Nestled in the heart of the South Island, Christchurch, called the ‘Garden City’ is a location for travelers and social enthusiasts alike. From punting down the peaceful Avon River to checking out the breathtaking panoramas of the Port Hills, this overview unveisl the leading points to do in Christchurch. Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, a background lover, or a nature fan, prepare yourself to start an amazing trip with among New Zealand’s most attractive and vibrant cities.
The Best Things to do in Christchurch, NZ
This overview was initially created by Melissa Grossi, an ex-pat that has actually made Christchurch her home considering that 2015, and it has actually been upgraded for 2024 by The Planet D. So unwind and take pleasure in as we check out all the brand-new points and tasks in Christchurch and take another look at several of the old faves.
1. Punting on the Avon River
One of one of the most preferred tasks in Christchurch is to go punting on the Avon River. Hands to heart, Punting on the Avon River Tour is a rather initial method to go taking in the sights and is a famous location to check out in Christchurch!
What is punting on the Avon River? It’s a gondola trip on a watercraft called a punting. Dressed in Edwardian outfit, an experienced punter takes you gradually with the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Visitors enjoy to unwind and kick back on their puntings as they opt for a gondola trip while enjoying the wild animals and surroundings along the Avon River.
Tours leave from 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central, daily from 9 am to 6 pm. It sets you back $30 NZD for grownups and $ 15 NZD for youngsters.
2. Ride the Christchurch Gondola
If you are seeking several of the most effective sights of the city and the Canterbury Plains the Christchurch Gondola is a must-do. This picturesque trip takes you to the top of the Port Hills, supplying a 360-degree scenic view that consists of the Southern Alps and Lyttelton Harbour. Get your gondola tickets beforehand right here.
At the top, check out the Time Tunnel show, describing the location’s volcanic and human background, or take pleasure in a bite at the coffee shop with its spectacular panoramas. Ideal for households, pairs, or solo tourists the Christchurch Gondola gives a unique point of view of the area’s varied landscapes, making it a standout tourist attraction in any type of Christchurch traveling plan.
3. Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are an all-time standard and absolutely among the leading destinations in Christchurch! They are linked to Hagley Park, the city’s major –and greatest– park. Explore the Rose Garden, New Zealand’s indigenous bush areas and kick back by among the lots of secret benches bordering the lakes.
The entry is cost-free. Over the cold weather, eviction’s closing time is 6.30 pm. Otherwise, it’s 8.30 pm or 9 pm. Devote at the very least one hour to check out the lots of locations and yards of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
4. Ride the Christchurch Tram
Riding the Christchurch Tram provides a unique and satisfying method to check out the city’s essential destinations. This historical tramway, with its wonderfully brought back cable cars, takes you on a loophole around Christchurch, passing spots like Cathedral Square, the Avon River, and the Arts Centre. The hop-on, hop-off attribute enables you to check out websites at your very own rate, making it an optimal selection for new site visitors and those eager to take another look at Christchurch’s highlights.
A day pass normally sets you back around NZD 35 for grownups, (youngsters are cost-free!) supplying endless experiences, making it an economical and hassle-free method to travel. The cable car chauffeurs typically function as overviews, supplying useful discourse concerning the city’s background and sights. The Christchurch Tram experience is not simply a setting of transport yet a destination by itself, flawlessly mixing historic appeal with sensible city touring.
5. New Regent Street
If you’ve ever before seen images of Christchurch, for certain you find out about this charming little pedestrian flow simply one road off Cathedral Square! Tourists and residents alike enjoy New Regent Street! Visitors enjoy to rest and see the tramway go by while having a beverage outside among the lots of cafés and red wine bars that line New Regent Street.
New Regent Street in Christchurch is a terrific location for tourists seeking a mix of buying and eating. This pedestrian-only road is recognized for its Spanish Mission-design design supplying a variety of shop stores and neighborhood dining establishments.
Visitors can take pleasure in searching distinct shops, ordering a coffee at a comfy coffee shop, or eating at one of the road’s dining establishments. It’s a best area for a kicked back walk, supplying a pleasurable break from the much more busy components of the city. Whether you’re purchasing mementos or simply intend to take in the neighborhood setting, New Regent Street is a must-visit in Christchurch.
6. Visit the International Antarctic Centre
The International Antarctic Centre is a leading tourist attraction for those curious about the marvels of the Antarctic. This interactive facility brings the icy continent to life with experiences like the Antarctic Storm simulation, an experience with online penguins, and the Hägglund trip, mimicing Antarctic traveling.
