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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 rare journey by way of certainly one of 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 revel in as we discover all the brand new issues and actions in Christchurch and revisit a few of the previous favorites.
1. Punting on the Avon River
Probably the most widespread actions in Christchurch is to go punting on the Avon River. Arms to coronary heart, Punting on the Avon River Tour is a fairly authentic technique to go sightseeing and is an iconic place to go to in Christchurch!
What’s punting on the Avon River? It’s a gondola experience on a ship referred to as a punt. Wearing Edwardian apparel, a talented punter takes you slowly by way of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Guests love to take a seat again and calm down on their punts as they go for a gondola experience 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 youths.
2. Trip the Christchurch Gondola
In case you are in search of a few of the greatest views of the town and the Canterbury Plains the Christchurch Gondola is a must-do. This scenic experience 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 prematurely right here.
On the prime, discover the Time Tunnel exhibit, detailing the realm’s volcanic and human historical past, or take pleasure in a chunk on the café with its gorgeous vistas. Supreme for households, {couples}, or solo vacationers the Christchurch Gondola gives a novel 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 linked to Hagley Park, the town’s fundamental –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. Commit no less than one hour to discover the numerous areas and gardens of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
4. Trip the Christchurch Tram
Using the Christchurch Tram affords a novel and pleasant technique to discover the 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 a perfect 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 technique 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 isn’t just a mode of transportation however an attraction in itself, completely mixing historic attraction with sensible metropolis touring.
5. New Regent Road
Should you’ve ever seen photographs of Christchurch, for certain you already know about this cute little pedestrian passage only one road off Cathedral Sq.! Vacationers and locals alike love New Regent Road! 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 Road.
New Regent Road in Christchurch is a good 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.
Guests can take pleasure in looking distinctive shops, grabbing a espresso at a comfortable 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 the town. Whether or not you’re purchasing for souvenirs or simply wish to soak within the native ambiance, New Regent Road 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 reside penguins, and the Hägglund experience, simulating Antarctic journey.
Positioned close to the airport, this is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Christchurch for households. Stroll into the storm dome and really feel the chilliness of Antarctica and revel 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 isn’t just an exhibit; it’s a hands-on journey into the center of the Antarctic, providing academic insights and enjoyable for all ages. Supreme 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 purchase your tickets prematurely right here.
7. Victoria Park and the Port Hills
Should you nonetheless have a little bit of time and power left after a busy day, you may head to Victoria Park, up within the Port Hills. It’s top-of-the-line actions in Christchurch for sundown. Only a quarter-hour’ drive from Central Christchurch separates this gorgeous sundown spot and mountaineering space!
Providing a community of trails for mountaineering, mountain biking, and scenic walks, the Port Hills present gorgeous 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 heart, making it an ideal day journey for these in search of a pure escape.
Widespread spots just like the Bridle Path and the Summit Highway supply various levels of problem for all health ranges. Whether or not you’re after a leisurely stroll or a difficult bike experience, the Port Hills cater to each kind of adventurer. This pure playground not solely affords bodily actions but in addition serves as a incredible spot for pictures, 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 learners to specialists.
In addition to biking, it boasts New Zealand’s longest zipline, offering an exhilarating experience with gorgeous views. The park additionally encompasses a café and bar the place you may calm down after your adventures. E 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 obtainable for buy. Simply accessible from the town heart, 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: The place to Go Bungy Leaping in New Zealand
9. Canterbury Museum at CoCA
Canterbury Museum’s Rolleston Avenue website is present process a serious redevelopment. The buildings are empty, and the workers have moved out. The Museum has opened a pop-up area on the primary ground of the CoCA constructing at 66 Gloucester Road that’s getting used whereas their fundamental constructing on Rolleston Ave is redeveloped, and their heritage buildings are refurbished,
Round half the pop-up Museum is devoted to assortment highlights and customer favourites from the Museum’s everlasting galleries. The opposite half shows non permanent exhibitions. They anticipate to reopen on the authentic website in late 2028. The pop up area is free to enter, and donations are welcome.
10. Arts Centre of Christchurch
Now guests can take part in lots of free occasions, e book artful workshops, get a tattoo, hearken 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 take pleasure in a various array of reveals, artisan retailers, and weekend markets. Positioned within the coronary heart of the town, the Arts Centre is a vibrant group hub, best for artwork lovers and curious vacationers alike. Whether or not you’re keen on up to date artwork, native crafts, or reside performances, the Arts Centre gives 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 in 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 non permanent lodging for the Christchurch Metropolis Council Workers.
