Nestled within the coronary heart of the South Island, Christchurch, referred to as the ‘Backyard Metropolis’ is a scorching 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 via certainly one of New Zealand’s most picturesque and dynamic cities.
The Greatest Issues to do in Christchurch
This information was initially written by Melissa Grossi, an ex-pat who has made Christchurch her house since 2015, it has been up to date for 2024 by The Planet D crew. So sit again and luxuriate in as we discover all the brand new issues and actions in Christchurch and revisit a number of the previous favorites.
1. Punting on the Avon River
One of the crucial fashionable actions in Christchurch is to go punting on the Avon River. Fingers to coronary heart, Punting on the Avon River Tour is a fairly authentic approach 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 via the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Guests love to take a seat again and loosen up 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-after-day from 9 am to six pm. It prices $ 30 NZD for adults and $ 15 NZD for teenagers.
2. Journey the Christchurch Gondola
If you’re in search of a number of the finest views of 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.
On the prime, discover the Time Tunnel exhibit, detailing the realm’s volcanic and human historical past, or get pleasure from a chew on the café with its gorgeous vistas. Best for households, {couples}, or solo vacationers the Christchurch Gondola offers a novel perspective of the area’s numerous 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 positively one of many prime sights in Christchurch! They’re linked to Hagley Park, town’s major –and largest– park. Discover the Rose Backyard, New Zealand’s native bush sections and loosen up 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 numerous areas and gardens of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
4. Journey the Christchurch Tram
Using the Christchurch Tram provides a novel and pleasurable approach to discover town’s key sights. This historic tramway, with its fantastically 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 25 for adults, providing limitless rides, making it each an reasonably priced and handy approach to sightsee. The tram drivers usually double as guides, offering informative commentary in regards to 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 attraction with sensible metropolis touring.
5. New Regent Avenue
In the event you’ve ever seen images of Christchurch, for positive about this cute little pedestrian passage only one road 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 procuring and eating. This pedestrian-only road is thought for its Spanish Mission-style structure providing a variety of boutique retailers and native eateries. V
isitors can get pleasure from searching distinctive shops, grabbing a espresso at a comfy café, or eating at one of many road’s eating places. It’s an ideal spot for a relaxed stroll, providing a nice break from the extra bustling components of town. Whether or not you’re searching 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 heart 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 without doubt one of the finest issues to do in Christchurch for households. Stroll into the storm dome and really feel the nippiness 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 Heart is not only an exhibit; it’s a hands-on journey into the guts of the Antarctic, providing instructional insights and enjoyable for all ages. Best for households or anybody interested by 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 should buy your tickets prematurely right here.
7. Victoria Park and the Port Hills
In the event you 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 the most effective actions in Christchurch for sundown. Only a quarter-hour’ drive from Central Christchurch separates this gorgeous sundown spot and mountain climbing space!
Providing a community of trails for mountain climbing, mountain biking, and scenic walks, the Port Hills present gorgeous views of town, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps. The world, wealthy in each Maori and European historical past, is well accessible from town heart, making it an ideal day journey for these in search of a pure escape.
Standard spots just like the Bridle Path and the Summit Street provide various levels of issue 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 variety of thrilling actions set in opposition to the backdrop of the Port Hills. Famend for its mountain biking trails, the park caters to all ability ranges, from novices to specialists.
Moreover biking, it boasts New Zealand’s longest zipline, offering an exhilarating journey with gorgeous views. The park additionally includes a café and bar the place you’ll be able to loosen up after your adventures. Ebook a zipline Tour
Costs range primarily based on actions, with bike passes and zipline excursions accessible for buy. Simply accessible from town heart, it’s an ideal time out for households, teams, or solo adventurers wanting 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 may additionally like: The place to Go Bungy Leaping in New Zealand
9. Canterbury Museum
One other traditional of the Christchurch sights is the museum was one of many few spots folks might go to, at the least partially, after the earthquakes. It absolutely reopened in 2013.
Entrance is free, although donations are inspired! The Museum opens day-after-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 modern retailers.
The Arts Centre in Christchurch is ideal for these in search of a mix of historical past, artwork, and creativity. This Gothic Revival advanced was fantastically restored after the earthquakes and homes a variety of galleries, studios, cinemas, and efficiency areas.
Guests can get pleasure from a various array of displays, artisan retailers, and weekend markets. Positioned within the coronary heart of town, the Arts Centre is a vibrant group hub, superb for artwork lovers and curious vacationers alike. Whether or not you’re eager about up to date artwork, native crafts, or dwell performances, the Arts Centre offers a wealthy, immersive expertise in Christchurch’s dynamic arts scene.
Free entry. Open day-after-day of the week from 10 am to five pm. Be sure that 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 stuffed with up to date displays in such a peaceable setting.
Free guided 45-60 minutes excursions depart from the entrance desk on the bottom flooring day by day at 11 am and a pair of pm.
The gallery opens from 10 am to five pm day by day and hosts weekly occasions.
