Things To Do In Christchurch
New Zealand’s garden city, and capital of the South Island, acts as the perfect gateway to diskovering some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and National Parks. There is also plenty to explore in the city itself, with acres of parks and gardens, stunning Gothic architecture and a wide choice of restaurants and bars.
Tupungato/Shutterstock.comPunting on the Avon River
Experience life the way it should be — relaxd, tranquil and thoroughly enjoyable! Sink back into the velvet cushions of your boat as the Edwardian punter gently glides you down the Avon River (Ōtākaro), passing the trailing willows and leafy banks of the stunning Christchurch Botanic Gardens. This is an iconic Christchurch experience and an attraction not to be missed!
Boyloso/shutterstockInternational Antarctic Centre
One of New Zealand's best tourist attractions, the International Antarctic Centre based at Christchurch airport provides visitors of all ages with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of Antarctica. The center includes a hagglund ride, ice voyage 4D Show, a snow and ice experience, penguin encounter and an informative, hands-on display.
zulkamalober/Shutterstock.comChristchurch Gondola
Suspended above the suburbs of Christchurch, the Gondola whisks you nearly a kilometer to the Crater Rim of the Port Hills. See in the extinct volcano which exploded six million years ago, sheltering Lyttelton’s sparkling harbor and to the west, the Southern Alps seem close in the clear pure air and to the East, the ocean and the sky stretch as far as the eye can see. Experience the Time Tunnel, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the Port Hills and Christchurch and revive your spirits with a snack at the new Red Rock Cafe.
Sergey Tarasenko/Shutterstock.comAkaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
From the historic French Village of Akaroa, 90 minutes from Christchurch, daily harbor cruises show the fascinating landscape with volcanic craters and exciting wildlife. The cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin — the Hector's Dolphin — as well as penguins and other sea birds. Each cruise is fully narrated by the skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour.
Ludmila Ruzickova/Shutterstock.comChristchurch Tramway
Christchurch’s historic trams are an ideal way to explore the city centre in style. The route takes in sights such as Cathedral Square, the Botanic Garden, Canterbury Museum and the main shopping areas. At present, there are 18 stops along the route.
Brayden Gray/unsplashChristchurch Botanic Gardens
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens showcase some of the flora of New Zealand and other parts of the world. Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English Oak tree, the Gardens now feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand. Take time to explore the gardens, which are considered to be an oasis in the city of Christchurch with 21 hectares of horticultural displays, several conservatories, memorials, garden art and walking tracks.
irakite/Shutterstock.comAdrenalin Forest
Live on the edge and set yourself free. Realise your potential and get your blood pumping at Adrenalin Forest’s multi-level aerial obstacle course. Adrenalin Forest is a great confidence builder and adrenalin rush. With 6 increasing pathways, 102 challenges how far are you prepared to go?
Marcin Balcerzak/Shutterstock.comThe Court Theatre
In Christchurch’s suburb of Addington, The Court Theatre company was founded in 1971 and is today one of the top groups of New Zealand. Different high quality performances are held throughout the year. Have a glance at their website to see what is on.
aerogondo2/Shutterstock.comHiking & Cycling the Port Hills
The Port Hills shows the contrasts between rocky Crater Rims and the green scenery of Canterbury Plains below. All sorts of outdoor activities are performed in this unique area and hiking is one of them. The Port Hills truly offer breathtaking views, so be ready with the camera.
Tobin Akehurst/Shutterstock.comAir Force Museum of New Zealand
Discover one of the world’s premier military aviation collections at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Activities include a flight simulator, guided tours and a replica 1940s home. The museum is based at the Wigram Airfield, approximately 15 minutes from the International airport and approximately 20 minutes from the city centre.
Sven Verweij/unsplashWillowbank Wildlife Reserve
The Willowbank experience includes unique native wildlife, farm animals and the country's natural history. Dining is available in the award-winning restaurant, acclaimed for its architecture and construction, which allows magnificent views of the surrounding wildlife and gardens.
Alisha Newton/Shutterstock.comOrana Wildlife Park
Set on 80 hectares of park-like grounds, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. The Park has been developed as an open range sanctuary for endangered animals, providing them with enclosures as close to their natural habitat as possible. Streams, moats and banks are used as barriers to allow visitors the opportunity to see the animals in a natural manner. Over 400 animals from 70 different species are displayed and there are various daily encounters allowing up close experiences with the animals.
Molly NZ/Shutterstock.comChristchurch Double Decker City Tour
Step on board to the classic 1960s London Open Top Double Decker busses for a fun and informative tour of Christchurch. Learn about Christchurch’s fascinating history from the pioneering days through to modern day times and learn how Christchurch is recovering from the Canterbury earthquakes which has now become a major event in New Zealand’s history. The experience includes a 1 hour Tour around central Christchurch on New Zealand’s only Open Top Double Decker and a 2 hour Tour on a closed top Double Decker visiting places of interest in greater Christchurch.
LuckyImages/Shutterstock.comQuake City
Quake City is a compelling attraction that brings to life the story of the Canterbury earthquakes. Using striking imagery, immersive sound, and engaging film, it doesn't just dwell on the past but also places a strong emphasis on the future. Here, you can stand in the presence of iconic objects, like the top of the Christ Church Cathedral Spire, and delve into the intriguing science of earthquakes. In essence, it's an attraction that tells the tale of the 2010–2011 earthquakes through personal narratives and hands-on exhibits.
Lakeview Images/Shutterstock.comCaterpillar Garden Tours
Established in 1863, the Botanic Gardens host, without doubt, the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand. Operating a continuous daily service, Caterpillar Garden Tours allows visitors to discover the natural beauty, history and culture of this central city oasis while at the same time being taken around the gardens in all weather, comfort and style. The tours are fully guided on an environmentally friendly electric shuttle.
Tupungato/Shutterstock.comTransitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral
After the February quake caused damage to the iconic Christchurch Cathedral, Japanese architect Shigeru Ban designed one of his famous “Emergency Architecture” buildings, and now the transitional 'Cardboard' Cathedral project is welcoming visitors. Constructed from a series of 96 cardboard tubes and framing, this is an exciting symbol of innovation, hope and inspiration for the city for the next 50 or so years.
Casey Horner/unsplashOi Manawa — Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial
Coasting the Ōtākaro/Avon River, the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial pays homage to the 185 lives that were lost in the February 2011 earthquake. The memorial wall spans 111 meters along the southern riverbank, while the north side features a green area with a curved seat.
Millward Shoults/Shutterstock.comTranzAlpine Train Ride
Operating daily, the TranzAlpine train runs from the east coast (Christchurch) via Arthur's Pass to the west coast in Greymouth. Marvel at the diverse landscapes of New Zealand's southern island, with highlights being the Southern Alps and the alpine rain forest terrain, all from the comfort of a carriage. A cafe carriage, providing beverages, snacks and light meals caters to passengers along the ride.
Steve Heap/Shutterstock.com