Kissing Tree

Planted in 1930 beside the Avon River near Christchurch's historic band rotunda and waka mooring, this beautiful Camperdown elm (Ulmus glabra 'Camperdownii') has quietly witnessed nearly a century of life unfolding beneath its sweeping canopy.

Among those stories is that of a young couple who shared their first kiss beneath its flowering branches. Looking up through the canopy, they found themselves surrounded by soft blossoms and filtered evening light, the tree seeming to close out the rest of the world and create a space that was quiet, intimate, and unforgettable.

What makes this tree so special is not only its elegance and striking form, but the experience of standing beneath it. Its cascading branches create a natural shelter, inviting visitors to pause, look upward, and connect with the landscape around them. Together, the river, rotunda, waka and elm create one of Christchurch's most romantic corners.

For almost a century, the tree has stood through concerts, celebrations, gatherings, quiet conversations and countless everyday moments along the riverbank. Like so many treasured trees, it is more than part of the scenery—it is a silent witness to the lives of the people around it, woven into the story of Christchurch itself.

If this remarkable tree has touched your life, or reminds you of a special place, consider casting your vote for the Camperdown elm in New Zealand Tree of the Year.