Things to Do in Christchurch

The Banks Peninsula is a side of Christchurch that too many visitors miss out on. This mostly-undeveloped, circular peninsula juts out from Christchurch like a swollen thumb, yet despite its obvious prominence on a map, a large majority of Christchurch visitors make the mistake of never exploring the area.

The lone exception is the town of Akaroa which is one of the most popular day trips from Christchurch. This charming outpost of French heritage is located a 90-minute drive from Christchurch, and the boutique shops and rose-lined cottages gaze out towards a protected harbor. The harbor itself is the flooded caldera of the volcano which formed the peninsula, and the calm waters are a popular place for boating and swimming with dolphins. Along the drive to Akaroa you weave through pastures and farmlands, and a handful of wineries and gourmet food stops are sprinkled along the highway.

While the road to Akaroa is fairly well-trodden, the myriad hiking trails of the Banks Peninsula are often second-fiddle to the island’s Great Walks. Unlike the popular hiking tracks, however, it’s still possible to have the Banks Peninsula walking trails completely all to yourself. Walk along trails that gaze out over the harbor and look down towards Akaroa, or strap up the laces for a multi-day trek that explores the isolated shoreline. Rugged, remote, and refreshingly rural, the Banks Peninsula combines adventure with emptiness and invites you to take life slowly.

Stretching across the Avon River, the Bridge of Remembrance was unveiled in 1924 to honor the servicemen and women who bravely fought in World War I. Hundreds of soldiers have since marched on its stones. Today, the bridge and monument arch are viewed by many as the center of downtown Christchurch. 

While it's possible to spot the Bridge of Remembrance independently, it’s best visited as part of a guided city sightseeing tour. Whether pointed out from a double-decker bus or explored while on a bicycle tour of downtown Christchurch, you’ll learn about the monument’s historical significance—a stoic reminder of the bravery of Canterbury’s troops—via in-depth commentary from local guides. For a patriotic and moving event, visit the bridge on Anzac Day to honor the soldiers who have fallen. 

The Bridge of Remembrance crosses the Avon River at the end of Cashel Street and links the Oxford and Cambridge Terraces. With its central location, it’s easily accessible on foot or by car, coach, bicycle, or tram. The Christchurch Tramway includes 17 stops, allowing you to disembark at nearby attractions, which include the Cashel Street Mall and Punting on the Avon.   

The bridge is open 24 hours daily. Due to its outdoor location, it’s best visited in dry weather. People typically spend 15–45 minutes exploring the site, which can be viewed during daylight hours or when illuminated at night.

The major earthquake that hit Canterbury in 2011 damaged both the Bridge of Remembrance and the accompanying Triumphal Arch. The bridge was closed to the public, with the two lion figures atop the arch among the most heavily damaged pieces. For three years engineers worked to strengthen the structure, bringing it back to its former glory. 

Built in 1935 as a memorial to the pioneers of Mackenzie County, The Church of the Good Shepherd attracts visitors from around the world. The Church is set on the shores of Lake Tekapo. Framed by the lake and the mountains, you don’t have to be a photographer to appreciate its picturesque qualities.

When the Church was constructed, builders were given a very specific set of rules to follow. The site had to be undisturbed. No plantings or rocks could be removed. All stones used to build the church walls had to come from within five miles of the construction site and could not be chipped or altered.

The church interior features an altar window with views of Lake Tekapo and the mountains. The cupboard in the Vestry was made with wood from the Tekapo Bridge. The bridge was demolished in 1954.

The Arts Centre of Christchurch was long the creative hub of the city. Located in Gothic Revival buildings that were once home to the University of Canterbury, the center took a hit in 2011 when a major earthquake damaged 22 of the 23 buildings. The Arts Centre is currently closed to the public, but work is underway to reopen the Art Centre in stages. 

The site’s origins date back to the late 1800s. Along with the University of Canterbury, the buildings housed a girls and boys high school. Both high schools moved off-site and by the mid-1950s a growing population forced the University to move to a larger campus. That’s when the Arts Centre was created. 

To the native Maori, the Avon River was an area of swampland which was used as a seasonal fishing spot. The area around the rivermouth was mostly uninhabited, and fresh water which trickled from springs was used for sacred healing purposes. 

