Skip to main content

  
  

Top Things To Do in Christchurch, New Zealand

Experience Christchurch, NZL like never before with AAA's great variety of activities, tours and points of interest. We've got something for everyone, so book today!

Showing 87/87 Things To Do Results for Christchurch, New Zealand

POINT OF INTEREST | 58 Things To DoLake TekapoLake Tekapo
THING TO DOExplore Mount Cook from Christchurch12 hoursExplore Mount Cook from Christchurch
THING TO DOArthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch9 hoursArthur's Pass and TranzAlpine Train Day Tour from Christchurch
THING TO DOTranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth2.5 to 4.5 hrsTranzAlpine Train Journey: Christchurch to Greymouth
Get exclusive deals on theme parks, concerts, sporting events and more!
THING TO DOTranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip10 hoursTranzAlpine Train, Arthur's Pass and Castle Hill Day Trip
THING TO DOMount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch13 hoursMount Cook, Lake Tekapo and Tasman Glacier Tour from Christchurch
POINT OF INTEREST | 17 Things To DoTranzAlpine TrainChristchurch, CanterburyTranzAlpine Train
THING TO DOLord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch9 hoursLord of the Rings, Journey to Edoras Day Tour from Christchurch
THING TO DOLyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center6 hoursLyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sightseeing with Antarctic Center
THING TO DOKaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch11 hoursKaikoura Whale Watch Day Tour from Christchurch
THING TO DOAkaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch9 hoursAkaroa Full Day Sightseeing Tour from Christchurch
THING TO DOFull Day Arthurs Pass Tour with Tranzalpine Train in New Zealand8 hoursFull Day Arthurs Pass Tour with Tranzalpine Train in New Zealand
POINT OF INTEREST | 51 Things To DoLake PukakiLake Pukaki
THING TO DOChristchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo14 hoursChristchurch to Queenstown One-Way Tour via Mt Cook & Lake Tekapo
THING TO DOCoastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton3.25 to 6.25 hrsCoastal Pacific Train Journey from Christchurch to Picton
THING TO DOWaipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch5 hoursWaipara Wine Trail Afternoon Tour from Christchurch
THING TO DOLyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights3 hoursLyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sights
THING TO DOMt Cook & Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour from Christchurch 13 hoursMt Cook & Lake Tekapo Small Group Tour from Christchurch
POINT OF INTEREST | 29 Things To DoArthur's Pass National ParkArthur's Pass National Park
THING TO DOArthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour9 hoursArthur's Pass Discovery and TranzAlpine Train - Small Group Tour
THING TO DOChristchurch to Queenstown Day Tour Via Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook13 hoursChristchurch to Queenstown Day Tour Via Lake Tekapo and Mt Cook
THING TO DO5-Day South Island Tour from Christchurch5 days5-Day South Island Tour from Christchurch
THING TO DO Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket2 hours Christchurch Gondola Ride Ticket
THING TO DOLyttelton Shore Excursion: Arthur's Pass Day Tour7 hoursLyttelton Shore Excursion: Arthur's Pass Day Tour
POINT OF INTEREST | 7 Things To DoInternational Antarctic CentreChristchurch, CanterburyInternational Antarctic Centre
THING TO DOMount Cook Day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown11 hoursMount Cook Day tour from Christchurch to Queenstown
THING TO DOMt Cook Small Group Day Tour via Lake Tekapo From Christchurch13 hoursMt Cook Small Group Day Tour via Lake Tekapo From Christchurch
THING TO DOChristchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram1 dayChristchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram
THING TO DOLyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sights with Willowbank Wildlife Reserve6 hoursLyttelton Shore Excursion: Christchurch Sights with Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
THING TO DOInternational Antarctic Centre General Admission TicketFrom 1 hour to 5 hoursInternational Antarctic Centre General Admission Ticket
POINT OF INTEREST | 14 Things To DoChurch of the Good ShepherdLake Tekapo, CanterburyChurch of the Good Shepherd
THING TO DOChristchurch Zipline Tour2 hoursChristchurch Zipline Tour
THING TO DOExperience All of Christchurch City in Just One DayFrom 4 hours to 5 hoursExperience All of Christchurch City in Just One Day
THING TO DOKaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch12 hoursKaikoura Swim with Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
THING TO DODiscover Christchurch Tour6 hoursDiscover Christchurch Tour
THING TO DOAll-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch6 hoursAll-Inclusive Waipara Region Wine Tour from Christchurch
Pagination
of3

