What makes it 91% Couple-Friendly: Couples find romantic punting, shady picnic spots with free barbecues, and quiet riverside walks, while dusk lighting and central location support an easy, low-stress date.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Covers a punt ride, stroll and picnic without rushing.
Punting on the Avon River:
Drift through Botanic Gardens on a 30-minute Edwardian-style punt.
Tip: Book one day ahead and wear sun protection.
Picnic and barbecue:
Set up lunch at free gas barbecues under mature trees.
Tip: Arrive before noon to claim a shaded shelter.
Bike the South Hagley loop:
Cycle the flat 3.6 km path from Antigua Boat Sheds.
Tip: Reserve two touring bikes online for best availability.
Bandsmen’s Memorial Rotunda:
Visit the WW I bandstand south of the Avon River.
Tip: Go during off-peak hours for a quiet moment.
Free Botanic Gardens tour:
Join the daily 1:30 pm guided tour from October to April.
Tip: Cross Riccarton Ave and meet your guide at the main entrance.

Andrew Thompson
Went to the Hagley Oval to watch New Zealand vs England. Fantastic venue with easy access to the botanic gardens and the city.
Phalguni Mukherjee
There are so many trees inside the garden. A display like nameplate and description of the particular tree will help others for identification of the particular tree. There should be an authorised guide to show the garden properly to foreign visitors.
Christophe Craig
Nice place to chill in the sun, or play netball or football. It’s nice to go in the north part too have a little walk, there even is some sort of gym equipments there and the botanical gardens. Must see if you are staying around
Andrea Tripodi
Not as beautiful as North Hagley Park, with less choice of waking, but still has irs charm. Also, the public car park could be a bit bigger as there is plenty of space for it. Overall it's nice anyway. Recommend
Pratik Singh Solanki
Well maintained and beautiful Cricket ground. Its not big one than other grounds. Situated in heart of the city South Hagley park. This ground is suitable to conduct every format of international cricket. I went there for Indian-NZ test match. It was a good treat to have there. The atmosphere was completely different then India, of course, Indians are more crazy about cricket so quite hard to cont...
Between October and April, join the free 1:30 pm Botanic Gardens tour. In spring, spot daffodils under Moorhouse Avenue avenues.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) | 
|---|---|
| Punting on the Avon (2 adults) | NZD 84 | 
| All-day bike hire (2 bikes) | NZD 90 | 
| Total Estimated | NZD 174 | 
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: 57 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
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