The Top Things to do in Christchurch
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Looking for things to do in Christchurch, NZ? Ask yourself this: Where else in the world can you travel two hours from an international airport and find yourself experiencing tours or activities like skiing at a world-class alpine resort, playing golf at an award winning international course, experience unique wildlife encounters or visit internationally acclaimed wineries and gardens? Tour Christchurch and its surrounds, take the Christchurch Gondola, go punting on the Avon River and much more - browse our experiences and book online today!
Select one from the following:
Select one or more from the following:
Punting on the Avon River
Christchurch Gondola
Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise
TranzAlpine Train Journey between Christchurch and Greymouth
Christchurch Adventure Park Zipline
Christchurch Tram Tickets
The Christchurch Grand Sightseeing Tour
Adrenalin Forest Christchurch
Alpine Safari Tour
Chairlift Christchurch Adventure Park
Swim with the Dolphins Cruise in Akaroa
The Botanical Gardens Hop On Hop Off Tour
Akaroa and Dolphin Harbour Cruise Tour from Christchurch
Christchurch Food and Wine Tour
Arthurs Pass Day Tour with optional Hike
Kaikoura Whale Watch with optional TranzAlpine Train from Christchurch
Christchurch Adventure Park Downhill Bike Trail including Chairlift
Akaroa and Swim with the Dolphins Tour from Christchurch
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and Maori Cultural Performance with Hangi
Christchurch Four Attractions Pass
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens
The Bridle Path Walk
The New Brighton Pier
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Top 10 Things to do in - Christchurch and surrounds
Re:START Mall
#1
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
#2
The Court Theatre
#3
The Coastal Pacific Scenic Railway NZ
#4
Christchurch Gondola
#5
Quake City
#6
Avon River Punting
#7
Orana Wildlife Park
#8
Arthur's Pass
#9
Adrenalin Forest Christchurch
#101. Browse Re:START Mall
Location:78/92 Cashel St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch
If there's an area that best symbolises the atmosphere of what the new re-branded Christchurch is envisioned to be, it's the Cashel Street Container mall. Dubbed the Re:START movement by local organisers, the district serves as new home to many businesses that were formerly situated in the centre of the city that were adversely affected by the quakes, and together they form a contemporary hub of activity that has to be seen to be fully appreciated.
2. Explore the Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Location:Rolleston Ave, Christchurch City Centre, 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.
3. Catch a movie at The Court Theatre
Location:Bernard St, Addington, Christchurch
A long-time staple of the Christchurch entertainment scene, the Court Theatre was recently relocated to premises outside the city CBD in the suburb of Addington due to the impact of the earthquakes. This has had no effect on the quality of the performances conducted at the venue, however; offering the full gamut of stage-based entertainment, the Court Theatre puts on shows that range from comedy to classical to contemporary to kids, and everything in between.
4. Climb aboard the The Coastal Pacific Scenic Railway NZ
Location:Between Christchurch and Picton
The Coastal Pacific Scenic Railway combines travel with spectacular views, taking guests alongside both mountains and sea and is one of the best ways to get from Christchurch to many other popular South Island destinations (and vice versa). The path of the train covers all manner of landscapes and passes wonderfully close to the Pacific Ocean to the east, meaning you'll get a sample of New Zealand's rugged and untamed coastal regions which don't get nearly enough credit as a sightseeing highlight for those travelling in the country.
5. Ride the Christchurch Gondola
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 incredible 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.
6. Visit Quake City Christchurch
Location:Re:START Mall, 99 Cashel St, Christchurch Central, Christchurch
It takes a special kind of positivity and can-do attitude to take one of the biggest disasters in your city's history and re-purpose it into an attraction in itself, but that's exactly what Christchurch's Quake City is. While it's sad for visitors to see the devastation that has hit what is otherwise a beautiful place, the sense of optimism from Christchurch's locals that is prevalent throughout the city is even more focused here; the Quake City exhibit aims to add to the understanding of the general public of how the city and its inhabitants were affected by â and dealt with â the quakes.
7. Go Punting on the Avon River
Location:Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch
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.
8. Explore Orana Wildlife Park
Location:793 Mcleans Island Rd, Mcleans Island, Christchurch
The Christchurch region's take on an open-range zoo, Orana Wildlife Park serves as one of the best general animal-focused attractions in New Zealand while also offering a range of specialised animal encounters that can be booked for more intimate experiences with various kinds of wildlife. Set amongst an expansive 80-hectare area that provides an impressive amount of space for the animals to inhabit that strive to maintain the natural essence of their native habitats in the wild.
9. Visit Arthur's Pass
Location:Selwyn district
While this is not in Christchurch, the city serves as a departure point, and its dramatic offerings make a transit trip here an absolute must-do. Bridging the New Zealand South Islands east and west coasts is the spectacular Arthur's Pass, which crosses over the Southern Alps and makes for one of the most scenic drives in the entire country. Passing through the aptly-named Arthur's Pass National Park, this roadway reaches over 900m in height at its greatest point and provides some awe-inspiring vantage points from which to take a slice of the alpine scenery that can be found on New Zealand-themed postcards worldwide.
10. Enjoy Adrenalin Forest Christchurch
Location:105 Heyders Rd, Brooklands, Christchurch
If you're in the Christchurch region and looking for a bit of a rush combined with a physical challenge, then the Christchurch brand of the popular Adrenalin Forest, a fun-filled high wire/rope, zip line and flying fox attraction set amongst a great forest setting, may be just what the doctor ordered. The attraction blends freedom, fear and fun into a single entertaining package and is easily reached from the Christchurch CBD in around a 20-minute drive to its spot near the coast.