Nestled within the coronary heart of the South Island, Christchurch, referred to as the ‘Backyard Metropolis’ is a sizzling spot for adventurers and cultural aficionados alike. From punting down the serene Avon River to exploring the panoramic vistas of the Port Hills, this information unveisl the highest issues to do in Christchurch. Whether or not you’re a thrill-seeker, a historical past buff, or a nature lover, get able to embark on a unprecedented journey by means of one among New Zealand’s most picturesque and dynamic cities.
The Greatest Issues to do in Christchurch, NZ
This information was initially written by Melissa Grossi, an ex-pat who has made Christchurch her residence since 2015, and it has been up to date for 2024 by The Planet D. So sit again and luxuriate in as we discover all the brand new issues and actions in Christchurch and revisit among the outdated favorites.
1. Punting on the Avon River
One of the common actions in Christchurch is to go punting on the Avon River. Palms to coronary heart, Punting on the Avon River Tour is a fairly authentic solution to go sightseeing and is an iconic place to go to in Christchurch!
What’s punting on the Avon River? It’s a gondola journey on a ship referred to as a punt. Wearing Edwardian apparel, a talented punter takes you slowly by means of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Guests love to take a seat again and calm down on their punts as they go for a gondola journey whereas watching the wildlife and surroundings alongside the Avon River.
Excursions depart from 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central, day by day from 9 am to six pm. It prices $30 NZD for adults and $ 15 NZD for teenagers.
2. Experience the Christchurch Gondola
In case you are in search of among the greatest views of the town and the Canterbury Plains the Christchurch Gondola is a must-do. This scenic journey takes you to the summit of the Port Hills, providing a 360-degree panorama that features the Southern Alps and Lyttelton Harbour. Get your gondola tickets in advance here.
On the prime, discover the Time Tunnel exhibit, detailing the world’s volcanic and human historical past, or take pleasure in a chunk on the café with its beautiful vistas. Best for households, {couples}, or solo vacationers the Christchurch Gondola offers a singular perspective of the area’s various landscapes, making it a standout attraction in any Christchurch journey itinerary.
3. Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are an all-time traditional and undoubtedly one of many prime sights in Christchurch! They’re related to Hagley Park, the town’s most important –and largest– park. Discover the Rose Backyard, New Zealand’s native bush sections and calm down by one of many many secret benches surrounding the lakes.
The doorway is free. Over the winter months, the gate’s closing time is 6.30 pm. In any other case, it’s 8.30 pm or 9 pm. Dedicate at the least one hour to discover the various areas and gardens of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
4. Experience the Christchurch Tram
Using the Christchurch Tram provides a singular and satisfying solution to discover the town’s key sights. This historic tramway, with its superbly restored trams, takes you on a loop round Christchurch, passing landmarks like Cathedral Sq., the Avon River, and the Arts Centre. The hop-on, hop-off function permits you to discover websites at your personal tempo, making it an excellent selection for first-time guests and people eager to revisit Christchurch’s highlights.
A day go usually prices round NZD 35 for adults, (children are free!) providing limitless rides, making it an inexpensive and handy solution to sightsee. The tram drivers usually double as guides, offering informative commentary concerning the metropolis’s historical past and factors of curiosity. The Christchurch Tram expertise is not only a mode of transportation however an attraction in itself, completely mixing historic appeal with sensible metropolis touring.
5. New Regent Avenue
For those who’ve ever seen pictures of Christchurch, for certain you understand about this cute little pedestrian passage only one avenue off Cathedral Sq.! Vacationers and locals alike love New Regent Avenue! Guests love to take a seat and watch the tramway go by whereas having a drink outdoors one of many many cafés and wine bars that line New Regent Avenue.
New Regent Avenue in Christchurch is a superb vacation spot for vacationers in search of a mixture of buying and eating. This pedestrian-only avenue is thought for its Spanish Mission-style structure providing a spread of boutique retailers and native eateries.
Guests can take pleasure in looking distinctive shops, grabbing a espresso at a comfy café, or eating at one of many avenue’s eating places. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed stroll, providing a pleasing break from the extra bustling elements of the town. Whether or not you’re purchasing for souvenirs or simply need to soak within the native ambiance, New Regent Avenue is a must-visit in Christchurch.
6. Go to the Worldwide Antarctic Centre
The Worldwide Antarctic Centre is a prime attraction for these within the wonders of the Antarctic. This interactive middle brings the icy continent to life with experiences just like the Antarctic Storm simulation, an encounter with dwell penguins, and the Hägglund journey, simulating Antarctic journey.
Positioned close to the airport, this is among the greatest issues to do in Christchurch for households. Stroll into the storm dome and really feel the chilliness of Antarctica and luxuriate in its 4D cinema. And finish with a go to to work together with huskies. You’ll have the chance to snuggle and pet the fluffy Huskies that explorers traditionally used to drag their Antarctic dogsleds.
