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Welcome Aboard operates the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour. A favourite of our Christchurch attractions, the Gardens Tour is a very affordable activity for any nature enthusiast. Glide over smooth pathways in our electric-powered Caterpillar shuttle, a cute vehicle looking like its namesake, the caterpillar.

You can hop on or off the Caterpillar at any time. Take two days, if you like, to explore one of the world’s most historic Botanic Gardens. Our Caterpillar Tour guides know their stuff. Which trees are best for making bows and arrows? Can corks be made from trees? Do bananas grow in Christchurch?

Yes, bananas grow this far South, in the immense Greenhouse in the Gardens. Leaves entwine and flowers flourish in the steamy tropical heat. Compare the sub-Antarctic daisies in another place, tough enough to survive wind and sleet. Appreciate the outdoor circular Rose Garden. Crush a leaf and smell each herb in the Blind Garden. Find New Zealand’s only World Peace Bell.

Bring your camera, at any season of the year, and enjoy what we think are the best in the Southern Hemisphere; the Botanic Gardens Christchurch.

Caterpillar Tour of Christchurch's Botanic Gardens

To contact us:

Phone: 0800 88 22 23

E-mail: info@welcomeaboard.co.nz

Make the most of your day! — Consider these itineraries

Half day itinerary

The Botanic Gardens Tour is one of the most absorbing things to do in Christchurch. Join the tour beside the Christchurch i-Site and Canterbury Museum and feel free to get on and off the shuttle as the tour progresses. Very close to the Botanic Gardens you’ll find Punting on the Avon. See the City or Hagley Park as you glide romantically down the river, propelled by a Punter in an Edwardian straw hat and striped jacket. Then visit the Christchurch Gondola and experience the stunning views of the city and surrounds. All these options can be booked as a combo, saving money and time!

Full day itinerary

Experience Christchurch with us! Board our luxury coach for an interactive and fun guided tour of Christchurch. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation on request. Let us show you the best Christchurch has to offer; beautiful parks and gardens, quaint seaside suburbs and superb views of the city and surrounds.

Your tour also includes Christchurch’s three premium attractions – Punting on the Avon, The Christchurch Gondola & The Caterpillar Botanic Gardens Tour. It’s the very best way to enjoy Christchurch at the best price!

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Two day itinerary

On day one experience Christchurch with us! Board our luxury Grand Tour coach for an interactive and fun guided tour of Christchurch. Our driver will pick you up from your accommodation on request. Let us show you the best Christchurch has to offer; beautiful parks and gardens, quaint seaside suburbs and superb views of the city and surrounds.

Your tour also includes Christchurch’s three premium attractions – Punting on the Avon, The Christchurch Gondola & the Caterpillar Botanic Gardens Tour. It’s the very best way to enjoy Christchurch at the best price!

The next day take the Hanmer Connection shuttle bus to Hanmer Springs (ph 0800 242 663). Your 90 minute journey passes through beautiful scenery and you can be delivered to the Thrillseekers river base or directly to the town centre. Thrillseekers Adventures has something for everybody! Jet Boat the entire length of the spectacular Waiau River Gorge. Enjoy our relaxed Rafting trip, suitable for families. Bungy jump from the 135 year old Ferry Bridge. Challenge the terrain, with river crossings, dust, dirt and excitement on a Quad Bike. Challenge a friend to Paintball or go Claybird Shooting with a real shotgun. Then head to the town on our free shuttle and bask in the famous hot pools at the end of your day! Return to Christchurch on the Hanmer Connection or stay longer and do more….