and stay in this garden venue in the luxury suite.
Open: By Appt only; Tue, Wed, Sun
Location: 41 Moodys Road
Website: Click here
Contact: 03 327 5296
A day to organise with friends. Bookings of 10 people to enjoy all the joys flowers bring. Appt only.
Nestled in the scenic Okuku Hills near Rangiora, Birch Hill welcomes booked groups to explore vibrant flower fields, pick fresh blooms for unique bouquets, capture stunning photos, and enjoy handcrafted floral product, perfect gifts or keepsakes amid nature’s colourful beauty.
Open:By appt only, groups of ten.
Email: birchhillflowerfarm@gmail.com
Website: www.birchhillflowerfarm.co.nz
Enjoy a sea of purple and fragrance, Dec and Jan with a gift shop open year round.
Experience Lavender Fields at its peak from late December to February. Wander fragrant pathways, capture stunning photos, and relax in vibrant summer blooms. Year-round, discover handcrafted lavender products. Just north of Christchurch, it’s the perfect seasonal escape for families, couples, and photographers.
Entry: Free
Open:
August-May, 10.00am-4.00pm, Closed Tuesday
June-July, 10.00am-3.00pm, Closed Monday and Tuesday
Closed Christmas Day, Good Friday and Easter Sunday
Location: 224 Waikuku Beach Road, Waikuku
Contact: Clare 03 312 7220, 021 0226 5095
Email: lavenderfieldsnz@gmail.com
Website: www.lavenderfields.co.nz
In the month of February, enjoy Golden waves of sunflowers stretch as far as the eye can see.
Explore South Eyre Sunflowers’ towering, sunlit blooms along scenic pathways. Perfect for families, photographers, and nature lovers, discover hidden nooks for reflection or play. Capture memories, celebrate special moments, and enjoy the golden magic that brightens every visit.
Open: The month of February 24/7
Entry is $10 per adult, under-16s visit for free. Cut your own flowers for $2.50 each and utilise the honesty box at the gate.
Location: Corner of South Eyre Road and Domain Road, Oxford
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sesunflowerpower/
Enjoy the Corn Maze & Sunflowers, opening 6th January 2025 (weather permitting).
Discover Tram Fields’ towering sunflowers, scenic pathways, and family-friendly corn maze. Perfect for photos, play, and reflection, capture memories, enjoy freshly picked blooms, and experience a joyful summer escape just a short drive from Christchurch fun for all ages.
Open: 6th of January, check facebook for opening times. Then Open 7 days a week from 10 AM to 6 PM, weather permitting. Check Facebook to stay updated.
Farm Pass Pricing (Corn Maze & Sunflowers):
Adults: $22
Kids under 16: $18
Kids under 5: FREE
Family Pass: $65 (includes 2 adults & 2 kids under 16, or 1 adult & 3 kids)
Location: 1275 Tram Road, Swannanoa
Facebook: Click here
While you are out and about in Waimakariri during summer, check out the Kaiapoi Food Forest and pick your own fruit to buy at the Tram Road Fruit Farm.
Tram Road Fruit Farm – Seasonal
Pick your own sunshine this summer! At our orchard, you’ll find cherries, strawberries, plums, and raspberries, plus special heritage varieties, all sun-ripened for unbeatable flavour. Open on fine days all summer long, just call ahead to see what’s ready for picking. Fresh air, fresh fruit, and family fun await!
Location: 1520 Tram Road, Swannanoa
Contact: 03 312 0504
Website: www.tramroadfruitfarm.co.nz
Kaiapoi Food Forest – Seasonal
Nestled on the corner of Cass & Meadow Streets and Oram Place in Kaiapoi, New Zealand, this 1.5-acre haven is brimming with fruit trees, perennial vegetables, and plenty of open green spaces. It’s the perfect spot to spread out a picnic, wander among the gardens, or simply enjoy the fresh air. For little ones, a delightful playhouse adds an extra touch of fun, making it a welcoming destination for families.
Location: 32 Cass Street, Kaiapoi
Email: brent@kai.net.nz
Website: https://kai.net.nz
Kaiapoi isite Visitor Centre
1/143 Williams St, Kaiapoi
PO Box 80, Kaiapoi 7644
info@kaiapoivisitorcentre.co.nz
