The Top Things to do in Christchurch

Location: Christchurch Station, Addington, Christchurch, NZ

Experience the Southern Alps on the great TranzAlpine railway journey from Christchurch to Greymouth.

The TranzAlpine is one of the world’s best scenic railway journeys travelling through deep gorges, snow capped mountains and native beech forest. Every kilometres of this railway journey is a feast for the eyes with beautiful views to the left and right of you.

The TranzAlpine rail journey is only 223 kilometres long, the ride is 4.5 hours long, though it won’t feel like it as passengers become so captivated by the changing scenery.

The inland journey travels through mountainous terrain across the patchwork plains of Canterbury past alpine regions that replace skyscrapers. The first major stop on the line is Springfield before pushing ahead to Arthur’s Pass.

View the Waimakariri River Gorge several times as the train climbs up the cliffs and through several short tunnels and four dramatic viaducts. Cruise through the 8.5km Otira Tunnel past vibrant greenery and a series of river valleys before descending to Greymouth.

"The TranzAlpine is one of the world’s best scenic railway journeys travelling through deep gorges, snow capped mountains and native beech forest. Every kilometres of this railway journey is a feast for the eyes with beautiful views to the left and right of you."

On board the train, recline on spacious seats looking out through large glass windows and glass panelled train roof ceilings to an overall experience capturing the alpine atmosphere that you travel through.

If you start to feel peckish during the journey then head to the licensed café to find a bite to eat or even order a bottle of wine or bubbles to enjoy during the journey.

And to top off the experience, head to the open air viewing carriage with your camera to capture some incredible photography as you pass the mountains and travel over rivers and native forest.

Passengers can travel in any direction from either Greymouth or Christchurch to enjoy the same views that showcase New Zealand’s natural beauty.

The train will depart Christchurch at 8.15am arriving into Greymouth at 1.05 pm before departing Greymouth at 2.05pm and returning into Christchurch at approximately 6.30pm.

Join this experience as a day trip experience or a overnight jaunt to Greymouth.

Even if you are not a railway enthusiast, this is one Christchurch experience that you should not miss out on because the views are simply amazing.

Location: 60 Hussey Rd, Northwood, Christchurch, NZ

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is Christchurch’s premier wildlife park founded by the Willis family with a collection of native animals and an evening cultural experience.

In daylight, see the iconic New Zealand Kiwi birds in the nocturnal house and discover how Willowbank is actively participating in a kiwi breeding program that incubates eggs for several species that are eventually re-released into the wild.

An assortment of native bird species are cared for at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve including Heron, Black Swans in addition to exotic animals such as macaws, lemurs, otters, iguanas, emu and wallabies plus common farm animals including pigs, goats, donkeys, llamas and more.

While other zoos may keep animals in zoo exhibits to entertain visitors, the point of difference here is that the wildlife are surrounded by natural environments and the animal keepers have a strong focus on education.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is also committed to conservation projects and this is evident in their partnerships to make New Zealand predator free in order to protect endangered species.

"Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is committed to conservation projects and providing an education cultural experience whether you come here to see the famous Kiwi Birds or enjoy Ko Tane cultural evening performance and Hangi Dinner."

After dark, the reserve comes alive during an evening Ko Tane Maori cultural performance and dinner. For any international visitors, this is a great way to understand the country’s history in an educational and entertaining way.

Upon arrival, experience a traditional welcome by the chief and then explore the village to learn about the Maori culture with a variety of traditional hunting tools demonstrations, displays, games and cooking techniques that are demonstrated.

You can even witness your Hangi dinner being lifted from the ground before a 45 minute kapahaka performance. Audience participation is the name of the game here and makes for a much richer cultural experience where guests are invited to come up on stage and learn a poi dance or haka.

Dinner is ready after the cultural performance with a feast of breads and dips, soups and of course the freshly prepared mouth watering Hangi dinner (chicken, lamb, pork) with vegetables and salads.

Whether you come here for a Kiwi encounter or to experience Ko Tane, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a must do Christchurch experience that will leave with a richer understanding of New Zealand’s native wildlife and culture.

Location: 10 Bridle Path Rd, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch

Being one of the more mountainous countries you'll come across in your travels, it only makes sense that kiwis love their gondolas (or cable cars, as they're also known) as there are few better ways to get up above the city and its surrounds for some incredibly panoramic views.

Christchurch's gondola is no exception in this regard, and provides the best possible vantage point (short of embarking on a strenuous height) of the cityscape, the Port Hills, the glittering harbour of Lyttleton, and even the impressive Southern Alps off in the distance.

Once you've reached the top of the summit, you'll have the opportunity to participate in some activities or visit a few attractions such as the Red Rock Cafe (a fully licensed venue ideal for enjoying a refreshing beverage while soaking in some great views) or take a ride on the Time Tunnel (a short trip that showcases a reconstruction of the area's historical background).

