Christchurch Attractions has announced the reopening its Botanic Gardens Tour after it was shut down in March 2020 because of Covid restrictions.

The much-loved tour– also known to Christchurch locals as the Caterpillar or Toast-rack after the tour’s previous names – will be operating 40-minute guided tours between 10am and 3:30pm daily.

The guided tours offer an informative live commentary by the driver which points out the various seasonal highlights of the Botanic Gardens area.

Christchurch Attractions CEO Sue Sullivan says, “we are thrilled to once again be offering our guided Botanic Gardens Tours.

The tours have always been very popular with locals and visitors alike, and we are excited to be sharing this special part of the city with our guests – including cruise ship passengers – over the summer season.”

A smaller 9-seat enclosed shuttle will initially be used to operate tours from 26 October, with the larger open-sided 19-seat shuttles operating from later in November. All shuttles are electric powered for an eco-friendly tour and will depart from near the Peacock Fountain in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens off Rolleston Avenue.

The tour had previously closed in March 2020 due to Covid.

Bookings are essential for the Botanic Gardens Tour and can be made online via the Christchurch Attractions website.