Christchurch is a city in the Canterbury region of the South Island of New Zealand. The city sits on the Banks Peninsula in Pegasus Bay and is the largest city on the South Island. The majority of the best things to do in Christchurch, New Zealand revolve around nature and adventure.
But, before we venture out, let’s see what you can explore in the city. The best places to visit in Christchurch City include museums, art galleries, cultural centers, parks, and entertainment venues. Some of the most popular attractions in the city include Canterbury Museum, Arts Centre Te Matariki Toi Ora, Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens, and International Antarctic Centre.
The markets of the city dedicated to street food, farm produce, and handicraft items are also major Christchurch tourist attractions in their own right. You can truly experience the local culture and hobnob with the folks at these markets. You can also take trips into the ocean with cruise boats, sailing boats, kayaks, canoes, and speedboats when visiting Christchurch City.
And finally, but most importantly, you get to explore the wonderful beaches during Christchurch sightseeing. You can come here to relax by the ocean, enjoy meals, go drinking & dancing, or enjoy water sports. Now, let’s venture beyond the urban locale.
The city has a beautiful coastline on one side and the Southern Alps on the other. There are more top things to do around Christchurch, NZ than within it. You can enjoy hiking trails through forests, mountains, valleys, grasslands, cliffs, and caves. You will come across some of the most beautiful things to see in Christchurch including scenic landscapes and wildlife.
You can also enjoy a variety of outdoor activities to do in Christchurch such as mountain biking, quad biking, water sports, sky-diving, paragliding, hot-air balloon rides, and so on.
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Top 45 Tourist Places to Visit in Christchurch, New Zealand
1. Christchurch Botanic Garden
This is one of the best places to visit in Christchurch, NZ for some leisure. This “Garden City” is spread over 21 hectares. It is home to fauna brought from around the world including some exotic species.
You can visit Herb Garden to see medicinal plants and fragrance gardens to enjoy the wonderful scents of nature. The rose garden houses and herbaceous gardens are a treat of colourful plants and flowers.
You can easily spend an hour or so exploring the trees, plants, and horticulture sculptures in this garden when you visit Christchurch, New Zealand.
2. Avon River / Ōtakaro
This serene river passes through the heritage part of the city. There are trails along the river that take you through the historic Christchurch attractions.
You can also take trails to venture into the woods to enjoy some natural scenery. People can also take guided boat rides on the Avon River for Christchurch sightseeing and nature exploration.
The river trail also has some of the top spots for fly fishing around the city. You will need about an hour for the trail and the boat ride.
I suggest you can combine your Punt Ride on Avon River with Christchurch Gondola.
3. Christchurch Gondola
This gondola cable car takes you to the top of Mount Cavendish. It is one of the best things to do in Christchurch, New Zealand. You will get beautiful views of the city and the surrounding mountains.
As you reach the top, you have a lot of Christchurch tourist attractions to explore. You can head to the Red Rock Cafe. Here you can dine with a view of the mountains.
You should also check out the Time Tunnel. This ride shows 12 million years of history all the way back to when a volcanic eruption creates New Zealand. You will need 2 to 3 hours from Christchurch travel to take the ride, enjoy the attractions and return.
I suggest you should get your Round-Trip Ticket to Christchurch Gondola in advance.
4. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
This nature and wildlife reserve is home to several animals native to New Zealand. It is especially known for the Kiwi bird. You will also see Siamang Gibbon, Leopard Tortoise, Capybara, Flemish Rabbits, Mountain Goats, Kea, and more.
You can even interact with some of these animals. You can pet them and feed them. It is one of the most fun activities to do in Christchurch for families with children. You need an hour to explore this reserve.
I suggest you should book a Ticket to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve in advance.
5. Orana Wildlife Park
This open zoo is spread over 800 hectares and it has a twist. You will get into a cage and see animals roaming free as they would in a natural habitat.
It is a thrilling experience to see a lion on top of your cage staring down at you. It is one of the top things to do in Christchurch, NZ if you are looking for a memorable experience.
You will see a variety of animals including Giraffe, Cheetah, Whine Rhinoceros, Bengal Tiger, African Lion, Orangutans, and many more. You need at least 2 hours from Christchurch travel to enjoy this park.
I suggest you should get your Entry Ticket to Orana Wildlife Park in advance.
6. International Antarctic Centre
The International Antarctic Centre sheds light on the Antarctic continent. You will know about all things snow, the people living there, and the animals of the continent.