More Articles

ARTICLEAbout ChristchurchMāori oral history and archaeological evidence suggests that people first inhabited the Canterbury area about a thousand years ago. These first inhabitants were moa-hunting tribes and this migration continued until about 1830. The first European landed in Canterbury in 1815 and Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856, making it the oldest city in New Zealand. Many of the city's original Gothic buildings dated from this period. Christchurch, known traditionally as “The Garden City”, is the largest population centre in the South Island of New Zealand, and one of the world’s most unique destinations. Bordered by the Port Hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the Canterbury Plains with the Southern Alps as a majestic backdrop, allowing for a huge array of experiences all within just a few hours’ drive. The serene Avon River flows through the centre of the city (its banks now largely forming an urban park), and through the award winning Christchurch Botanic Gardens which are 150 years old this year. The gardens feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand, and are home to one of Christchurch’s most iconic activities, Punting on the Avon. More recently, however, Christchurch rebuilt and revitalised itself following the Canterbury Earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and making way for some of the most innovative and creative projects in the world. With a huge emphasis on sustainability and environmental issues, Christchurch embraces its new future, and is excited about the possibilities of having a chance to reinvent itself with modern buildings and bright urban events. This is a chance to visit a city on the brink of reimagining itself with world class technology and innovation alongside history and heritage. It is important not to forget about Christchurch’s backyard of Canterbury. You can ski at a world-class alpine resort, play golf, bungy jump, raft, mountain bike, hot-air balloon, wind surf, whale watch and visit internationally-acclaimed wineries and gardens — all within a short drive of the city. And that is just the beginning!
ARTICLEThings to Do in ChristchurchNew Zealand’s garden city, and capital of the South Island, acts as the perfect gateway to discovering 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.
ARTICLEDay & Multi-Day Trips in the Canterbury RegionFrom the Pacific Ocean, ancient volcanic peninsula and wondrous marine life, across patchwork plains, home to adrenalin pumping activities, lush vineyards and braided rivers rising to pristine glacial lakes and the majestic Southern Alps presided over by Aoraki/Mount Cook. You will find something special in Canterbury. Most destinations are possible in a day trip from Christchurch, but Canterbury is best enjoyed as a multi-day trip, with time spent in each unique destination.
ARTICLEDiningOnce known mainly for its superb lamb, Canterbury and Christchurch are now gaining a reputation for a wide range of food and wine. Local meat produce includes venison, emu and ostrich. There is fresh seafood readily available including scallops, crayfish and Mount Cook Salmon, all which are recommended. Canterbury is also a large wine producing region, specialising in Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc.
ARTICLECafesThere is no shortage of great cafes in Christchurch and the inner city is bustling with good places to have a relaxing break with a cup of coffee or tea. Many new outlets have emerged alongside old favourites, many of which are used as social hubs for the Christchurch locals.
ARTICLEChristchurch NightlifeVisitors to this evolving city are spoiled for choice! From refurbished shipping containers to casino and music venues, Christchurch has a great range of bars and an exciting nightlife. Enjoy a quiet cocktail or dance the night away, you will for sure find your favourite place in the CBD or in the surrounding suburbs.
ARTICLEShopping in ChristchurchPedestrianised streets, outdoor markets and indoor shopping malls mean Christchurch is an ideal shopping destination, where you can find everything from traditional New Zealand arts and crafts to the latest designer fashions. Innovative and modern shopping hubs like The Tannery and The Colombo are Christchuch's main shopping centres. The cobbled street of New Regent is also home to a great mix of boutique shops. Individual shopping highlights include Ballantynes Department Store. This historic store dates from 1854, and is still a popular one-stop shopping destination for designer fashions and luxury goods. The Artisan Market is a weekly highlight held every Sunday at Riccarton Bush, you'll find a range of jewellery, arts, crafts and culinary delights. The large, indoor shopping malls are located in the city suburbs, and are all connected with the Orbiter and Metro bus services. Westfield Riccarton is the largest mall in the South Island with 200 stores, and Merivale Mall is home to a range of excellent boutique shops with high-quality jewellery and gifts.
ARTICLEChristchurch Travel
EDITOR PICKHow to Choose a Cruise Line for the Perfect Trip in 2025AAA Travel Editor, CWWondering how to choose a cruise line that meets both your budget and travel interests? Explore the best cruise options for travelers to find your best fit.
ARTICLETop Tips for Traveling with Children: Planning Stress-Free Family AdventuresAAA Content Strategist, Elena MooreTraveling with children doesn’t have to be stressful. Use these helpful and practical tips to ensure your family vacations are enjoyable and stress-free. From packing essentials to choosing the right destination, we’ve got you covered.
THE VALUE OF TRIP CANVAS

Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas

Get Ideas from the Pros

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

BACK TO TOP
Trip Canvas powered by AAA travel logo
AAA logo
© 2024 AAA, All Rights Reserved.

The information contained on this page is provided by independent third-party providers and may not include all applicable taxes, fees, and charges. Please note prices and product details are estimates only and are subject to availability at the time of booking. All information, including pricing, product details, and availability, is subject to change without notice. Please see independent third-party providers' websites for more details. AAA is not responsible for content on external websites.
2.36.4