"Christchurch's gondola provides the best possible vantage point of the cityscape, the Port Hills, the glittering harbour of Lyttleton, and even the impressive Southern Alps off in the distance."

The Gondola itself provides a nice, gentle ride to the top of its host mountain , taking 10 minutes (which can feel a little too short) and covering a distance of 862m horizontally, with comfortable, stable cabins that can seat four people.

There are also plenty of tracks and trails to walk around and explore once you're at the summit, which allow you to get an additional array of outlooks and absorb some of the famously-fresh New Zealand air. You'll want to try and time your visit with clear weather however, as on mistier days the views out to the Southern Alps can sometimes be obscured by cloud.

While it may seem a little “touristy”, the Gondola and the visitor's centre at the top does a good job of striking the balance between providing convenient facilities while still providing a respectful, historical perspective on Christchurch and its development.

Like many other attractions that provide wonderful views of their respective cities, Christchurch's Gondola makes for a great starting point when you first arrive, providing an impressive outlook that will also help to orientate yourself as to where is what in the city.

Location:2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch

No, we're not talking about kicking a ball or placing a bet on your favourite horse – where Christchurch's Avon River is concerned, “punting” refers to what has become one of the most iconic sights in the Christchurch region: a venice-style gondola trip down the river's serene waters.

Operated by Welcome Aboard Christchurch and based from the city's historic Antigua Boat Sheds, with a punting session you'll step aboard a classic-style punt boat – a flat-bottomed boat pushed along by a pole - accompanied by a qualified punting pilot in full Edwardian-themed clothing and head on a leisurely cruise past some of Christchurch's key highlights.

Some of the local landmarks you'll encounter that take on an entirely new life from the water include the picturesque Botanic Gardens (mentioned in further detail below), charming Town Hall, the pleasantly drooping branches of willow trees and the changing face of the city centre, to name just a few.

"An ideal experience for couples that adds a touch of romance to exploring Christchurch, you'll meander peacefully under ornate bridges and get a glimpse of wildlife on the riverbanks."

An ideal experience for couples that adds a hint of romance to exploring the city, you'll meander peacefully under ornate bridges, get a glimpse of wildlife on the riverbanks and much more – with warm blankets and hot water bottles even provided during the warmer months of the year.

The punter guiding the boat will also provide you with a detailed commentary of the various surrounds, and they're always willing to do their best to answer any questions you may have regarding the local area.

Each corner of the riverbank is photogenic in its own right, and each corner brings a new idyllic scene that's perfect for photographers, so be sure to bring along a camera with a decent lens rather than just relying on happy-snaps taken with your mobile phone.

One of the experiences on this list that is truly unique to Christchurch, punting on the Avon River offers a refined and relaxed experience that's all about enjoying the finer things (and views) that New Zealand has to offer – particularly in Spring when the myriad flowers along the riverbank are in full bloom.

Location: Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch

Christchurch is affectionately known as the Garden City, and there's perhaps no place within its boundaries that better reflects this than its wonderful Botanic Gardens. Boasting the widest collection of both native and exotic plants in all of New Zealand, Christchurch's botanic gardens is huge; it offers a diverse array of plant life, trees, ponds and much more that's impossible to take in within a single day and which has existed for over 150 years.

The gardens are easily reachable due to their location in the heart of the city and lie at the heart amongst a variety of interlocking parks that are great for letting yourself get lost in on a sunny day or relaxing for a picnic.

As one of the few places in Christchurch that was unaffected by the earthquakes, the Botanic Gardens are still in tip-top condition and offer the same abundance of both plant and animal life they always have; meticulously looked after and well-maintained, they're a place of serenity and diverse and beautiful colour contrasts.

The rose garden in particular is a popular highlight, especially during the spring when it's in full bloom and is full of lovely aromas.

Boasting the widest collection of both native and exotic plants in all of New Zealand, Christchurch's botanic gardens is huge and a hop on hop off tour is a great way to see it al and rest your feet.

The Avon River also makes its way through the centre of the gardens, with the common sight of families of ducks paddling past only serving to add to the natural charm. All this is, of course, also available at the best possible price – free – however a donation is suggested and well worth giving to ensure the upkeep of such a beautiful downtown oasis.

There's also a cafe/restaurant within the gardens should you wish to grab yourself some refreshment, and the kitchen gardens section of flora which sits alongside it is a sight to see in itself.

Tours of the gardens are available which serve as a great starting point to get yourself orientated, while there's also a special “caterpillar car” which can take you through the gardens while giving your legs a rest and help you get a feel for some of the nuances of the plant life on display as well as the history of the gardens.

Christchurch's Botanic Gardens are that rare place where you can spend as long or as little as you like and still come away with a feeling of fulfilment and satisfaction, as well as an escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life – all while right in the middle of the city.

If you are planning on visiting other Christchurch attractions then a combo pass can help you to visit all the top attractions and at one great price! Visit our experiences page to see more.