You will get to meet penguins and huskies. You can ride snowmobiles and snow trucks. You will also see a 4D movie to experience the Antarctic.
It is one of the most interesting places to see in Christchurch, New Zealand for family tourists. You will need an hour or so to explore this place.
I suggest you should book your Admission Ticket to International Antarctic Centre in advance.
7. Canterbury Museum
This museum focuses on the human, natural, and cultural history of New Zealand and Antarctica. It is housed in a Gothic revival building built in 1870. This itself is a must-see in Christchurch, New Zealand if you admire classic architecture.
The museum is home to more than 2.3 million artifacts. These shed light on cultures, technology, biology, zoology, archeology, ornithology, voyages, discoveries, art, and more. You will need at least an hour to tour the Canterbury Museum when you visit Christchurch, NZ.
8. Hagley Park
This garden is spread over 165 hectares and is the largest park in Christchurch. It is home to gardens, nature trails, sports facilities, and a lake.
It is also home to several tourist attractions including Canterbury Museum, Earthquake Memorial, and Cricket Ground. People also come here for outdoor activities to do in Christchurch, New Zealand.
You can follow nature trails, ride a boat in the lake, go kayaking, ride a segway or bicycle, play tennis, croquet, or netball, and enjoy a picnic. You can easily spend an hour or so in this park.
9. Riccarton House
This homestead recreates the Victorian era and takes you back in time. The house dates back to 1842 and is still retains much of the original structure. It is furnished with era-appropriate furniture, artwork, and decor.
The guided tour tells you about the history of the house and the people that lived here. The house still has many belongings of the Deans family the original inhabitants of the house.
It is one of the most interesting historical things to do around Christchurch, New Zealand. The place also has a restaurant that makes you feel you are part of the elites of the Victorian era.
The place is especially popular for people who admire the bygone era. You will need about 2 hours to explore this place.
10. The TranzAlpine Train
This train ride takes you on a tour of the otherworldly beautiful natural attractions of New Zealand. This train runs from the east to the west coast of New Zealand.
You will see some of the most astonishingly stunning things to see in Christchurch and New Zealand. You will rush through mountains, valleys, rivers, grasslands, beaches, and more. It is an unparalleled sightseeing tour and you need 6 hours to experience it.
I suggest you should book your Ticket for TranzAlpine Train Journey in advance.
11. Port Hills
This range of hills offers some of the most beautiful sights. They are known for their ecological and geological qualities. The hills were formed out of eroded remains of the Lyttelton Volcano.
These are among the best places to go in Christchurch for nature sightseeing and adventure sports. You get an amazing landscape view of the hills, grasslands, forests, and the port.
You can also come here for outdoor activities to do in Christchurch such as hiking, trekking, camping, rock climbing, and mountain biking. You need at least a day to explore the hills.
12. Bridge of Remembrance
This memorial is dedicated to Canterbury soldiers who lost their lives in the two World Wars as well as wars in Borneo, Korea, Vietnam, and Malaya.
You can get in-depth commentary from local guides about the memorial, the wars, and the soldiers. You will need 20 to 30 minutes to admire the monument and pay your respects at this memorial when you visit Christchurch.
13. Awaroa / Godley Head
This area was developed around 1939 as a fort during WWII. Many of the buildings and defense infrastructure are in ruins now. But, they make interesting milestones while exploring the region.
It is one of the best things to do in Christchurch, New Zealand if you want to go for hiking, trekking, or mountain biking. You can tour the Godley Fort, take trails leading to military sites, or head to Taylor’s Mistake Beach for swimming and surfing. You will need at least a day from Christchurch travel to tour this place.
I suggest you should go for a Guided Walking Tour of Awaroa / Godley Head.
14. Victoria Clock Tower
Also known as Diamond Jubilee Clock Tower, this tower dates back to 1858. It is one of the most iconic structures of the city. The clock was once sent to the UK for repair and was again damaged during the 2011 earthquake. The tower exhibits classic Victorian architecture. You only need a few minutes from Christchurch sightseeing to see this tower.
15. Cardboard Cathedral
Also known as the transitional cathedral, this church was designed by Shigeru Ban. It was built on the site of a cathedral that fell in the 2011 earthquake. It is one of the top places to visit in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The entire structure is built using eco-friendly materials. The structure includes wood, polycarbonate, and cardboard tubes. Hence, the name. You will need 30 to 45 minutes to explore this cathedral.