It appears onerous to think about the early days now as one wanders the spacious halls full of up to date reveals in such a peaceable setting.
Free guided 45-60 minutes excursions depart from the entrance desk on the bottom ground day by day at 11 am and a couple of pm.
The gallery opens from 10 am to five pm day by day and hosts weekly occasions.
12. Go to the Air Drive Museum of New Zealand
A go to to the Air Drive Museum of New Zealand in Christchurch is a journey by way of aviation historical past, good for fans and households alike. This museum affords a powerful assortment of plane, from World Warfare I fighters to fashionable jets, every with its personal story.
Interactive reveals, together with flight simulators, present a hands-on expertise, permitting you to step into the footwear of a pilot. The museum additionally pays homage to New Zealand’s Air Drive 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 keen on plane and army historical past. The Air Drive 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 the town to its core.
14. Quake Metropolis
Quake Metropolis affords a compelling and academic expertise, offering insights into the impactful earthquake of 2011. Thiscurated exhibition takes guests by way 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 charge 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 important for understanding the town’s current 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 modern growth in Christchurch’s CBD is Turanga, the brand new metropolis library. Since its opening in 2018, the Turanga Library has turn out to be 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 lots 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 likely one of the most well-known photograph 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 Road Artwork
Trying to find world-class road artwork in Christchurch has turn out to be one of many coolest actions when strolling round city. After the earthquakes, completely different initiatives gathered artists from New Zealand and abroad to convey the town again to life by way of funky road artwork!
Christchurch is now amongst the 39 Road Artwork Capitals of the world on the choice curated by the Lonely Planet. Guests may also 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 way in which as much as the Margaret Mahy Playground.
Grassy areas, walkways, bridges, artwork, eateries, pubs and cycle lanes make up this challenge 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, reside music, craft beers, and writer cocktails.
19. New Malls and Galleries
Cashel St. has turn out to be 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 pals and procuring.
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 Lodge
Should you fancy a drink and a platter after an extended day scouring the town, you may head to The Heritage Lodge, 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 model, and reside 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 Road
Advantageous and fashionable eating, a secret cocktail bar, the On line casino and a Clock Tower. That’s Victoria Road briefly! The chosen spot for these fancying an enormous evening out!
23. Little Excessive Eatery
Opened in Could 2017, Little Excessive Eatery has turn out to be 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 price a go to as its set in an space of the CBD that also has lots of rebuilding works forward! For my part, that makes it much more attention-grabbing. Throughout lunch and dinner peak hours you may anticipate to be ready in line from 5 to twenty minutes
Little Excessive is situated on 255 St Asaph Road, 4 blocks from Cathedral Sq.. Open from 8 am to 11 pm over weekends (10 pm on weekdays). It’s an excellent possibility in case you are working 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 tasks 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 due to the work of artistic social enterprises like GapFiller. Visiting any of those spots will provide you with a good concept 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 way 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 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 price visiting to be taught concerning the New Zealand earthquakes and likewise, it’s not like you may skip it as that is the center of Central Christchurch! Learn: 14 Cool and Enjoyable Information About New Zealand
27. Margaret Mahy Playground
Opened in December 2015, that is the biggest playground within the Southern Hemisphere. Only a 10 minutes’ stroll from Cathedral Sq., it’s an important place to benefit from the nice outdoor. The most effective half is you don’t have to have the children 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 good place to make a base for locating the South Island of New Zealand. There are various issues to do from Christchurch and listed here 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 affords a mix of historical past, pure magnificence, and culinary delights.
Wander by way 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 gorgeous bay views, Akaroa gives a pleasant escape from the town, showcasing a novel slice of New Zealand’s heritage and pure splendor. This picturesque village is a perfect getaway for these trying 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 have now ‘island climate’ right here, that means which you could expertise many various kinds of climate throughout the identical day. Deliver layers of clothes in 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 $ 35 NZD for adults and stops in many of the metropolis’s fundamental sights. Using the tramway is likely 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 info and scan the QR code! For the reason that Lime Scooters have been launched into the town simply over 6 months in the past, they turned the following large factor. Now you may see individuals using –and falling!- on the streets each minute. They’re in all places!
The place to Keep in Christchurch
The central metropolis affords quite a lot of lodging choices, from Airbnb flats to totally serviced motel flats and hostels. It’s also possible to 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 lodges on this Christchurch neighborhood.
The Mayfair is one of the vital extremely rated lodges in Christchurch. See charges and availability on Reserving.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 World Curious, evokes individuals to go on their first abroad journey wholeheartedly and fuelled by curiosity!
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