Located near the flight terminal, this is just one of the most effective points to do in Christchurch for households. Walk right into the tornado dome and really feel the cool of Antarctica and appreciate its 4D movie theater. And end with a browse through to engage with huskies. You’ll have the possibility to cuddle and family pet the cosy Huskies that travelers traditionally utilized to draw their Antarctic dogsleds.
The International Antarctic Center is not simply a display; it’s a hands-on trip right into the heart of the Antarctic, supplying academic understandings and enjoyable for any ages. Ideal for households or any person interested concerning polar expedition, the International Antarctic Centre is a must-see in Christchurch. Whether you’re taking on the interior tornado or finding out about Antarctic wild animals, it’s a remarkable enhancement to your Christchurch travel plan. You can buy your tickets beforehand right here.
7. Victoria Park and the Port Hills
If you still have a little energy and time left after an active day, you can head to Victoria Park, up in the Port Hills. It’s among the most effective tasks in Christchurch for sundown. Just a 15 mins’ drive from Central Christchurch divides this spectacular sundown area and treking location!
Offering a network of tracks for treking, hill cycling, and picturesque strolls, the Port Hills give spectacular sights of the city, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps. The location, abundant in both Maori and European background, is quickly available from the town hall, making it a best excursion for those looking for an all-natural retreat.
Popular places like the Bridle Path and the Summit Road supply differing levels of problem for all health and fitness degrees. Whether you’re after a leisurely stroll or a tough bike trip, the Port Hills deal with every sort of traveler. This all-natural play ground not just provides exercises yet likewise functions as a wonderful area for digital photography, outings, and merely delighting in the breathtaking panoramas of Christchurch and its environments.
8. Christchurch Adventure Park
The Christchurch Adventure Park is a thrill-seeker’s heaven, supplying a variety of interesting tasks established versus the background of the Port Hills. Renowned for its hill cycling tracks, the park accommodates all ability degrees, from newbies to specialists.
Besides cycling, it flaunts New Zealand’s lengthiest zipline, supplying an exciting trip with spectacular sights. The park likewise includes a coffee shop and bar where you can kick back after your journeys. Book a zipline Tour for sweeping sights of the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean.
Prices differ based upon tasks, with bike passes and zipline trips offered for acquisition. Easily obtainable from the town hall, it’s a best day out for households, teams, or solo travelers wanting to include some adrenaline to their Christchurch go to. Whether you’re taking off or rising over treetops, the Christchurch Adventure Park assures an unforgettable and action-packed experience. You might likewise such as: Where to Go Bungy Jumping in New Zealand
9. Canterbury Museum
Another standard of the Christchurch destinations is the gallery was among minority places individuals might check out, at the very least partly, after the quakes. It completely resumed in 2013.
Entrance is cost-free, though contributions are urged! The Museum opens up daily from 9 am to 5 or 5.30 pm.
10. Arts Centre of Christchurch
Now site visitors can join lots of cost-free occasions, publication smart workshops, obtain a tattoo, pay attention to a performance, have a coffee, or simply walk around the ingenious stores.
The Arts Centre in Christchurch is best for those looking for a mix of background, art, and imagination. This Gothic Revival complicated was wonderfully brought back after the quakes and residences a variety of galleries, workshops, movie theaters, and efficiency areas.
Visitors can take pleasure in a varied variety of displays, craftsmen stores, and weekend break markets. Located in the heart of the city, the Arts Centre is a lively area center, suitable for art fans and interested tourists alike. Whether you’re interested in modern art, neighborhood crafts, or live efficiencies, the Arts Centre gives an abundant, immersive experience in Christchurch’s vibrant arts scene.
Free entrance. Open daily of the week from 10 am to 5 pm. Make certain to establish 1 hour apart for your go to!
11. Christchurch Art Gallery
For practically 5 years, the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhet was shut to the general public. Until its grand resuming in 2015 after extensive structure fixings, it was acting as emergency situation head office and momentary lodging for the Christchurch City Council Staff.
It appears tough to envision the very early days currently as one wanders the large halls full of modern displays in such a tranquil setup.
Free assisted 45-60 mins trips leave from the front workdesk on the first stage daily at 11 am and 2 pm.
The gallery opens up from 10 am to 5 pm day-to-day and hosts once a week occasions.
12. Visit the Air Force Museum of New Zealand
A check out to the Air Force Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch is a trip with aeronautics background, best for lovers and households alike. This gallery provides an excellent collection of airplane, from World War I boxers to contemporary jets, each with its very own tale.
Interactive displays, consisting of trip simulators, give a hands-on experience, enabling you to enter the footwear of a pilot. The gallery likewise admires New Zealand’s Air Force heritage, supplying understandings right into the nation’s army aeronautics background. With cost-free entrance, it’s an economical and academic getaway, suitable for those curious about airplane and army background. The Air Force Museum provides a unique possibility to stand up close with aeronautics tales, making it a remarkable enhancement to your Christchurch travel plan.
13. Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial
On February 2017, the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial open up to the general public as component of the 6th-anniversary celebration occasions.
The memorial keeps in mind the 185 individuals that shed their lives and the survivors of the disastrous quakes that drank the city to its core.
14. Quake City
Quake City provides an engaging and academic experience, supplying understandings right into the impactful quake of 2011. Thiscurated exhibit takes site visitors with the occasions, after-effects, and restoring initiatives with interactive display screens, individual tales, and recuperated artefacts. It’s an emotional tip of the city’s durability.
Located centrally, Quake City comes and interesting for any ages, with an access cost of around NZD 20 for grownups. The exhibit not just informs concerning seismic task yet likewise commemorates the toughness and technology of Christchurch despite difficulty. A see right here is crucial for recognizing the city’s current background and the unbeatable spirit of its individuals, making it a considerable and relocating enhancement to any type of Christchurch travel plan.
15. Turanga City Library
The newest and most ingenious advancement in Christchurch’s CBD is Turanga, the brand-new city collection. Since its opening in 2018, the Turanga Library has actually turned into one of the outright have to check out Christchurch destinations for individuals around community. Stop by for a cuppa, climb up the ‘Harry Potter Stairs’, take pleasure in breathtaking city sights, kick back with a publication, and join a lot 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 mins assisted trips are hung on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 am.
16. Bridge of Remembrance
Built throughout 1923 to memorialize the New Zealand soldiers that combated overseas throughout WWI, the bridge was resumed after the quake fixings in April 2016. This is just one of one of the most popular image places around!
Just meters from the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial, it notes the start of the brand-new boardwalk stroll. Rest guaranteed you won’t miss it!
17. Explore the City’s Street Art
Hunting for first-rate road art in Christchurch has actually turned into one of the coolest tasks when walking around community. After the quakes, various campaigns collected musicians from New Zealand and abroad to bring the city back to life with fashionable road art!
Christchurch is currently among the 39 Street Art Capitals of the globe on the choice curated by the Lonely Planet. Visitors can likewise make use of a cost-free interactive map to lead the search of road art around community.
18. Central Christchurch’s Avon Riverside Promenade
Starting on Oxford’s Terrace, the brand-new waterfront Promenade overlaps 2 kilometres adhering to the Avon River completely approximately the Margaret Mahy Playground.
Grassy locations, pathways, bridges, art, dining establishments, bars and cycle lanes compose this job that took 5 years to construct and was formally opened up in November 2018. This location is rapidly ending up being a vibrant center for night-owls looking for dance, online songs, craft beers, and writer mixed drinks.
19. New Malls and Galleries
Cashel St. has actually ended up being the buying heart of Central Christchurch. New markets, shopping centers, and global clothes shops are opening up every couple of months.
The BNZ Centre and The Crossing are the latest and brightest places for ordering lunch, having a coffee with good friends and buying.
Though these brand-new advancements didn’t come controversy-free! People still miss out on the popular Re: Start Container Mall that was abused not that lengthy back.
20. The O.G.B. at The Heritage Hotel
If you expensive a beverage and a plate after a lengthy day searching the city, you can head to The Heritage Hotel, home of the O.G.B. Bar Lounge.
Recognized as one of the leading bars around, the structure deserves a go to by itself. It has fantastic setting, 1930’s décor design, and live songs. It’s my individual favored!
21. Isaac Royal Theatre
Opened in February 1908, this French Renaissance-design structure has actually been organizing significant programs for over 100 years!
It’s generally shut throughout the day, yet considering it is simply meters from Cathedral Square, it’s worth to visit and take a minute to value its frontage!
22. Nightlife on Victoria Street
Fine and contemporary eating, a secret alcoholic drink bar, the Casino and a Clock Tower. That’s Victoria Street basically! The selected area for those fantasizing a large evening out!
23. Little High Eatery
Opened in May 2017, Little High Eatery has actually ended up being the hippest chewing area around with a variety of global road foods. From South American bbq to tailored-made hamburgers and Thai food, head there if you’d like to experience among the neighborhood’s leading places!
The location itself deserves a go to as its embeded in a location of the CBD that still has a great deal of restoring jobs in advance! In my point of view, that makes it much more fascinating. During lunch and supper height hours you can anticipate to be waiting in line from 5 to 20 mins
Little High lies on 255 St Asaph Street, 4 blocks from Cathedral Square. Open from 8 am to 11 pm over weekend breaks (10 pm on weekdays). It’s an excellent choice if you are running late for supper. Most areas around refer to it as gives up around 9ish!
