Oderings Garden Centre Barrington (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Oderings Garden Centre Barrington?
What makes it 47% Kids-Friendly: Children are allowed and can spot colours or butterflies, yet there is no playground, no kid workshops, and parents must supervise near fragile stock and vehicles, so interest and comfort are moderate.
Positives:
- Free entry: No admission fee lets you spend on activities or plants.
- Hands-on fun: Games and painting keep kids engaged and learning about plants.
- Accessible location: Close to Barrington Shopping Centre with ample free parking.
Challenges:
- No cafe on site: Bring snacks and water; seating is outdoors only.
- Gravel paths: Sturdy shoes or prams with large wheels are needed for some areas.
- No dedicated play area: Supervise children at all times; no playground available.
What is Oderings Garden Centre Barrington?
- A large independent garden centre in Christchurch’s Barrington district encompassing seven acres of outdoor plant beds and heritage glasshouses dating back to 1929
- A comprehensive horticultural nursery supplying seasonal bedding plants, perennials, indoor houseplants, landscape-grade soils, mulches and garden accessories
- A major retail and wholesale horticultural operation under the Oderings brand, incorporating glasshouse propagation facilities and landscape supply services
What is so special about Oderings Garden Centre Barrington for with kids?
- Free entry with interactive games to engage kids.
- Butterfly spotting in glasshouses during spring–summer.
- Plant-pot painting at outdoor tables with family.
- Complimentary trailer hire adds a fun, hands-on task.
- Close to shopping centre parking and basic facilities.
Note: Oderings Garden Centre Barrington is 47% Kids-Friendly. You may want to consider other Kids-Friendly Things to Do in Christchurch for a more suitable experience.
Recommended visit duration: 1-2 hours
Why 1-2 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 1-2 hours lets kids explore colour spotting and pot painting before they get restless.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Oderings Garden Centre Barrington
Colour-spotting plant game:
Ask kids to find plants by colour or leaf shape as you walk around.
Tip: Print or note 5 colours before you go to guide the search.
Butterfly watching:
Look for butterflies and pupae in the glasshouse zones.
Tip: Visit in spring and summer when butterfly activity is highest.
Plant-pot painting:
Buy small unglazed pots and paint them at the outdoor tables.
Tip: Bring non-toxic paints and aprons; let pots dry in the sun.
Courtesy trailer hire:
Load mulch or soil to help kids feel useful and involved.
Tip: Pick up the free trailer at the service desk and supervise loading.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Oderings Garden Centre Barrington
- Go early: Arrive at opening to avoid crowds and find a good table for painting.
- Use the map: Grab a plant list or centre map at the desk to plan your colour game route.
- Plan a picnic: Bring a blanket and snacks to enjoy in the nearby Barrington park after touring.
Reviews of Oderings Garden Centre Barrington
Chris Caldwell
A large garden centre with a good range of plants for both outdoors and inside along with plenty of accessory tools, aids and consumables. The staff were knowledgeable and helpful. A well worthwhile visit
Betty Howe
We had a great time selecting flower plants for our garden. The staff are very friendly and attentive making it a very pleasant experience. Thank you very much
EJ Sinclair
Plants arrived dead, bug infested and unusable. Then customer service was terrible, including asking me to provide my bank card details non-securely by email!
lori vee
I usually buy online but this time the plant I wanted was available for purchase that way. Very helpful, even to directing me how to get to where I needed to go next. Absolutely loved their extra assistant who liked plenty of attention and strokes. My kind of boy! Will be making most of my next purchases in person, just for the helpful attention.
Nigel Hembury
A great place for shopping for all kinds of garden stuff. The restaurant is good as well but would be better if they made food on site, but still good. Highly recommend
When is the best time to visit Oderings Garden Centre Barrington (Christchurch, New Zealand)?
Visit in spring and early summer to catch butterflies in the glasshouses. Check workshop dates online before you go, as they run at select times (often spring–summer).
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Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Unglazed pot for painting | NZD 5 |
| Small plant purchase | NZD 10 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 15 |
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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Map of Oderings Garden Centre Barrington
Address: 92 Stourbridge Street, Spreydon, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand
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About Oderings Garden Centre Barrington
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
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