Today the Avon is a meandering river which weaves its way through Christchurch, its mellow waters bringing a calming presence to the urban bustle of the city. The river bisects the western suburbs such as Riccarton and Fendalhead, and then passes directly through the center of Christchurch and sprawling Hagley Park. To the east of the city, the Avon finally spills into the Pacific not far from the beach town of Sumner.

In downtown Christchurch, punting on the Avon River from Hagley Park is a popular visitor activity. Sit back and relax as expert steersmen push the flat-bottom craft along the river, and watch as peaceful scenes of Christchurch drift along on the banks. The Avon River flows directly through the business district which was hardest hit by the earthquakes, and rebuilding plans are modeled around the river being a centerpiece of town.

Mona Vale is a sanctuary of calm in the midst of bustling Christchurch. Gardens lined with rhododendrons and camellia sit next to a brilliant fernery, and a colorful rose garden provides the perfect moment for stopping to smell the flowers. The 13-acre gardens border the Avon River, and surround a homestead of Victorian architecture that is listed on the historic registry. Dating back to 1897, the elegant property has seen numerous owners make their own improvements to the grounds, and the exceptional gardens are a favorite location for wedding ceremonies in summer.

Unfortunately, the devastating earthquake of 2011 damaged many of the historic buildings, although the gardens remain open for strolling the grounds and drooling over the architecture from afar. In 2014, however, the city council approved the funds for the renovation of Mona Vale, and the famous buildings such as the Bath House and Homestead will be once again be open for visitors. Though nowhere as large as Hagley Park that dominates the center of Christchurch, the boutique nature of this Fendalton estate makes it one of Christchurch’s most peaceful outings.

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view from more than 1,640 feet (500 meters) above sea level on the Christchurch Gondola. Take in 360-degree views as the Christchurch cityscape competes for your attention with views of the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps and the Banks Peninsula. The trip takes 10 minutes each way.

The Gondola Base Station is located in Heathcote Valley. Parking is available if you’re coming by car, and the summit Station is at the top of Mt Cavendish. There’s a café and shop in case you need some souvenirs. There are also walking and biking tracks nearby, so come prepared to spend time outside.

Much like the fascinating Te Papa Museum in Wellington, the Canterbury Museum offers an in-depth look at the history and culture of Christchurch. Located in the Christchurch city center (and only sustaining minor damage in the 2011 earthquake), visitors can ogle over the Neo-Gothic architecture before even stepping foot in the door. Admission to the museum is technically free of charge (though donations are gladly accepted), and you can easily spend hours getting lost in the culture of Christchurch, Canterbury, and New Zealand.

Exhibits at the museum run the gamut of history, from the early days of Maori discovery to the modern street art of Christchurch. The museum itself was established in 1867 by the explorer Julius Haast (for whom such places as the town of Haast got their name), and the Canterbury Museum has been deemed a historical site that you can visit during a day trip to Christchurch. Learn about the voyages of Antarctic explorers and the days of European settlement, and immerse yourself in curious “Kiwiana” such as the house of paua (abalone) which is largely constructed from shells. There are entertaining exhibits for children of all ages, and the informative displays over multiple stories make this one of the best free activities in Christchurch. When finished with the museum, take some time to stroll nearby Hagley Park or visit the Botanical Gardens just a short walk away.

The turquoise-colored lake set among a mountain backdrop will wow you by day, but when the sun sets, the stars come out and give you another reason to love Lake Tekapo. 

Lake Tekapo is part of a UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it a fabulous spot for stargazing, so be sure to save time to visit the Mount John Observatory. Residents work to reduce light pollution and the astronomical rewards are clear. The high-powered telescopes can provide a view of the sky like you’ve never seen before. If the timing is right, Mount John Observatory is also a great place to see the Southern Lights, the southern hemisphere’s version of the Northern Lights, which is best seen from April through September.

Tekapo Springs can warm you up after a chilly night of stargazing. With hot pools and spas, it’s all about relaxing, unless you are traveling with kids. Then it’s about the water slide, skating rink, tube park or a combination of them all. The Church of the Good Shepard is also a popular stopping point for visitors and photography buffs.

