Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Armagh Street
Nestled deep in the northern half of Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens is an incredible play area. In summer, bask in the shade from the numerous mature trees, and paddle in the free pool. In winter, enjoy the peaceful escape from the city in a much quieter play area, and play hide and seek in the dropped leaves.
This is a fully-featured park. Swings, slides, climbing, swinging, bouncing. Swimming on a hot day. Shade for picnics, toilets nearby, and a good sized carpark just over the river. It can get busy, both in the playground and in the carpark, so be prepared to do a bit of hunting. You can also park out on the main road and enjoy a leisurely stroll through the gardens to the play area.
Our common attack is to park in the gardens and walk out to the CBD for lunch, but there is a café within sight of the play area that offers ice creams and similar light food, along with another more substantial one about half way back to the Museum.
Speaking of, make sure you visit the Museum on your way past. Its free (or Koha if you feel inclined), and is really interesting. On your wander into the city, you’ll also get to see a tram car, and the Rollickin’ Gelato shop. Forewarned is forearmed, because you wont escape a stop related to either.
It’s a solid walk for little legs, so if you still have a buggy or a carrier, we recommend taking it if you’re using this wonderful playground as a launch pad for exploring whats been redeveloped to date in Christchurch city.
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