The Worldwide Antarctic Middle is not only an exhibit; it’s a hands-on journey into the center of the Antarctic, providing instructional insights and enjoyable for all ages. Best for households or anybody inquisitive about polar exploration, the Worldwide Antarctic Centre is a must-see in Christchurch. Whether or not you’re braving the indoor storm or studying about Antarctic wildlife, it’s an unforgettable addition to your Christchurch itinerary. You can purchase your tickets in advance here.
7. Victoria Park and the Port Hills
For those who nonetheless have a little bit of time and vitality left after a busy day, you’ll be able to head to Victoria Park, up within the Port Hills. It’s among the finest actions in Christchurch for sundown. Only a quarter-hour’ drive from Central Christchurch separates this beautiful sundown spot and mountain climbing space!
Providing a community of trails for mountain climbing, mountain biking, and scenic walks, the Port Hills present beautiful views of the town, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps. The world, wealthy in each Maori and European historical past, is well accessible from the town middle, making it an ideal day journey for these looking for a pure escape.
Well-liked spots just like the Bridle Path and the Summit Highway provide various levels of problem for all health ranges. Whether or not you’re after a leisurely stroll or a difficult bike journey, the Port Hills cater to each sort of adventurer. This pure playground not solely provides bodily actions but in addition serves as a implausible spot for images, picnics, and easily having fun with the panoramic vistas of Christchurch and its environment.
8. Christchurch Journey Park
The Christchurch Journey Park is a thrill-seeker’s paradise, providing a spread of thrilling actions set in opposition to the backdrop of the Port Hills. Famend for its mountain biking trails, the park caters to all talent ranges, from novices to specialists.
In addition to biking, it boasts New Zealand’s longest zipline, offering an exhilarating journey with beautiful views. The park additionally encompasses a café and bar the place you’ll be able to calm down after your adventures. Book a zipline Tour for sweeping views of the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean.
Costs range based mostly on actions, with bike passes and zipline excursions accessible for buy. Simply accessible from the town middle, it’s an ideal time out for households, teams, or solo adventurers trying so as to add some adrenaline to their Christchurch go to. Whether or not you’re hitting the paths or hovering over treetops, the Christchurch Journey Park guarantees a memorable and action-packed expertise. You might also like: Where to Go Bungy Jumping in New Zealand
9. Canterbury Museum
One other traditional of the Christchurch sights is the museum was one of many few spots individuals might go to, at the least partially, after the earthquakes. It totally reopened in 2013.
Entrance is free, although donations are inspired! The Museum opens day by day from 9 am to five or 5.30 pm.
10. Arts Centre of Christchurch
Now guests can take part in lots of free occasions, e-book artful workshops, get a tattoo, take heed to a live performance, have a espresso, or simply stroll across the progressive retailers.
The Arts Centre in Christchurch is ideal for these looking for a mix of historical past, artwork, and creativity. This Gothic Revival complicated was superbly restored after the earthquakes and homes a spread of galleries, studios, cinemas, and efficiency areas.
Guests can take pleasure in a various array of displays, artisan retailers, and weekend markets. Positioned within the coronary heart of the town, the Arts Centre is a vibrant neighborhood hub, best for artwork lovers and curious vacationers alike. Whether or not you’re concerned with modern artwork, native crafts, or dwell performances, the Arts Centre offers a wealthy, immersive expertise in Christchurch’s dynamic arts scene.
Free entry. Open day by day of the week from 10 am to five pm. Ensure to set 1 hour apart on your go to!
11. Christchurch Artwork Gallery
For nearly 5 years, the Christchurch Artwork Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhet was closed to the general public. Till its grand reopening in 2015 after intensive constructing repairs, it was serving as emergency headquarters and short-term lodging for the Christchurch Metropolis Council Employees.
It appears arduous to think about the early days now as one wanders the spacious halls crammed with modern displays in such a peaceable setting.
Free guided 45-60 minutes excursions depart from the entrance desk on the bottom flooring every day at 11 am and a couple of pm.
The gallery opens from 10 am to five pm every day and hosts weekly occasions.
12. Go to the Air Power Museum of New Zealand
A go to to the Air Power Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch is a journey by means of aviation historical past, good for fans and households alike. This museum provides a powerful assortment of plane, from World Warfare I fighters to trendy jets, every with its personal story.
Interactive displays, together with flight simulators, present a hands-on expertise, permitting you to step into the sneakers of a pilot. The museum additionally pays homage to New Zealand’s Air Power heritage, providing insights into the nation’s army aviation historical past. With free entry, it’s a budget-friendly and academic outing, best for these concerned with plane and army historical past. The Air Power Museum presents a singular alternative to stand up shut with aviation legends, making it a notable addition to your Christchurch itinerary.
13. Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial
On February 2017, the Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial opened to the general public as a part of the Sixth-anniversary commemoration occasions.
The memorial remembers the 185 individuals who misplaced their lives and the survivors of the devastating earthquakes that shook the town to its core.
14. Quake Metropolis
Quake Metropolis provides a compelling and academic expertise, offering insights into the impactful earthquake of 2011. Thiscurated exhibition takes guests by means of the occasions, aftermath, and rebuilding efforts with interactive shows, private tales, and recovered artifacts. It’s a poignant reminder of the town’s resilience.
Positioned centrally, Quake Metropolis is accessible and interesting for all ages, with an entry price of round NZD 20 for adults. The exhibition not solely educates about seismic exercise but in addition celebrates the energy and innovation of Christchurch within the face of adversity. A go to right here is crucial for understanding the town’s latest historical past and the indomitable spirit of its individuals, making it a big and shifting addition to any Christchurch itinerary.
15. Turanga Metropolis Library
The newest and most progressive growth in Christchurch’s CBD is Turanga, the brand new metropolis library. Since its opening in 2018, the Turanga Library has change into one of many absolute should go to Christchurch sights for individuals round city. Cease by for a cuppa, climb the ‘Harry Potter Stairs’, take pleasure in panoramic metropolis views, calm down with a e-book, and take part in most of the workshops!
Turanga is open from 9 am to eight pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to five pm Saturdays and Sundays. Free 45 minutes guided excursions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 am.
16. Bridge of Remembrance
Constructed throughout 1923 to commemorate the New Zealand troopers who fought abroad throughout WWI, the bridge was reopened after the earthquake repairs in April 2016. This is among the most well-known picture spots on the town!
Simply meters from the Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial, it marks the start of the model new promenade stroll. Relaxation assured you received’t miss it!
17. Discover the Metropolis’s Avenue Artwork
Attempting to find world-class avenue artwork in Christchurch has change into one of many coolest actions when strolling round city. After the earthquakes, completely different initiatives gathered artists from New Zealand and abroad to carry the town again to life by means of funky avenue artwork!
Christchurch is now amongst the 39 Avenue Artwork Capitals of the world on the choice curated by the Lonely Planet. Guests can even use a free interactive map to information the hunt of avenue artwork round city.
18. Central Christchurch’s Avon Riverside Promenade
Beginning on Oxford’s Terrace, the brand new riverside Promenade extends alongside 2 km following the Avon River all the best way as much as the Margaret Mahy Playground.
Grassy areas, walkways, bridges, artwork, eateries, pubs and cycle lanes make up this venture that took 5 years to construct and was formally opened in November 2018. This space is shortly turning into a vigorous hub for night-owls looking for dancing, dwell music, craft beers, and writer cocktails.
19. New Malls and Galleries
Cashel St. has change into the buying coronary heart of Central Christchurch. New markets, malls, and worldwide clothes shops are opening each few months.
The BNZ Centre and The Crossing are the most recent and brightest spots for grabbing lunch, having a espresso with pals and buying.
Although these new developments didn’t come controversy-free! Folks nonetheless miss the well-known Re: Begin Container Mall that was torn aside not that way back.
20. The O.G.B. at The Heritage Resort
For those who fancy a drink and a platter after an extended day scouring the town, you’ll be able to head to The Heritage Resort, residence of the O.G.B. Bar Lounge.
Acknowledged as one of many prime bars on the town, the constructing is price a go to by itself. It has nice ambiance, 1930’s décor fashion, and dwell music. It’s my private favourite!
21. Isaac Royal Theatre
Opened in February 1908, this French Renaissance-style constructing has been internet hosting main exhibits for over 100 years!
It’s normally closed through the day, however contemplating it’s simply meters from Cathedral Sq., it’s price to swing by and take a second to understand its façade!
22. Nightlife on Victoria Avenue
Tremendous and trendy eating, a secret cocktail bar, the On line casino and a Clock Tower. That’s Victoria Avenue in brief! The chosen spot for these fancying an enormous evening out!
23. Little Excessive Eatery
Opened in Could 2017, Little Excessive Eatery has change into the hippest munching spot on the town with an array of worldwide avenue meals. From South American barbeque to tailored-made burgers and Thai meals, head there in the event you’d prefer to expertise one of many native’s prime spots!
The place itself is price a go to as its set in an space of the CBD that also has quite a lot of rebuilding works forward! For my part, that makes it much more attention-grabbing. Throughout lunch and dinner peak hours you’ll be able to anticipate to be ready in line from 5 to twenty minutes
Little Excessive is positioned on 255 St Asaph Avenue, 4 blocks from Cathedral Sq.. Open from 8 am to 11 pm over weekends (10 pm on weekdays). It’s a superb choice in case you are operating late for dinner. Most locations on the town name it quits round 9ish!