16. Sumner Beach
The beach is known for fun things to do around Christchurch, NZ. It sits 12 km away from the city. You can come here to relax on the sandy shores or admire majestic caves and rock formations.
It is also known for water activities to do in Christchurch, NZ. People come here for surfing, swimming, and bodyboarding. You can also enjoy the clubs and bars along the shore to let loose. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying the beach.
17. Christchurch Tramway
This is one of the best ways to go for Christchurch sightseeing. You can go for different durations of tours. There is a basic 50 minutes tour that takes you around to 17 Christchurch tourist attractions.
Then there is a 2.5-hour tour that includes a 4-course dinner meal. Alongside the meal, you can tour the city with guided commentary about history, nature, and culture.
I suggest you should book a Hop-On Hop-Off Tour by Vintage Tram in advance.
18. Isaac Theatre Royal
Built in 1861, this theatre is considered the heart of the city’s performing arts. The theatre has over 100 years of heritage. It has a beautiful structure designed in Edwardian style. It is one of the most beautiful things to see in Christchurch, New Zealand. The best way to enjoy the theatre is catch a show here. So you will need 2 hours at least for this place.
19. Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Also known as Te Puna O Waiwhetu, this art gallery exhibits artworks by artists from New Zealand and also a few international artists. It is one of the best Christchurch attractions to experience culture.
The gallery communicates information about the artworks through smart labels. You can use your smartphone to access this information. The gallery primarily focuses on modern and contemporary artworks. You will need about an hour to tour the gallery.
20. New Regent Street
This pedestrian-only street takes you back in time. The street is lined with shops, cafes, and restaurants designed in Spanish Mission-style architecture. The street looks colourful, vibrant, and joyful.
The street is one of the most amazing places to see in Christchurch for shopping and dining. You will need about an hour to explore this place.
21. Air Force Museum of Christchurch
This museum looks at the history of military aviation in New Zealand. You will see actual military aircrafts from different periods. The museum also tells stories of engineers and pilots who played important roles in the history of aviation and during wars.
It is one of the most interesting places to see in Christchurch if you are interested in aviation, aerial wars, and dog fights. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.
22. New Brighton Beach & Pier
This is one of the best beaches in Christchurch. It stretches for 17 to 18 km and is blessed with fine golden sand. The beach is a beautiful sight with rolling waves and a pier extending towards the ocean.
It is also known for a variety of top things to do in Christchurch, New Zealand. People come here for swimming, kayaking, kite surfing, bird-watching, and hiking. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying at this beach when you visit Christchurch.
23. Quail Island
This is the largest island in Canterbury. It is an inner harbor island and was used to quarantine early European settlers. The island is a must-see in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is steeped in history and also blessed with beautiful natural landscapes.
You will shipwreck of eight vessels that crashed on the western side of the island. It is also one of the best places to go in Christchurch for picnics, coastal hikes, and bird-watching.
People can take a ferry to the island or get here in a kayak. You need at least 2 to 3 hours from Christchurch travel to tour this island.
If you are interested in doing something adventurous then I suggest you should go for a Sea Kayaking Tour of Lyttleton Harbour and Quail Island.
24. Cathedral Square
This square is considered the historic heart of the city. The public square is surrounded by historic and modern Christchurch attractions.
Aside from the cathedral, the square is home to a statue of the city’s founder (John Robert Godley), a sculpture by Neil Dawson, the Old Government Building, the Regent Theatre, the Citizen’s War Memorial, and the Press Building.
The square is also one of the best places to visit in Christchurch, New Zealand for shopping, dining, and street food. You can easily spend a couple of hours to explore this square.
25. The Arts Centre Te Matariki Toi Ora
This complex has several museums featuring an impressive collection of artworks and artifacts. There are several interesting things to see in Christchurch, New Zealand.
The two most important museums in the complex are Rutherford’s Den and Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities. The complex also has boutique art galleries, handicraft markets, eateries, and retail outlets.
The handicraft workshops are among the best things to do in Christchurch, New Zealand. You will need about 2 hours to explore this place.
26. Christchurch Casino
This casino is not merely a place for games, gambling, and entertainment. It is the very first casino in New Zealand. The casino has a lot of fun indoor activities to do in Christchurch including table games, slot machines, bars, stage shows, and performances. You can easily spend a couple of hours enjoying it here when you visit Christchurch, New Zealand.
