Choose from 32 Fun Things to Do in Christchurch
ShowingFilter 21-32 of 32 listings.
Torlesse Wines
Torlesse Wines is one of the older wineries in the Waipara Valley and owns the title of being the first winery in Waipara to bottle with a screw cap instead of a cork. It started with one wine, and now all of Torlesse Wines have screw caps.
The winery produces a dozen wines including sauvignon blanc, Gewurztraminer, rose and a cabernet. The Torlesse Cellar Door is open for tastings seven days a week, from 11am to 5pm.
Practical Info
The Waipara Valley is one of New Zealand's newest and fastest growing wine areas. Torlesse Wines is only a 40-minute drive north of Christchurch International Airport and Christchurch city, making it an easy day trip for visitors.
Address: Loffhagen Dr, Waipara 7483, New Zealand
From $ 71
Waipara
Wine and Waipara go hand in hand. Its proximity to Christchurch makes it an easy day trip, by wine lovers often decide to stay and sip a while.
The Waipara Valley is one of New Zealand's newest wine areas. Known for Pinot Noir and Riesling, the area is growing in size and popularity. And just like many other wine regions around the world, with good wine comes good food. Olive groves, nut farms and fields of lavender are popular stops visitors can add to their itinerary.
Train lovers will want to ride the Weka Pass Railway. Using both vintage steam and diesel-electric locomotives, on scheduled Sundays, trains travel to Waikari, covering almost 13 kilometers of scenery. The Weka Pass Railway is run entirely by volunteers.
Practical Info
Waipara Valley is a 45-minute drive from Christchurch. It is the fastest growing wine region in New Zealand. Around 80 vineyards call the Waipara Valley home, producing around 100,000 cases of award winning wines each year.
Address: Waipara, New Zealand
From $ 71
Waipara Springs Winery
Started in the early 1980s, the Waipara Springs Winery can brag about having some of the oldest vines in the Waipara Valley. Across more than 64 acres (26 hectares), the site grows Riesling, sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, pinot noir and merlot vines.
Wine is produced from estate-grown fruit and is available to taste at the winery at the Southern Boundary Wines Cellar Door. Reservations are required for groups of eight or more. The winery also has a popular cafe that has a seasonal lunch menu focused on fresh local produce.
Practical Info
Waipara Springs Winery is less than an hour's drive from Christchurch, making it an easy day trip for visitors. The Waipara Valley is the fastest-growing wine region in New Zealand.
Address: 409 Omihi Rd, Waipara 7483, New Zealand
From $ 71
TranzAlpine Train
The TranzAlpine Train is New Zealand’s most spectacular train journey. It winds its way through the dramatic gorges and alpine forests of the Southern Alps, over staggering viaducts and dizzying mountain passes. From Christchurch on the East Coast to Greymouth on the West Coast, this almost 5-hour trip serves up endless photo opportunities as it runs through the heart of the South Island.
The Basics
It’s possible to complete the entire route from Christchurch to Greymouth on a full-day tour, while adventurous travelers can travel by train to Arthur's Pass National Park and then explore off-road on a 4WD safari or take a jet boat cruise along the Waimakariri River. For the best value, opt for a multi-day tour from Christchurch or Queenstown. This lets you combine a ride on the TranzAlpine with top New Zealand attractions such as Mount Cook, Milford Sound, the Fox Glacier, or the Franz Josef Glacier.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Large bags and suitcases must be checked into the baggage carriage, so pack a small day bag to take on board with you.
- Onboard facilities include restrooms, a café carriage, and an open-air viewing deck, as well as charging stations for laptops and phones.
- There’s time to get off and take in the views at some stations, so dress according to the weather and bring warm clothing as it can get chilly in the mountains.
- Wheelchair access is available at all stations.
How to Get There
You can ride the TranzAlpine Train in either direction, starting your journey at Christchurch or at Greymouth. Christchurch Railway Station is located in Addington, just west of downtown Christchurch or about six 6 miles (nine kilometers) southeast of Christchurch Airport.
When to Get There
The TranzAlpine runs daily with morning departures from Christchurch and afternoon departures from Greymouth. Trains run year-round, but it’s best to book ahead for the summer season as tickets can sell out.
Coast to Coast on the TranzAlpine Railway
Setting out from Christchurch, the TranzAlpine Train rolls through the Canterbury Plains and crosses the Waimakariri River Gorge toward Rolleston. After climbing into the Southern Alps, the railway crosses the famous “Staircase” viaduct, soars over Arthur’s Pass, and traverses the 5.3-mile (8.6-kilometer) Otira Tunnel. Finally, it chugs along the shores of Lake Brunner and through Moana to the final station in Greymouth.