The Christchurch Tramway combines leisurely transportation with narrated city sightseeing aboard a restored vintage tram. Visitors learn about historical landmarks in central Christchurch as well as the Garden City’s revival efforts following the earthquake damage of 2011. With 17 hop-on hop-off stops, it’s an easy and fun way to get oriented to New Zealand's third-largest city.

The 50-minute route from Cathedral Junction takes you through downtown Christchurch, starting at Cathedral Square. Nearby attractions include the Bridge of Remembrance, Quake City, Christchurch Cathedral, Canterbury Museum, Hagley Park, Victoria Square, and New Regent Street. All trams have informative and entertaining on-board commentary. 

Visitor typically combine the hop-on hop-off tour with a punt cruise on the Avon River, a ride on the Christchurch Gondola, a caterpillar shuttle tour through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, or some combination of activities. Alternatively, take an evening ride on the Restaurant Tram with a 4-course dinner menu that features local lamb and seafood.

The Christchurch Tramway, including the Tramway Restaurant, departs from Cathedral Junction. The route crosses the Worcester Bridge over the Avon River, loops past the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and travels past the shops of Armagh Street. You’ll find boutiques and restaurants in the glass-covered shopping arcade, which is easily accessed by metro bus, car, or on foot. 

The Tramway runs 9am–6pm daily in summer (September–March) and 10am–5pm daily in winter (April–August). The Tramway Restaurant departs from Tram Stop 1 in Cathedral Junction at 7pm daily March–October and 7:30pm daily November–February (with the exception of public holidays). 

The refurbished 36-seater Christchurch Tramway Restaurant combines sightseeing with a fine-dining experience. Waitstaff serve customers a welcome drink along with coffee or tea to accompany the gourmet 4-course meal. Take a seat at an elegant windowside table and relax in style during the 2.5-hour round-trip journey, which is fully narrated.

If you've ever seen a picture of Lake Pukaki, you can be forgiven for thinking there’s no way that this lake could possibly be real. After all, the color of the water—a shining, rich, deep shade of turquoise—has the same captivating and alluring effect as a pair of misty-blue eyes. The hue of the water seems to match the sky, and in addition to being surrounded by open plains, the towering spire of Aoraki/Mount Cook stands watch over most of the shoreline. Isolated, empty, and incomparably scenic, there are few places on the South Island of New Zealand which can inspire nearly as much awe. 

Running north-to-south and glacially-fed, this narrow lake parallels the road which leads to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. It’s the glacial silt from the Southern Alps which gives the lake its trademark hue, and on the clearest of days when the turquoise waters are backed by snowcapped Mount Cook, it’s a panorama that easily has the ability to drain your entire camera battery. Summer is the most popular time to visit—due to the warm temperatures and clear views of the mountains—although unpredictable alpine weather can roll through during any time of year. During the winter the views of Mount Cook are often obscured by clouds, but on the rare days when blue skies accompany the lakeside snow drifts, there is a good chance you’ll have the lake completely to yourself.

More than just a scenic picture, however, there are also numerous walking trails which begin from the shore of the lake. Seeing as the lone road leading in towards Mount Cook is the only semblance of development, ten minutes of walking on a trail can leave you enveloped by the surrounding wilderness. The road is also a popular route for cyclists touring the country by bicycle, and whether you visit independently, or on your own two wheels, or as part of a guided tour, everyone who gazes upon Lake Pukaki can agree on its unrivaled beauty.

Most places in New Zealand are known for the attractions that make the area famous. In the case of the Mackenzie Basin, however, it’s what isn’t here—rather than what is—that make it such a legendary spot. Located between the cities of Queenstown and Christchurch, the Mackenzie Basin is a vast swath of dry, undulating grasslands, where the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps dramatically rise above the plains. Of the five villages inside of the basin, Twizel is the largest with about 1,000 people, whereas Tekapo, Omarama, Fairlie, and Mt Cook Village all have fewer than 800.

