Nestled in the heart of the South Island, Christchurch, called the ‘Garden City’ is a location for travelers and cultural enthusiasts alike. From punting down the tranquil Avon River to checking out the scenic vistas of the Port Hills, this guide unveisl the leading things to do in Christchurch. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a history enthusiast, or a nature fan, prepare yourself to start an amazing journey through among New Zealand’s most stunning and vibrant cities.
The Very Best Things to do in Christchurch, NZ
This guide was initially composed by Melissa Grossi, an ex-pat who has actually made Christchurch her home given that 2015, and it has actually been upgraded for 2024 by The World D. So kick back and delight in as we check out all the brand-new things and activities in Christchurch and review a few of the old favorites.
1. Punting on the Avon River
Among the most popular activities in Christchurch is to go punting on the Avon River. Hands to heart, Punting on the Avon River Trip is a rather initial method to go sightseeing and is a renowned location to check out in Christchurch!
What is punting on the Avon River? It’s a gondola trip on a boat called a punt. Worn Edwardian outfit, a proficient punter takes you gradually through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Visitors like to kick back and unwind on their punts as they choose a gondola trip while enjoying the wildlife and surroundings along the Avon River.
Tours leave from 2 Cambridge Balcony, Christchurch Central, every day from 9 am to 6 pm. It costs $30 NZD for grownups and $ 15 NZD for kids.
2. Trip the Christchurch Gondola
If you are searching for a few of the very best views of the city and the Canterbury Plains the Christchurch Gondola is a must-do. This beautiful trip takes you to the top of the Port Hills, providing a 360-degree panorama that consists of the Southern Alps and Lyttelton Harbour. Get your gondola tickets beforehand here.
At the top, check out the Time Tunnel exhibition, detailing the location’s volcanic and human history, or delight in a bite at the café with its spectacular vistas. Suitable for households, couples, or solo tourists the Christchurch Gondola supplies a distinct point of view of the area’s varied landscapes, making it a standout tourist attraction in any Christchurch travel schedule.
3. Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are an all-time classic and absolutely among the leading tourist attractions in Christchurch! They are linked to Hagley Park, the city’s primary– and greatest– park. Check Out the Rose Garden, New Zealand’s native bush areas and unwind by among the lots of secret benches surrounding the lakes.
The entryway is totally free. Over the cold weather, eviction’s closing time is 6.30 pm. Otherwise, it’s 8.30 pm or 9 pm. Commit a minimum of one hour to check out the lots of locations and gardens of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
4. Trip the Christchurch Cable Car
Riding the Christchurch Cable car provides a distinct and satisfying method to check out the city’s essential tourist attractions. This historical tramway, with its perfectly brought back cable cars, takes you on a loop around Christchurch, passing landmarks like Cathedral Square, the Avon River, and the Arts Centre. The hop-on, hop-off function permits you to check out websites at your own speed, making it a perfect option for novice visitors and those eager to review Christchurch’s highlights.
A day pass usually costs around NZD 35 for grownups, (kids are totally free!) providing limitless trips, making it an inexpensive and hassle-free method to tour. The cable car chauffeurs typically function as guides, offering useful commentary about the city’s history and sights. The Christchurch Cable car experience is not simply a mode of transport however a destination in itself, completely mixing historic appeal with useful city touring.
5. New Regent Street
If you have actually ever seen images of Christchurch, for sure you learn about this adorable little pedestrian passage simply one street off Cathedral Square! Travelers and residents alike like New Regent Street! Visitors like to sit and see the tramway go by while having a beverage outside among the lots of cafés and white wine bars that line New Regent Street.
New Regent Street in Christchurch is an excellent location for tourists searching for a mix of shopping and dining. This pedestrian-only street is understood for its Spanish Mission-style architecture providing a series of shop stores and regional restaurants.
Visitors can delight in searching special shops, getting a coffee at a comfortable café, or dining at one of the street’s dining establishments. It’s an ideal area for an unwinded walk, providing an enjoyable break from the more dynamic parts of the city. Whether you’re looking for mementos or simply wish to take in the regional atmosphere, New Regent Street is a must-visit in Christchurch.
6. Check Out the International Antarctic Centre
The International Antarctic Centre is a leading tourist attraction for those thinking about the marvels of the Antarctic. This interactive center brings the icy continent to life with experiences like the Antarctic Storm simulation, an encounter with live penguins, and the Hägglund trip, mimicing Antarctic travel.
Found near the airport, this is among the very best things to do in Christchurch for households. Stroll into the storm dome and feel the chill of Antarctica and enjoy its 4D movie theater. And end with a check out to engage with huskies. You’ll have the chance to cuddle and family pet the fluffy Huskies that explorers traditionally utilized to pull their Antarctic dogsleds.