Address: Christchurch Railway Station, Troup Drive, Addington, Christchurch 8024, New Zealand
Hours: Operates daily, 8:15am - 6:05pm
Admission: Varies
From $ 38
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Have a memorable hands-on meeting with New Zealand's unique animals at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Mixing lighthearted entertainment with more serious conservation issues, there are Maori cultural performances in the evening and dinner packages combining a Taste NZ menu and guided tour.
Conservation is key at Willowbank, revealing the negative impact of settlement on New Zealand's wildlife and ecosystems, the lessons learned and the plans for the future.
Visitors meet endangered indigenous species, and learn about the conservation work that's ensuring their survival. Animals encountered include ostrich, emu, capuchin monkeys, turtles, lemurs and gibbons.
The farmyard heritage section of the wildlife park includes Clydesdale horses, pigs, goats and llamas.
Practical Info
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a 15-minute drive north of central Christchurch. The Christchurch Best Attractions Black Bus connects Willowbank with the city center throughout the day.
Address: 60 Hussey Road, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
Hours: Open daily 9:30am - 10pm
Admission: Adults: NZ$25, Children: NZ$10
From $ 23
Port Hills
Separating Christchurch from Lyttleton Harbor, the Port Hills are a playground for Christchurch outdoors-lovers who are looking to work up a sweat. Rising to height of nearly 1,800 feet, the Port Hills are located a short distance from downtown and are criss-crossed by multi-use trails. Hit the hillside on a rented mountain bike or go for a scenic hike, or watch as paragliders leap from the slopes overlooking the beach town of Sumner. Many of the trails were closed as a result of landslides in the 2011 earthquake, but most of the trails have since been reopened and are a refreshing getaway from the city.
In addition to the trails, the Port Hills are known for the native birds which make their homes on the hillsides. Catch a glimpse of a New Zealand wood-pigeon as it floats above the hills, or hear the call of a native bellbird as it rustles about the bush. Or, if you’d prefer to simply take a drive and get high above the city, the roads leading up to the crest of the Port Hills offer some of the best views in Christchurch. On clear days you can see north up the coast towards Kaikoura, and the snowy peaks of the Southern Alps can often be seen in the distance. The south side of the hills offers dramatic views of Lyttleton Harbor and the Banks Peninsula, and it’s a romantic place to find your own patch of grass and enjoy a sunset followed by the stars. Though much construction still needs to be completed until all of the trails are open, the Port Hills are still one of the best places in Christchurch to get high above the rush of the city.
Address: Port Hills Road, Christchurch, New Zealand
From $ 25
Pegasus Bay Winery
Pegasus Bay Winery is a family-owned and run winery and restaurant located in the Waipara Valley, north of Christchurch. Pegasus Bay wines are made with estate-grown fruit from the Donaldson family's vineyards.
The Donaldsons have been growing grapes and making wine since the early 1970s. A husband, wife and three sons team, the family uses natural methods, and the winery produces a sauvignon, Reisling, chardonnay, pinot noir, merlot and cabernet. The winery is also known for half a dozen reserve wines.
Practical Info
The winery and restaurant are about a 35-minute drive from Christchurch. The winery is open for tastings from 10am to 5pm seven days a week, while the restaurant is open from noon to 4pm Thursday to Monday. Reservations are recommended.
Address: 263 Stockgrove Rd, Waipara 7482, New Zealand
From $ 71
Air Force Museum
For such an isolated country, New Zealand has a lengthier military history than you would expect from the island nation. After all, with its ties to England and the British Commonwealth, the Boer War and both World Wars played large roles in the nation's history. Though the Auckland War Memorial in downtown Auckland offers a comprehensive look at New Zealand's battle history, it's the Air Force Museum in downtown Christchurch that provides the best insight into New Zealand's flying force.
Home to 28 aircrafts and a realistic flight simulator which flies mock missions over Europe, the Air Force Museum is a must-stop in Christchurch for history buffs and aviation enthusiasts. The detailed history of the Royal New Zealand Air Force which is found inside of the museum offers intriguing parallels between the history of aviation and the military history of a nation. Every part of an aircraft"”from the engine components to communication radios to the suit worn by the pilot"”is on display for visitors to enjoy in this free and informative museum. You'll also find parts which have been pilfered from enemies and medals which were won by war heroes. The Air Force Museum is only 15 minutes from the international airport in Christchurch, and is similarly located about 15 minutes from the main Christchurch city center.