With the dry, clear skies and lack of development, the stars at night shine brighter here than anywhere else in New Zealand, which has led to the establishment of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve. By day, the famously turquoise Lake Tekapo is a favorite of South Island photographers—not only for the stunning Church of the Good Shepard that silently sits near the shore, but also for the epic alpine backdrop that’s formed by the Southern Alps.

Christchurch, coined the Garden City, is an Anglophile settlement of well-tended gardens and tree-lined streets. Its crowning jewel is the 52-acre (21-hectare) Christchurch Botanic Gardens, attractively set within Hagley Park alongside the winding Avon River. The gardens are planted with thousands of exotic and indigenous plants and trees including seasonal blooms such as magnolias, azaleas, and 250 varieties of roses. 

Many visitors opt for a narrated tour of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens by caterpillar—an electric-powered, open-top shuttle that makes frequent stops. Hop on and off at your leisure and meander through the extensive grounds. Combine your tour with a 30-minute punt ride on the Avon River: Relax in a flat-bottomed boat while a punter navigates the willow-lined banks with a long pole. 

Find the entrance to the Botanic Gardens on Rolleston Avenue, located on the western edge of central Christchurch, less than half a mile from the CBD. The destination is one of 17 hop-on hop-off stops on the Christchurch Tramway, which makes a 50-minute circuit around the Garden City.

Wander among more than 100 beds of roses in bloom from pre-Christmas into January. Bordering the Rose Garden you’ll find a stunning array of dahlias between January and April. Begonias can be found in the Townend House conservatory from mid-January until the end of March. However, any time of year is worth a visit. 

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens include a water garden, rock and heather gardens, New Zealand gardens, a herb garden, a daffodil woodland, and so much more. Six conservatories protect desert plants, tropical blooms, begonias, alpine plants, and orchids. Also of note are architectural landmarks like the Peacock Fountain, Cuningham Glasshouse, Band Rotunda, and Antigua Boat Shed. 

The artistic talents found in this friendly farming village attract visitors from around the world. Since it was founded in the mid-1850s, sheep and farming have been a mainstay, but Geraldine is also the home to a group of talented artisans. Spend some time exploring town and their nearby studios. You may make a few purchases along the way.

Learn more about the history of the town at the Geraldine Historical Society Museum. Car enthusiasts will enjoy the collection of vintage vehicles on display at The Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum.

Popular outdoor activities include skiing, white water rafting, golf and fishing. Lodging options range from camping to luxury lodges, and because Geraldine is fairly compact, most shops and restaurants are within walking distance. 

Though Milford Sound is inarguably one of New Zealand’s most popular attractions, the Road to Milford is as much of a sight as the actual Sound itself. Lined with waterfalls, vistas, and trails, the road to Milford is a weaving journey that’s best when traveled slowly—taking time to enjoy the sights and break up the lengthy drive. One of those sights is Mirror Lakes, where small lakes often bear the reflection of the snowcapped Earl Mountains. It’s only a short walk on a wooden boardwalk to reach the popular lakes, and aside from it being a nice place to stretch and shake out your legs from the sitting, there’s an alpine serenity and sense of calm that accompanies the lakeshore scene. Oftentimes, mornings will have the calmest conditions and the least amount of wind, which reduces the ripples and increases the chance of a classic mountain reflection. This is the perfect spot for landscape photographers to capture the beauty of Milford, and perhaps go home with a shot that captures a different side of the journey.

Burkes Pass is a small town and a mountain pass in South Canterbury. In earlier times a pioneer township, it’s now a heritage site easy to visit when headed to destinations such as the Mackenzie basin, Mt Cook and Queenstown.

The town grew around a hotel that was opened for weary Mackenzie pioneers. At the town’s height, in the late 1800s and early 1900s, it had a population of 143 and a school with three teachers. St Patrick’s Church, built in 1871, is one of New Zealand’s oldest union churches and serves as a landmark in Burkes Pass. 

Although it is located in a former British colony, Akaroa Harbour is decidedly French—down to the baguettes and street names—as this Christchurch enclave was originally founded by pioneering French settlers. Located on the rugged Banks Peninsula, 90 minutes by car from Christchurch, Akaroa drifts along at a pace that's more rural, laid-back—and French—than New Zealand’s third-largest city.

