Well, it’s official, I’ve gone mad for Monarchs! This is my last post about the over-wintering monarchs in Christchurch. I’ve had quite a few people tell me they had no idea the monarchs did this and after finding out they have gone to the various parks and taken their own photos. I think that’s just wonderful, as seeing these monarch en-mass like this is so special. They are all around Christchurch, so there is no reason to miss out. I’ve also heard that there are large numbers of Monarchs over-wintering in the Timaru gardens as well.
These photos are from the St James Park which is in Papanui. There are quite a few entrances to the park – I entered the park from St James Avenue by the rose garden. I found the monarchs near the red swings.
The large tree by what looks like a ramp (it’s a slide) is where I found the most monarchs.
It pays to go and see the monarchs on a sunny day – as you will be able to find them much easier and you get the beautiful orange display. If the sun is not shining they don’t have their wings spread and they just look like twigs in the tree.
Right, so what are you waiting for? Go out and find some monarchs! Here’s a Google Map to St James Park
To learn more about Monarch butterflies and their behaviour in New Zealand go to:
Ōtautahi / Christchurch Daily Photo 
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