Flower Power

The moment you walk into Flower Power, you're confronted with colour on a scale most gallery walls never attempt. It's a contemporary art space in Christchurch dedicated entirely to floral work - paintings, installations, mixed media, the lot. The gallery takes flowers seriously without ever becoming precious about it, which is refreshing.

The work ranges from photorealistic botanical studies to abstract pieces where you'd struggle to identify an actual bloom. Some hits, some misses, but there's always something to argue about over a coffee afterwards. It works best for art enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates good design, though photographers will find themselves circling certain pieces multiple times trying to get the light right.

You can easily spend an hour here without rushing, though two hours is pushing it unless you're really into the subject matter. Families with teenagers might enjoy it; younger kids will likely lose interest after thirty minutes. Entry details weren't confirmed at publication, so ring ahead to check current admission fees and opening times.

If you're based at Meadowbank Holidays just outside town or Sandhills Holiday Park a bit further south, this makes a decent wet-weather option or a cultural pit-stop between beach days. It's worth combining with a wander through Christchurch town centre itself - there's enough to fill a decent afternoon, though don't expect it to be the highlight of your holiday.