The International Antarctic Center is not simply an exhibition; it’s a hands-on journey into the heart of the Antarctic, providing academic insights and enjoyable for any ages. Suitable for households or anybody curious about polar expedition, the International Antarctic Centre is a must-see in Christchurch. Whether you’re braving the indoor storm or discovering Antarctic wildlife, it’s a memorable addition to your Christchurch schedule. You can buy your tickets beforehand here.
7. Victoria Park and the Port Hills
If you still have a little bit of energy and time left after a hectic day, you can head to Victoria Park, up in the Port Hills. It is among the very best activities in Christchurch for sundown. Simply a 15 minutes’ drive from Central Christchurch separates this spectacular sundown area and treking location!
Providing a network of routes for treking, mountain cycling, and beautiful strolls, the Port Hills offer spectacular views of the city, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps. The location, abundant in both Maori and European history, is quickly available from the town hall, making it an ideal excursion for those looking for a natural escape.
Popular areas like the Bridle Course and the Top Roadway deal differing degrees of problem for all physical fitness levels. Whether you want a leisurely walk or a difficult bike trip, the Port Hills deal with every kind of traveler. This natural play ground not just provides exercises however likewise acts as a great area for photography, picnics, and just delighting in the scenic vistas of Christchurch and its environments.
8. Christchurch Experience Park
The Christchurch Experience Park is a thrill-seeker’s paradise, providing a series of amazing activities set versus the background of the Port Hills. Popular for its mountain cycling routes, the park deals with all ability levels, from novices to professionals.
Besides cycling, it boasts New Zealand’s longest zipline, offering an exciting trip with spectacular views. The park likewise includes a café and bar where you can unwind after your experiences. Schedule a zipline Trip for sweeping views of the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean.
Costs differ based upon activities, with bike passes and zipline trips offered for purchase. Quickly available from the town hall, it’s an ideal day out for households, groups, or solo travelers wanting to include some adrenaline to their Christchurch go to. Whether you’re hitting the road or skyrocketing over treetops, the Christchurch Experience Park guarantees a remarkable and action-packed experience. You might likewise like: Where to Go Bungy Leaping in New Zealand
9. Canterbury Museum
Another classic of the Christchurch tourist attractions is the museum was among the couple of areas individuals might check out, a minimum of partly, after the earthquakes. It totally resumed in 2013.
Entryway is totally free, though contributions are urged! The Museum opens every day from 9 am to 5 or 5.30 pm.
10. Arts Centre of Christchurch
Now visitors can take part in lots of totally free occasions, book crafty workshops, get a tattoo, listen to a performance, have a coffee, or simply walk around the ingenious stores.
The Arts Centre in Christchurch is ideal for those looking for a mix of history, art, and imagination. This Gothic Revival complex was perfectly brought back after the earthquakes and homes a series of galleries, studios, movie theaters, and efficiency areas.
Visitors can delight in a varied selection of displays, craftsmen stores, and weekend markets. Found in the heart of the city, the Arts Centre is a lively neighborhood center, suitable for art fans and curious tourists alike. Whether you have an interest in modern art, regional crafts, or live efficiencies, the Arts Centre supplies an abundant, immersive experience in Christchurch’s vibrant arts scene.
Free entry. Open every day of the week from 10 am to 5 pm. Make certain to set 1 hour aside for your go to!
11. Christchurch Art Gallery
For practically 5 years, the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhet was closed to the general public. Till its grand resuming in 2015 after extensive structure repair work, it was acting as emergency situation head office and momentary lodging for the Christchurch City Board Personnel.
It appears difficult to think of the early days now as one wanders the roomy halls filled with modern displays in such a tranquil setting.
Free assisted 45-60 minutes trips leave from the front desk on the ground flooring daily at 11 am and 2 pm.
The gallery opens from 10 am to 5 pm everyday and hosts weekly occasions.
12. Check Out the Flying Force Museum of New Zealand
A see to the Flying force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch is a journey through air travel history, ideal for lovers and households alike. This museum provides a remarkable collection of airplane, from World War I fighters to modern-day jets, each with its own story.
Interactive displays, consisting of flight simulators, offer a hands-on experience, permitting you to enter the shoes of a pilot. The museum likewise admires New Zealand’s Flying force heritage, providing insights into the nation’s military air travel history. With totally free entry, it’s an affordable and academic getaway, suitable for those thinking about airplane and military history. The Flying force Museum provides a distinct chance to get up close with air travel legends, making it a noteworthy addition to your Christchurch schedule.
13. Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial
On February 2017, the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial opened to the general public as part of the 6th-anniversary ceremony occasions.
The memorial keeps in mind the 185 individuals who lost their lives and the survivors of the terrible earthquakes that shook the city to its core.
14. Quake City
Quake City provides an engaging and academic experience, offering insights into the impactful earthquake of 2011. Thiscurated exhibit takes visitors through the occasions, after-effects, and reconstructing efforts with interactive screens, individual stories, and recuperated artifacts. It’s a poignant suggestion of the city’s strength.
Found centrally, Quake City is available and interesting for any ages, with an entry charge of around NZD 20 for grownups. The exhibit not just informs about seismic activity however likewise commemorates the strength and development of Christchurch in the face of hardship. A see here is vital for comprehending the city’s current history and the indomitable spirit of its individuals, making it a substantial and moving addition to any Christchurch schedule.
15. Turanga City Library
The current and most ingenious advancement in Christchurch’s CBD is Turanga, the brand-new city library. Given that its opening in 2018, the Turanga Library has actually turned into one of the outright need to check out Christchurch tourist attractions for individuals around town. Visit for a cuppa, climb up the ‘Harry Potter Stairways’, delight in scenic city views, unwind with a book, and take part in a number of the workshops!
Turanga is open from 9 am to 8 pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to 5 pm Saturdays and Sundays. Free 45 minutes assisted trips are hung on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 am.
16. Bridge of Remembrance
Constructed throughout 1923 to honor the New Zealand soldiers who combated overseas throughout WWI, the bridge was resumed after the earthquake repair work in April 2016. This is among the most widely known picture areas in the area!
Simply meters from the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, it marks the start of the brand name brand-new boardwalk walk. Feel confident you will not miss it!
17. Check out the City’s Street Art
Searching for first-rate street art in Christchurch has actually turned into one of the coolest activities when walking around town. After the earthquakes, various efforts collected artists from New Zealand and abroad to bring the city back to life through cool street art!
Christchurch is now among the 39 Street Art Capitals of the world on the choice curated by the Lonely World. Visitors can likewise utilize a totally free interactive map to assist the hunt of street art around town.
18. Central Christchurch’s Avon Riverside Boardwalk
Beginning on Oxford’s Balcony, the brand-new riverside Boardwalk extends along 2 km following the Avon River all the method approximately the Margaret Mahy Play Area.
Grassy locations, sidewalks, bridges, art, restaurants, clubs and cycle lanes comprise this task that took 5 years to construct and was formally opened in November 2018. This location is rapidly ending up being a dynamic center for night-owls looking for dancing, live music, craft beers, and author mixed drinks.
19. New Malls and Galleries
Cashel St. has actually ended up being the shopping heart of Central Christchurch. Brand-new markets, shopping malls, and global clothes shops are opening every couple of months.
The BNZ Centre and The Crossing are the latest and brightest areas for getting lunch, having a coffee with good friends and shopping.
Though these brand-new advancements didn’t come controversy-free! Individuals still miss out on the popular Re: Start Container Shopping mall that was torn apart not that long earlier.
20. The O.G.B. at The Heritage Hotel
If you elegant a beverage and a plate after a long day searching the city, you can head to The Heritage Hotel, home of the O.G.B. Bar Lounge.
Acknowledged as one of the leading bars in the area, the structure deserves a go to by itself. It has fantastic atmosphere, 1930’s décor design, and live music. It’s my individual preferred!
21. Isaac Royal Theatre
Opened in February 1908, this French Renaissance-style structure has actually been hosting significant programs for over 100 years!
It’s typically closed throughout the day, however considering it is simply meters from Cathedral Square, it deserves to visit and take a minute to value its façade!
22. Night Life on Victoria Street
Great and modern-day dining, a secret mixed drink bar, the Gambling establishment and a Clock Tower. That’s Victoria Street simply put! The picked area for those fancying a huge night out!
23. Little High Restaurant
Opened in May 2017, Little High Restaurant has actually ended up being the hippest chewing area in the area with a variety of global street foods. From South American bbq to tailored-made hamburgers and Thai food, head there if you wish to experience among the regional’s leading areas!
The location itself deserves a go to as its embeded in a location of the CBD that still has a great deal of reconstructing works ahead! In my viewpoint, that makes it much more intriguing. Throughout lunch and supper peak hours you can anticipate to be waiting in line from 5 to 20 minutes
Little High is found on 255 St Asaph Street, 4 blocks from Cathedral Square. Open from 8 am to 11 pm over weekends (10 pm on weekdays). It’s an excellent alternative if you are running late for supper. A lot of locations in the area refer to it as gives up around 9ish!