Central Christchurch still has lots of roads and locations that haven’t been restored. Far from being daunted or annoyed by it, various jobs around are concentrated on sharing these locations with the area. The Christchurch Slackline staff and GapFiller readied to develop the brand-new and very first devoted Slacklining Park in the South Island
Many fascinating points are taking place many thanks to the job of imaginative social ventures like GapFiller. Visiting any one of these places will certainly provide you a reasonable concept of the imaginative wind expanding throughout community!
25. Sign of the Bellbird
Hiking to the Sign of the Bellbird a need to check out for breathtaking sights of the Canterbury Plains, Ohinetahi Reserve, and Lyttelton Harbour. This famous path winds with lavish landscapes, leading you to a stunning perspective where the magnitude of the Canterbury Plains unravels prior to your eyes
It’s an obtainable experience for all degrees of walkers as you climb up the 2.5 mile (4 kilometres) path resulting in an awesome area that showcases the large elegance of the plains., Lyttelton Peninsula, the Southern Alps and the Banks Peninsula.
26. Cathedral Square
The Christchurch sanctuary has actually long been among the leading destinations in Christchurch. Sadly it was damaged in the quake. I don’t imply to dissatisfy you, yet the Cathedral still stands in damages. It is currently arranged to be restored by 2027.
It’s still worth checking out to find out about the New Zealand quakes and likewise, it’s not like you can avoid it as this is the heart of Central Christchurch! Read: 14 Cool and Fun Facts About New Zealand
27. Margaret Mahy Playground
Opened in December 2015, this is the biggest play ground in the Southern Hemisphere. Just a 10 mins’ stroll from Cathedral Square, it’s a terrific location to take pleasure in the open airs. The highlight is you don’t require to have the youngsters in tow to appreciate it! Everyone rates right here!
28. Riccarton Bush Saturday Farmer’s Market
The Saturday Farmers Market is a traditional weekend break prepare for individuals living and seeing Christchurch. Every Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, individuals around kick-start the weekend break with a necessary see to the farmers’ market.
If you are not around community throughout the weekend break, head to the Riccarton Bush, where the marketplace occurs. Visit the Victorian Riccarton House, the Rose Garden, and Deans Cottage. Though this is not in Central Christchurch, it’s simply 3 kilometres away!
29. Day Trip to Akaroa
Christchurch is a terrific location to make a base for finding the South Island of New Zealand. There are lots of points to do from Christchurch and right here are our leading concepts.
A field trip to Akaroa is a need to when seeing Christchurch. Just a picturesque 90-minute repel, this captivating French and British negotiation is snuggled in the heart of an old volcano. Akaroa provides a mix of background, all-natural elegance, and cooking thrills.
Wander with its colonial design, take pleasure in a harbor cruise ship to identify the uncommon Hector’s dolphins, or enjoyment neighborhood food in a beachfront coffee shop. Whether you’re discovering its shop stores or taking in the spectacular bay sights, Akaroa gives a fascinating retreat from the city, showcasing a unique piece of New Zealand’s heritage and all-natural grandeur. This attractive town is an optimal escape 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 seeing New Zealand. Beware though that we have ‘island weather’ right here, indicating that you can experience various kinds of climate throughout the exact same day. Bring layers of clothes for your go to, despite the period!
Getting around Christchurch
Most of the areas I’ve cooperated this overview are obtainable within strolling range. That stated, I’d like to mention the 2 favored means to navigate Central Christchurch!
The Christchurch Tramway – The popular heritage tramway sets you back $ 35 NZD for grownups and drops in the majority of the city’s piece de resistances. Riding the tramway is just one of the have to do tasks in Christchurch in its very own right.
Get a Lime Scooter! – Affordable and quickly, all you require it to download and install the application, place your details and check the QR code! Since the Lime Scooters were presented right into the city simply over 6 months back, they ended up being the following huge point. Now you can see individuals riding –and dropping!- on the roads every min. They are all over!
Where to Stay in Christchurch
The main city provides a selection of lodging alternatives, from Airbnb houses to completely serviced motel houses and hostels. You can likewise locate great lodging in the locations bordering Hagley Park.
My individual favored location to remain in Christchurch is Riccarton, the community you get to when heading west from Central Christchurch. Search resorts in this Christchurch community.
The Mayfair is just one of one of the most extremely ranked resorts in Christchurch. See prices and schedule on Booking.com
This post was originall created by Martina Grossi, an Argentinian traveling and ex-pat blog owner based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Her blog site, The Global Curious, influences individuals to take place their very first abroad journey completely and sustained by inquisitiveness!
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