27. Christchurch Adventure Park
The park, as the name suggests, is a forest retreat to enjoy thrilling and adventurous things to do around Christchurch. You can go for mountain biking trails, hiking, chairlift ride up a hill and zipline the other way around. You can spend half a day or more enjoying these activities in Christchurch.
I suggest you should book a Chairlift Sightseeing Pass at the Christchurch Adventure Park in advance.
28. Quake City
This museum focuses on the history of the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes. It depicts the devastation of the earthquakes through videos and photographs.
The museum also has many interesting things to see in Christchurch, NZ including some artifacts that broke down during the earthquakes. You will need about an hour to tour this museum.
29. Christchurch Farmers Market
This market is held every Saturday between 9 am and 1 pm in the historic Riccarton House. You can try out local produce, food products, handicraft items, street food, baked goods, and more. It is an interesting aspect of Christchurch sightseeing that people often miss out on. You would need 30 to 45 minutes to explore the market.
30. Mountain Bike Trails
Mountain biking is one of the top things to do in Christchurch for thrill seekers. The Canterbury region is blessed with incredible landscapes that you can trod on bikes to explore nature and feel the adventure.
Some of the best mountain biking trails in Christchurch include McLeans Forest Trail, Bottle Lake Forest Park Trails, Christchurch Adventure Park Trails, Crocodile Cross Country Trail, Victoria Park Trails, and so on.
These trails range from a couple of hours to a full day. You can pick the trail that best fits your desire for adventure and nature exploration during Christchurch travel.
31. Friday Street Food Market
The market is held near Christchurch Central between 11 in the morning till 9 at night. The market is held every Friday and is among popular Christchurch tourist attractions for the food and the lively vibe.
You will see food trucks and stalls selling a variety of items ranging from local cuisines to innovative fusions. You can also enjoy live performances and music at this market.
It is best to visit this market in the evening as things really get going after the sun sets. You can easily spend an hour or so exploring the market when you visit Christchurch.
32. Dolphin / Whale Spotting
You can get on a boat and head to the open ocean to see whales, dolphins, and other creatures of the sea. It is one of the best things to do in Christchurch, New Zealand.
You can come across bottlenose dolphins, sperm whales, killer whales, humpback whales, and even a blue whale if you are lucky. These tours usually take at least half a day. You can also take day trip tours to the islands if you wish to explore more.
Here either you can go for a Full Day Whale Watching Tour or you can go on a Tour of Swim with Dolphins from Christchurch.
33. Braided Shallows Boat Safari
If you are looking for fun places to go in Christchurch, then head down to the Waimakariri River and get on a speedboat. The exhilarating ride is a great way to enjoy nature and have a little adventure. You can also take horseback riding tours along the river. Any of these activities to do in Christchurch, NZ will take at least a couple of hours.
I suggest you should book a Waimak Gorge Jet Boat Ride in advance.
34. Helicopter Tour
Christchurch is a beautiful city and is surrounded by incredible natural beauty. You have forests, oceans, lakes, islands, mountains, and more. Some of the places to see in Christchurch are best viewed from above. That’s where helicopters come in.
You can tour the skies over the mountains, city, and ocean to enjoy the sights. Some of the sights are must-see in Christchurch, New Zealand, and can only be seen with helicopters. You can also take helicopter tours for whale spotting and to get to mountain tops. You will need 2 hours for any of these tours.
I suggest you should book your Helicopter Tour in Christchurch in advance.
35. Hanmer Springs Attractions
This little town is among the top things to do around Christchurch. It is best known for its hot springs and adventure activities. You can rejuvenate your senses in the thermal pools or tour the town exploring its rustic elements.
The town is also one of the best places to visit in Christchurch, NZ for a day of nature and adventure with activities like river rafting, jet boat rides, bungee jumping, quad bike trails, canoeing, kayaking, clay-bird shooting, hiking, camping, and so on. You would need 3 to 4 hours to explore the town and enjoy the activities.
As in Hanmer Springs, there are so many activities to do. So here below I am mentioning some of the top rated activities that you should try to do at Hanmer Springs.
- Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools
- Quad ATV Biking in Hanmer Springs
- Bungy Jump in Hanmer Springs
- Adventure Jet Boating in Hanmer Springs
- Water Rafting in Hanmer Springs