Central Christchurch nonetheless has many streets and areas that haven’t been rebuilt. Removed from being intimidated or annoyed by it, completely different initiatives on the town are targeted on sharing these areas with the neighborhood. The Christchurch Slackline crew and GapFiller set to create the brand new and first devoted Slacklining Park within the South Island
Many attention-grabbing issues are taking place because of the work of artistic social enterprises like GapFiller. Visiting any of those spots gives you a good thought of the artistic breeze spreading out throughout city!
25. Signal of the Bellbird
Mountain climbing to the Signal of the Bellbird a should go to for panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains, Ohinetahi Reserve, and Lyttelton Harbour. This iconic path winds by means of lush landscapes, main you to an awe-inspiring vantage level the place the vastness of the Canterbury Plains unfolds earlier than your eyes
It’s an accessible journey for all ranges of hikers as you climb the two.5 mile (4 km) path resulting in a wide ranging spot that showcases the expansive fantastic thing about the plains., Lyttelton Peninsula, the Southern Alps and the Banks Peninsula.
26. Cathedral Sq.
The Christchurch cathedral has lengthy been one of many prime sights in Christchurch. Sadly it was destroyed within the earthquake. I don’t imply to disappoint you, however the Cathedral nonetheless stands in ruins. It’s now scheduled to be rebuilt by 2027.
It’s nonetheless price visiting to be taught concerning the New Zealand earthquakes and likewise, it’s not like you’ll be able to skip it as that is the center of Central Christchurch! Learn: 14 Cool and Fun Facts About New Zealand
27. Margaret Mahy Playground
Opened in December 2015, that is the most important playground within the Southern Hemisphere. Only a 10 minutes’ stroll from Cathedral Sq., it’s a terrific place to benefit from the nice open air. The most effective half is you don’t have to have the youngsters in tow to take pleasure in it! Everyone seems to be welcome right here!
28. Riccarton Bush Saturday Farmer’s Market
The Saturday Farmers Market is a traditional weekend plan for individuals residing and visiting Christchurch. Each Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm, people on the town kick-start the weekend with a compulsory go to to the farmers’ market.
In case you are not round city through the weekend, head to the Riccarton Bush, the place the market takes place. Go to the Victorian Riccarton Home, the Rose Backyard, and Deans Cottage. Although this isn’t in Central Christchurch, it’s simply 3 km away!
29. Day Journey to Akaroa
Christchurch is a superb place to make a base for locating the South Island of New Zealand. There are numerous issues to do from Christchurch and listed below are our prime concepts.
A day journey to Akaroa is a should when visiting Christchurch. Only a scenic 90-minute drive away, this charming French and British settlement is nestled within the coronary heart of an historic volcano. Akaroa provides a mix of historical past, pure magnificence, and culinary delights.
Wander by means of its colonial structure, take pleasure in a harbor cruise to identify the uncommon Hector’s dolphins, or relish native delicacies in a waterfront café. Whether or not you’re exploring its boutique retailers or soaking within the beautiful bay views, Akaroa offers a pleasant escape from the town, showcasing a singular slice of New Zealand’s heritage and pure splendor. This picturesque village is a perfect getaway for these seeking to expertise the various choices of the Canterbury area.
When to go to Christchurch
Christchurch is an all-year-round vacation spot for these visiting New Zealand. Beware although that we now have ‘island climate’ right here, which means that you could expertise many several types of climate throughout the identical day. Carry layers of clothes on your go to, whatever the season!
Getting round Christchurch
A lot of the locations I’ve shared on this information are reachable inside strolling distance. That stated, I’d prefer to level out the two favourite methods to get round Central Christchurch!
The Christchurch Tramway – The well-known heritage tramway prices $ 35 NZD for adults and stops in a lot of the metropolis’s most important sights. Using the tramway is among the should do actions in Christchurch in its personal proper.
Get a Lime Scooter! – Inexpensive and quick, all you want it to obtain the app, put your info and scan the QR code! Because the Lime Scooters had been launched into the town simply over 6 months in the past, they turned the following large factor. Now you’ll be able to see individuals driving –and falling!- on the streets each minute. They’re all over the place!
The place to Keep in Christchurch
The central metropolis provides a wide range of lodging choices, from Airbnb flats to completely serviced motel flats and hostels. You may also discover good lodging within the areas surrounding Hagley Park.
My private favourite place to remain in Christchurch is Riccarton, the neighborhood you attain when heading west from Central Christchurch. Search hotels in this Christchurch neighborhood.
The Mayfair is one of the crucial extremely rated accommodations in Christchurch. See charges and availability on Booking.com
This text was originall written by Martina Grossi, an Argentinian journey and ex-pat blogger based mostly in Christchurch, New Zealand. Her weblog, The Global Curious, evokes individuals to go on their first abroad journey wholeheartedly and fuelled by curiosity!
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