Diwali
– days left
The festival of lights: warm colours to share with friends. Read our guide.
Order flowersFlowers across Canterbury, Waitaha
Canterbury, Waitaha, is the South Island's most populous region, with about 698,200 people (Stats NZ estimate, June 2025), and it was the fastest-growing region in the year to June 2025, up 1.1 percent. Christchurch is the seat, but fast-growing Rolleston, the towns of Selwyn and Waimakariri and South Canterbury all have their own character. Hospital rules also vary more here than almost anywhere, so read on before you send flowers to a patient.
Order by 2 pm on weekdays (11 am Saturdays) for same-day delivery in many areas
- 20 towns with their own page
- Rural addresses with RD numbers covered
- Hospitals: ward rules
Popular bouquets in Canterbury
Made up by a florist near the recipient.
Order by 2 pm on weekdays (11 am Saturdays) for same-day delivery in many areas
Hospital rules differ across the region
- Christchurch Hospital and Christchurch Women's Hospital do not permit flowers anywhere; gift shops sell flower vouchers for delivery once the patient is home.
- Burwood Hospital allows flowers in most areas, but not the admitting unit, recovery or progressive care.
- The former Canterbury DHB has stated that the community maternity units at Rangiora, Selwyn, Ashburton, Kaikōura and Darfield were flower-free.
- Timaru Hospital says flowers are delivered to patients as they arrive.
For smaller facilities, such as Oxford, Ellesmere and Hillmorton, check with the ward before sending.
Christchurch's rose gardens
Christchurch Botanic Gardens were founded in 1863 and cover 21 hectares beside the Avon River and Hagley Park. The Central Rose Garden has 104 beds, and a separate Heritage Rose Garden holds older varieties. Lyttelton has a rose garden on the old gaol site. Akaroa is also served.
Selwyn and Waimakariri
Rolleston, the seat of Selwyn District, grew from about 2,800 residents in 2001 to about 34,100 by June 2025. Lincoln, Prebbleton, West Melton, Darfield and Leeston are nearby, and Leeston hosts the annual Ellesmere A&P Show in October. In Waimakariri District, Rangiora, Kaiapoi, Woodend, Pegasus and Oxford are all covered. Rangiora holds New Zealand's highest official temperature, 42.4 °C, recorded on 7 February 1973.
Mid and South Canterbury
Ashburton Domain's rose garden dates from 1895, and Methven, at 320 m on the edge of the plains, gets snow a few days each winter. Further south, Timaru Botanic Gardens hold a species rose collection, Geraldine has Talbot Forest and an 11-hectare domain, and the Waimate Strawberry Fare is held on the second Saturday of December. Temuka, Pleasant Point, Twizel and Rakaia are also on our list.
North to Kaikōura and Hanmer
Amberley holds an A&P show each spring, Hanmer Springs is also served, and in Kaikōura 59 Norfolk pines along the Esplanade have protected-tree status. For patients at Kaikōura Health, an archived rule covered the maternity unit, so call first.
Plains weather and rural addresses
Darfield, "the township under the nor'west arch", averages 34 frosty nights and eight days above 30 °C a year. In a hot nor'wester, keep cut flowers out of the sun; our flower care guide helps. Rural properties use RD addresses, with "RD" and a number in place of the suburb; copy them exactly and allow extra time.
Florists also deliver to smaller places such as Pegasus, Twizel, Rakaia, Pleasant Point, Hanmer Springs, Akaroa.
Hospital flower rules in Canterbury
Upcoming occasions
Busy days book out early, so order ahead.
Christmas
– days left
A summer Christmas: red flowers echo the pōhutukawa in bloom. Read our guide.
Order flowers
New Year's Eve
– days left
Welcome the new year with flowers for family or friends. Read our guide.
Order flowersQuestions about flowers in Canterbury
Can I send flowers to Christchurch Hospital?
No. Flowers are not permitted in Christchurch Hospital or Christchurch Women's Hospital. Gift shops sell flower vouchers for delivery when the patient goes home.
Which Canterbury hospitals accept flowers?
Timaru Hospital delivers flowers to patients as they arrive, and Burwood allows them in most areas. For other facilities, check with the ward before sending.
Can flowers be delivered to Akaroa or Hanmer Springs?
Yes, both are served. Use the full street address and allow a little extra time.