Central Christchurch still has lots of streets and locations that have not been reconstructed. Far from being frightened or irritated by it, various tasks in the area are concentrated on sharing these locations with the neighborhood. The Christchurch Slackline team and GapFiller set to produce the brand-new and very first devoted Slacklining Park in the South Island
Numerous intriguing things are occurring thanks to the work of innovative social business like GapFiller. Checking out any of these areas will provide you a reasonable concept of the innovative breeze expanding all over town!
25. Indication of the Bellbird
Treking to the Indication of the Bellbird a need to check out for scenic views of the Canterbury Plains, Ohinetahi Reserve, and Lyttelton Harbour. This renowned path winds through rich landscapes, leading you to an amazing viewpoint where the vastness of the Canterbury Plains unfolds before your eyes
It’s an available experience for all levels of hikers as you climb up the 2.5 mile (4 km) path causing an awesome area that showcases the extensive appeal of the plains., Lyttelton Peninsula, the Southern Alps and the Banks Peninsula.
26. Cathedral Square
The Christchurch cathedral has actually long been among the leading tourist attractions in Christchurch. Unfortunately it was damaged in the earthquake. I do not suggest to dissatisfy you, however the Cathedral still stands in ruins. It is now arranged to be reconstructed by 2027.
It’s still worth checking out to discover the New Zealand earthquakes and likewise, it’s not like you can avoid it as this is the heart of Central Christchurch! Read: 14 Cool and Enjoyable Information About New Zealand
27. Margaret Mahy Play Area
Opened in December 2015, this is the biggest play ground in the Southern Hemisphere. Simply a 10 minutes’ walk from Cathedral Square, it’s an excellent location to delight in the outdoors. The very best part is you do not require to have the kids in tow to enjoy it! Everybody is welcome here!
28. Riccarton Bush Saturday Farmer’s Market
The Saturday Farmers Market is a timeless weekend prepare for individuals living and going to Christchurch. Every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, folks in the area kick-start the weekend with a compulsory see to the farmers’ market.
If you are not around town throughout the weekend, head to the Riccarton Bush, where the marketplace happens. Check Out the Victorian Riccarton Home, the Rose Garden, and Deans Home. Though this is not in Central Christchurch, it’s simply 3 km away!
29. Outing to Akaroa
Christchurch is an excellent location to make a base for finding the South Island of New Zealand. There are lots of things to do from Christchurch and here are our leading concepts.
A field trip to Akaroa is a need to when going to Christchurch. Simply a beautiful 90-minute drive away, this lovely French and British settlement is nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Akaroa provides a mix of history, natural appeal, and cooking thrills.
Roam through its colonial architecture, delight in a harbor cruise to identify the unusual Hector’s dolphins, or relish regional food in a waterside café. Whether you’re exploring its shop stores or taking in the spectacular bay views, Akaroa supplies a wonderful escape from the city, showcasing a distinct piece of New Zealand’s heritage and natural elegance. This stunning town is a perfect trip for those wanting to experience the varied offerings of the Canterbury area.
When to check out Christchurch
Christchurch is an all-year-round location for those going to New Zealand. Be careful though that we have ‘island weather condition’ here, indicating that you can experience various kinds of weather condition throughout the very same day. Bring layers of clothes for your go to, no matter the season!
Navigating Christchurch
The majority of the locations I have actually shared in this guide are obtainable within strolling range. That stated, I wish to mention the 2 preferred methods to navigate Central Christchurch!
The Christchurch Tramway– The popular heritage tramway costs $ 35 NZD for grownups and drops in the majority of the city’s piece de resistances. Riding the tramway is among the need to do activities in Christchurch in its own right.
Get a Lime Scooter!– Economical and quickly, all you require it to download the app, put your info and scan the QR code! Given That the Lime Scooters were presented into the city simply over 6 months earlier, they ended up being the next huge thing. Now you can see individuals riding– and falling!- on the streets every minute. They are all over!
Where to Remain In Christchurch
The main city provides a range of lodging alternatives, from Airbnb apartment or condos to totally serviced motel apartment or condos and hostels. You can likewise discover great lodging in the locations surrounding Hagley Park.
My individual preferred location to remain in Christchurch is Riccarton, the community you reach when heading west from Central Christchurch. Browse hotels in this Christchurch community.
The Mayfair is among the most extremely ranked hotels in Christchurch. See rates and schedule on Booking.com
This short article was originall composed by Martina Grossi, an Argentinian travel and ex-pat blog writer based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Her blog site, The Worldwide Curious, motivates individuals to go on their very first abroad journey completely and sustained by interest!
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