12. Go to the Air Pressure Museum of New Zealand
A go to to the Air Pressure Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch is a journey via aviation historical past, good for lovers and households alike. This museum provides a formidable assortment of plane, from World Struggle 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 Pressure heritage, providing insights into the nation’s army aviation historical past. With free entry, it’s a budget-friendly and academic outing, superb for these eager about plane and army historical past. The Air Pressure Museum presents a novel alternative to rise 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 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 via the occasions, aftermath, and rebuilding efforts with interactive shows, private tales, and recovered artifacts. It’s a poignant reminder of town’s resilience.
Positioned centrally, Quake Metropolis is accessible and fascinating 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 power and innovation of Christchurch within the face of adversity. A go to right here is crucial for understanding town’s current historical past and the indomitable spirit of its folks, making it a major and transferring addition to any Christchurch itinerary.
15. Turanga Metropolis Library
The newest and most modern improvement in Christchurch’s CBD is Turanga, the brand new metropolis library. Since its opening in 2018, the Turanga Library has develop into one of many absolute should go to Christchurch sights for folks round city. Cease by for a cuppa, climb the ‘Harry Potter Stairs’, get pleasure from panoramic metropolis views, loosen up 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 without doubt one of 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 gained’t miss it!
17. Discover the Metropolis’s Avenue Artwork
Trying to find world-class road artwork in Christchurch has develop into one of many coolest actions when strolling round city. After the earthquakes, completely different initiatives gathered artists from New Zealand and abroad to deliver town again to life via funky road 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 road 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 undertaking that took 5 years to construct and was formally opened in November 2018. This space is shortly turning into a energetic hub for night-owls trying to find dancing, dwell music, craft beers, and creator cocktails.
19. New Malls and Galleries
Cashel St. has develop into the procuring 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 latest and brightest spots for grabbing lunch, having a espresso with mates and procuring.
Although these new developments didn’t come controversy-free! Individuals 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
In the event you fancy a drink and a platter after a protracted day scouring town, you’ll be able to head to The Heritage Resort, house of the O.G.B. Bar Lounge.
Acknowledged as one of many prime bars on the town, the constructing is value a go to by itself. It has nice ambiance, 1930’s décor model, 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 reveals for over 100 years!
It’s normally closed in the course of the day, however contemplating it’s simply meters from Cathedral Sq., it’s value to swing by and take a second to understand its façade!
22. Nightlife on Victoria Avenue
Nice 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 Might 2017, Little Excessive Eatery has develop into the hippest munching spot on the town with an array of worldwide road meals. From South American barbeque to tailored-made burgers and Thai meals, head there for those who’d prefer to expertise one of many native’s prime spots!
The place itself is value a go to as its set in an space of the CBD that also has lots of rebuilding works forward! In my view, 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 great possibility if you’re 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 pissed off by it, completely different initiatives on the town are centered on sharing these areas with the group. 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 occurring because of the work of inventive social enterprises like GapFiller. Visiting any of those spots provides you with a good concept of the inventive breeze spreading out throughout city!
25. Signal of the Bellbird
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 via 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 panoramic 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 value visiting to be taught in regards to the New Zealand earthquakes and likewise, it’s not like you’ll be able to skip it as that is the guts of Central Christchurch! Learn: 14 Cool and Enjoyable Information 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 fantastic place to benefit from the nice outdoor. The very best half is you don’t must have the youngsters in tow to get pleasure from 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 folks dwelling and visiting Christchurch. Each Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm of us on the town kick-start the weekend with a compulsory go to to the Farmer’s Market.
If you’re not round city in the course of the weekend, nonetheless head to the Riccarton Bush, the grounds 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!
Christchurch Day Journeys
Christchurch is a superb place to make a base for locating the South Island of New Zealand. There are a lot of issues to do from Christchurch and listed below are our prime concepts. It’s positively certainly one of New Zealand’s should go to cities.
So, come Go to Us! In the event you’ve loved this information, come and spend 1 or 2 nights on the town, for positive you’ll discover it’s a energetic metropolis coming along with so much to supply.
My final piece of recommendation and perhaps crucial is: speak to the locals! It is a very numerous and open-minded group that has gone via so much previously few years.
When to go to Christchurch.
Christchurch is an all-year-round vacation spot for these visiting New Zealand. Beware although that we have now ‘island climate’ right here, which means which you can expertise many several types of climate throughout the identical day. Carry layers of clothes on your go to, whatever the season!
Getting round Christchurch
Many of the locations I’ve shared on this information are reachable inside strolling distance. That mentioned, I’d prefer to level out the two favourite methods to get round Central Christchurch!
The Christchurch Tramway – The well-known heritage tramway prices $ 30 NZD for adults and stops in a lot of the metropolis’s major sights. Using the tramway is without doubt one of 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 data and scan the QR code! For the reason that Lime Scooters had been launched into town simply over 6 months in the past, they grew to become the subsequent large factor. Now you’ll be able to see folks using –and falling!- on the streets each minute. They’re in every single place!
The place to Keep in Christchurch
The central metropolis provides quite a lot of lodging choices from Airbnb residences to completely serviced motel residences 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. Seek for Resort Offers in Christchurch on Reserving.com
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