Pick Of The Bunch

‘Hanami’ is a Japanese word that translates to ‘flower watching’. Thanks to our beautiful city gardens you can experience the beauty of ‘sakura’ (the Japanese term for the annual celebration of springtime) without crossing any borders.

Ōtautahi’s own Hagley Park North flourishes with cherry blossoms in spring. The best time for viewing is mid-September. Bike to the Christchurch Farmers Market, grab a bite to eat before using the cycleways to journey to the park, and enjoy the flowers in bloom. Still can’t get enough spring? 

Another place to see Japanese cherry blossoms is the Kurashiki Garden within the Sister City Gardens at Haswell Quarry Park. Here you can experience native flowers from our Sister Cities around the world, Kurashiki (Japan), Adelaide (South Australia), Christchurch (England), Gansu Province (China), Seattle (USA), and Songpa-Gu (Korea). Most walks are wheelchair-friendly and range from 15 to 60 minutes depending on time spent enjoying the blossoms.

Hadstock Farm is a family-run business just a 20-minute drive from Christchurch. One of the largest flower growers in New Zealand, Hadstock is most well known for its daffodils. However, stock a variety of bulbs including bluebells, oriental lilies, and more. You don’t need to travel to the Netherlands for your field of tulips, get your wanderlust fix here in Canterbury.

Each daffodil season Hadstock hosts a ‘pick your own’ open weekend in September. Their Facebook page is the best place to get updates.

Otahuna Lodge is nestled away in Tai Tapu and has 30-acres of immaculate gardens to explore and a story that goes back over 125 years. Enjoy the splendor of the daffodil gardens in spring. Private garden tours are available upon request.

Extend your stay overnight in the Otahuna Lodge accommodation which offers massage therapy, an outdoor games lawn, a swimming pool, and spa pool. Explore their spring packages.