3 Best Sights in Christchurch and Canterbury, New Zealand

Sir Miles Warren is one of New Zealand's foremost architects with a pedigree as large as his garden. Ohinetahi, which is also the Māori name for the area, features not only his large, stone, colonial villa, but also his immaculate garden—considered one of the best formal gardens in the country. Blending Sir Miles's eye for detail and design with a stunning situation, this garden maximizes the use of "garden rooms"—the red room being particularly memorable—hedging, and color. Over 30 sculptures now complement the layout.

One of the largest city parks in the world, these superb gardens are known for the magnificent trees planted here in the 19th century. Pick up the Historic Tree Walk brochure from the information center for a self-guided Who's Who tour of the tree world. Spend time in the conservatories and the award-winning Visitor Centre and Ilex Cafe to discover tropical plants, cacti, and ferns on days when you'd rather not be outside. Go to the New Zealand plants area at any time of the year; the modern and heritage rose gardens are also quite lovely.

Named so because it looked like a giant's house to a visiting child, this grand old 1880 villa is full of art in unexpected places, all thanks to the long tenure of its mixed-media artist owner Josie Martin. Up the steep driveway hides a large garden crisscrossed by paths, fantastic larger-than-life mosaics, and colorful, welded sculptures.The garden has been endorsed as a New Zealand Garden of National Significance. The garden café, The Artist's Palate, serves light homemade lunches and afternoon tea.