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NZ South Island Sundial Trail (Christchurch-Picton)

This sundial trail starts in Christchurch and ends in Picton. The entrance to the Botanic Gardens in Christchurch is on Rolleston Ave opposite Armagh Street. From the car park, go over the bridge - the Rose Garden and the herbaceous border are clearly signed. From Christchurch, take route 1 to Blenheim (308 km) and then route 63 towards St. Arnaud. Top House is a few km. short of St. Arnaud; take the signed road to the right. To reach Richmond, continue on this road through Golden Downs to join route 6 which takes you into the town; you need to turn right to reach the town centre. From there, continue on route 6 to Nelson and Picton

If you have enjoyed this page, please also visit the Timaru Sundial Trail

Two sundials in the Botanical Gardens, Christchurch
In the Rose Gardens










In the herbaceous border







Sundial at the Top House Hotel near St. Arnaud, South Island







Sundial at Richmond, South Island

The sundial is in a small public garden on the main street of Richmond, one block from the shopping centre

The slit in the cylindrical gnomon is a very interesting feature. The gnomon can be rotated with a wheel at its base, and that produces a line of light to give the exact time on the dialplate

There is a very good explanation of the Equation of Time and the difference between sun time and watch time

and a long list of the organisations who contributed to this very interesting sundial project
Sundial at Picton, South Island



The sundial outside Picton church with the touching motto
Be as true to each other
As the dial is to the sun


Picton is at the head of the very long Queen Charlotte Sound, and has the Inter-Islander ferry which connects with Wellington in the North Island