Thanks to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Christchurch is often referred to as The Garden City, and for a very good reason. When the first settlers from England arrived at Lyttleton in 1850, they brought with them the gardening traditions of that country.

On 9 July 1863, a tree was planted to commemorate the marriage of Prince Albert to Princess Alexandra of Denmark. This tree, an English Oak, is regarded as the foundation date of the Government Domain, later to become the Botanic Gardens.

The Botanic Gardens encompass an area of 30 hectares (74 acres), the majority of this being within a loop of the Avon River.

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens has five specific areas available for wedding ceremonies and photographs.

The Grounds are open daily from 7.00am to 1 hour before sunset, and The Conservatories from 10.15am to 4.00pm and can be accessed via Rolleston Avenue.