Address: 45 Harvard Ave, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
Hours: Daily 10am-5pm
From $ 117
Arthur's Pass National Park
This superbly scenic national park is in Central Canterbury, rising out of the plains. A magnet for wintertime skiers and summertime hikers, Arthur's Pass National Park is also a popular day trip from Christchurch.
Easy day walks fan out from the visitor information center, leading to vantage points affording panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.
Providing an instant snapshot of New Zealand's legendary natural beauty, a day trip to the park also reveals glimpses of extensive beech forests, rainforest, mountain passes and soaring peaks.
If you're planning on experiencing a bit of New Zealand 'tramping' (the NZ word for hiking) take note that this is tricky territory, and for experienced hikers only. Tracks are not continuously marked, and they can involve river crossings, plus the weather is notoriously changeable.
Practical Info
Arthur's Pass National Park is on New Zealand's South Island, two hours northwest of Christchurch.
The town of Arthur's Pass is on the main bus route between Christchurch and Greymouth; the scenic TranzAlpine train also comes through here daily. If you're driving from Christchurch, take Highway 73.
Address: West Coast Road, Arthur's Pass 7654, New Zealand
Hours: Visitors' Center open daily 8am - 5pm
Admission: Free
From $ 375
Sumner Beach
Even though a scant eight miles separate Sumner from the city center of Christchurch, this coastal suburb set right on the beach may as well be its own island. Sumner Beach is the de facto “beach town” that is associated with sprawling Christchurch, where bikini-clad sunbathers and wetsuit-clad surfers mingle on the golden shores. Sleepy in winter but pulsing in summer, Sumner is a hangout of sun-seekers and sportsmen who flock to the beach and the hills. Joggers and walkers stroll on the boardwalk which parallels the popular shore, and paragliders and mountain bikers play on the hills which rise just behind town.
A relaxing, slow-paced, agreeable outpost, when the large earthquake of 2011 triggered landslides in the surrounding hills, Sumner Beach and its associated community were almost completely cut off from the city. Though the road has been fixed and Sumner is accessible again, evidence of the earthquake is still evident in the massive rock piles by the coast.
Even though the town is known for its beach and its waves, there is more to Sumner than the sand, the boardwalk, and the throngs who play in the surf. Sumner is also home to a lively downtown where hip coffee shops and trendy clothing boutiques line the town’s main thoroughfare, and on a warm summer day you can dine outdoors and smell the salt on the breeze. It’s the welcoming simplicity of a small-town atmosphere amidst the urban bustle of the city, and given its infectious, coastal charm, Sumner Beach can definitely be considered as one of the top day trips from Christchurch.
Address: Sumner, New Zealand
From $ 91
Waimakariri River
Traveling from the Southern Alps to the Pacific Ocean, Waimakariri is a Maori term meaning “cold water.” Known for its scenery, the Waimakariri River is also the hub for a number of popular water activities.
Jet boating offers a fun and fast way to explore the Waimakariri River's lower braided river system. Fishing is also a popular way for visitors to get their feet wet in the area. Walking, horseback riding and cycling along the river is a good choice for those who want more of a guarantee to stay dry. Full day high country explorer style tours offer a fun escape from Christchurch.
Practical Info
The Waimakariri district is a 20-minute drive north of Christchurch and the International Airport. If you don’t have a car, there are numerous transportation options from Christchurch including bus, rail and tours.
Address: Christchurch, New Zealand
From $ 103
New Regent Street
When first constructed in the 1930s, New Regent Street was famously lauded as “the most beautiful street in New Zealand.” Today, after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, the street has rebuilt its colorful façade—built in a Spanish Mission style—where colorful, two-story buildings host retailers, restaurants, coffee shops, and cafés. When the street was first built in the Great Depression, only 3 of the original 40 buildings were occupied by lease-paying tenants, due to the economic hardships of the time and the tenants’ inability to pay rent. Gradually, an increasing number of businesses were established, and the street was reconstructed as a pedestrian mall in 1994. When the fateful Christchurch earthquakes struck, New Regent Street was one of the first places to rebuild and reopen its doors—though many repairs were only temporary and are in need of a permanent fix. Either way, it remains as one of downtown Christchurch’s most popular venues for shopping, with the pastel colored, lightly hued buildings contributing an architectural charm.
Practical Info
New Regent Street is in central Christchurch and is easily accessible by foot. It’s a 10 minute walk from the metro central bus station, and is also accessible by riding the tram, which runs from 10am-5pm daily, with expanded hours in summer.
Address: New Regent Street, Christchurch, New Zealand
From $ 14