Aside from the welcoming, francophone atmosphere and scenic views, Akaroa is an especially popular spot to observe wild dolphins. The harbour is located inside the caldera of a sunken volcano, making it ideal habitat for marine mammals and birdlife. A harbor cruise is a must-do activity, and usually includes commentary about landmarks such as Akaroa Lighthouse, Cathedral Cave, and Scenery Nook. Some wildlife-viewing operations even let you swim alongside Hector’s dolphins—the rarest and smallest in the world—if you keep a respectable distance. 

Akaroa is located 46 miles (75 kilometers) southeast of Christchurch, from which shuttles run daily. If driving from the city, allow roughly 1.5 hours and follow a scenic route along Highway 75 around the Banks Peninsula to Akaroa. Alternatively, full-day tours are run from Christchurch, and shore excursions are available for cruise ship passengers at Akaroa Harbour. 

Summer sun and generally higher temperatures around December–February make the hidden coves and beaches of Akaroa more pleasant. However, the cooler temps of winter keep the crowds away and off-season prices lower. Wildlife cruises operate year-round. 

For some added adventure in the area, tour the scenic coastline by kayak and scour the waters for wildlife. In addition to pods of Hector's dolphins, you may see little blue penguins as well as colonies of New Zealand fur seals and diving cormorants (aka shags) that frequent the rocks around Akaroa Harbour.

Without a doubt, Hagley Park is the greenest, most relaxing, yet also most happening 1 sq. mile in Christchurch. On the relaxing side, this central park offers dozens of opportunities for leisurely moments in the city. Paddle the waters of the Avon River which borders the park on one side, or spend an hour sniffing through the botanical gardens which are completely surrounded by the park. Lay a blanket on the expanse of grass and enjoy a midsummer picnic, or photograph the wildflowers which famously bloom as the park comes alive in the spring.

For as mellow as Hagley Park can be, however, it can rapidly change into a pulsing gathering place during one of the numerous Christchurch festivals. At large events such as the World Buskers Festival or the Great Kiwi Beer Festival, tens of thousands of Christchurch locals can descend on the spacious grounds. There are usually fireworks on New Year’s Eve which provide a glittering display in the park, and sunny weekends during the summer months usher throngs of people outdoors. Summer evenings also feature free performances, and visitors to Christchurch can enjoy theater and live music depending upon the schedule of events. Aside from the Botanical Gardens and the grounds themselves there is also a popular tennis center, and the park is within walking distance of the Canterbury Museum and popular city center sights.

The face of Cashel Street is ever-changing—from the heart of Christchurch’s once-bustling downtown to its post-earthquake Re:START mall. Today the city mall, also known as Cashel Street Mall, is rebounding as a thriving pedestrian thoroughfare offering shopping, a farmers market, and top-grade people watching.

Following the destruction of the devastating 2011 earthquake, this hot spot remains a hub for city residents and visitors alike. Browse the high-end department stores or kick back with an afternoon tea and enjoy the spirit of downtown Christchurch as it literally emerges from the rubble. Ballantynes is still the stalwart on the Colombo Street corner, and the restored Bridge of Remembrance graces the western end of the shopping street at the river. You can find a few remnants of the Re:START mall, which temporarily erected colorful shipping containers in lieu of destroyed buildings from October 2011 to April 2017, between Colombo Street and Oxford Terrace. 

Cashel Street is centrally located in downtown Christchurch, within walking distance of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and other attractions. Parking is available, and the closest bus stop is on Colombo Street (between Tuam and Lichfield Streets), which is less than a block away. The Christchurch Tramway stops nearby. 

Cashel Street remains a top Christchurch destination throughout the week and on weekends. Riverside Market, which overlooks the Avon River, provides food shopping seven days a week. The Quake City exhibit at the Canterbury Museum is open from 10am to 5pm daily. 

Unfortunately, many of the beautiful heritage buildings along Cashel Street were demolished after the 2011 quake. The Re:START Mall—which innovatively used more than 60 shipping containers—opened for business just eight months later. As temporary fixtures make way for more permanent structures like the Riverside Market complex, this downtown destination continues to grow into one of Christchurch’s most popular attractions.