Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand. The city is coping resiliently and creatively with the aftermath of NZ's second-biggest natural disaster, several large earthquakes in 2011 and 2012, and remains one of the country's most vibrant cities. Also known as The Garden City, with its award-winning Christchurch Botanic Ga... Show More
Discover The Best Activities, Attractions, And Experiences In Christchurch
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Things to do in Christchurch
Canterbury Attractions & Activities by Area
Activities and Attractions in Christchurch
from NZ $429.00
8 Hours 30 Mins 
Marlborough Molesworth Epic Cycle Tour
Discover the majesty of the Molesworth Station as you ride through the incredible terrain
from NZ $6400.00
11 days 
from NZ $420.00
1 Hours 
from NZ $479.00
8 Hours 
from NZ $50.00
1 Hours 
Canterbury Peaks to Plains Cycle Tour
Exclusive access to cycle through private high country stations
from NZ $4400.00
6 days 
from NZ $579.00
8 Hours 
from NZ $399
6 hours 
from NZ $60.00
4 hours 
Kaikōura Day Tour From Christchurch With Win...
Whale Watching Flight (approximately 1 hour, including check-in) with Wings Over Whales Kaikoura
from NZ $475.00
10 Hours 
from NZ $395.00
13 Hours 
Christchurch Day Out: Sheep Farm Adventure wi...
Christchurch city highlights
from NZ $345.00
6 Hours 
Mt Cook to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo (1 wa...
Lake Tekapo - including the Church of the Good Shepherd
from NZ $175.00
5 Hours 
Full Day Guided Walk and Picnic on Banks Peni...
Discover the best kept secret walkways in NZ, only 30 minutes from Christchurch
from NZ $270.00
4 Hours 
from NZ $3195.00
5 days 
from NZ $399
9 hours 
from NZ $529.00
8 Hours 
Walking tour- Packhorse Hut from Christchurch
Visit the four historic “rest houses”- Sign of the Takahe, Sign of the Kiwi, Sign of the Bellbird
from NZ $1599.00
9 Hours 
Methven- Mt Hutt Scenic Hot Air Balloon Fligh...
Spectacular views of the stunning Canterbury Plains
from NZ $380
4 hours 
Christchurch City Scenic Helicopter Flight
Christchurch City Scenic Helicopter Flight
from NZ $350.00
20 Mins 
Sea Kayaking, Lyttelton Harbour & Quail I...
Sea kayaking in an extinct volcano (Lyttleton Harbour)
from NZ $479.00
8 Hours 30 Mins 
from NZ $395.00
Allow approximately 3 hours for the experience. Flight time is around 1 hour.
Christchurch to Queenstown One Way Tour, Via ...
Lake Tekapo & Church of the Good Shephard
from NZ $399.00
13 Hours Find your perfect Christchurch experience
Travel Guides
Frequently Asked Questions about Christchurch
What is Christchurch best known for?
Christchurch has a reputation for being an English city, with its architectural identity and nickname the Garden City due to similarities with garden cities in England, but also has a historic Māori heritage. Christchurch has a temperate oceanic climate with regular moderate rainfall.
Where is Christchurch located?
Christchurch is located on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island, in the Canterbury region, along the Pacific Ocean, and is the largest city on the South Island.
How do I get to Christchurch?
Christchurch is accessible by domestic and international flights to Christchurch Airport, State Highway 1 and 75 for road travel, and intercity buses and trains connecting it with major South Island towns.
Is Christchurch good for outdoor activities?
Yes, Christchurch is excellent for outdoor activities, including cycling along the Avon River, hiking in the Port Hills, botanical gardens walks, river punting, beach visits, and day trips to the Southern Alps and Banks Peninsula.
What is the weather like in Christchurch?
Christchurch has a temperate oceanic climate, with warm summers averaging 20–25°C, cool winters around 5–15°C, and moderate rainfall throughout the year, making it suitable for outdoor activities year-round.
How long should I spend in Christchurch?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 days in Christchurch, enough to explore the city’s gardens, museums, historic sites, rivers, and nearby natural attractions, while longer stays allow day trips to Akaroa, Arthur’s Pass, and surrounding mountains.
What are the top attractions in Christchurch?
Christchurch offers a wide range of attractions for visitors seeking city experiences, adventure, and scenic exploration. The Discover Christchurch Tour is perfect for exploring the city’s highlights, gardens, and cultural landmarks. Adventure and scenic day trips include Mt Cook to Christchurch via Lake Tekapo and the Christchurch to Queenstown One Way Tour, both showcasing stunning alpine and lake landscapes. Outdoor activities include the Marlborough Molesworth Epic Cycle Tour, offering cycling through scenic countryside, and Sea Kayaking in Lyttelton Harbour & Quail Island, which combines wildlife encounters with beautiful coastal views. For a unique perspective of the region, Hot Air Ballooning over Christchurch provides breathtaking panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes.
Tourist Information About Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island of New Zealand. The city is coping resiliently and creatively with the aftermath of NZ's second-biggest natural disaster, several large earthquakes in 2011 and 2012, and remains one of the country's most vibrant cities. Also known as The Garden City, with its award-winning Christchurch Botanic Gardens feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand. There is so much to see and do here, including punting down the Avon River, taking the Caterpillar Tour activity through the gardens, enjoying the boutique shops and cafes at the Tannery, swiming and playing on the sandy Sumner beach, exploring Willowbank Wildlife Park, the TranzAlpine Train, and the Christchurch Tram are excellent attractions and there are many hiking and biking trails. The top attraction has to be the Christchurch Gondola ride to the top of the Port Hills for a beautiful view over the city and Lyttelton Harbour. You can also embark on a journey through Antarctica without leaving Christchurch at the International Antarctic Centre is one of the top attractions.
Best Attractions and free things to do in Christchurch
1. Hot Air Balloon
Your flight will take off in Mt. Hutt's foothills, where the mountains give great protection from the northwesterly winds. Enjoy breathtaking views of the Southern Alps, including Mt. Cook and Mt. Aspiring! Enjoy the Eastern views as well as the patchwork beauty of the plains to the Pacific Coast along the journey. After taking off, you'll soar to an altitude that provides amazing panoramic views of the mountains, then descend to a lower height for the second half of the flight to enjoy a different perspective by flying closer to the ground. Enjoy a celebration drink and snack in the landing paddock before boarding the chase car and returning to Methven.
Take your friends and family and create lifelong memories atop the world!
2. Golf
There's always a calming moment at a golf course. This Canterbury golf course has never-ending picturesque views and beautifully cut grass for miles.
The Woodlands Course at Harewood, remodeled in 2012 by renowned golf architect Turner McPherson, is one of Canterbury's finest golf venues. You won't find a finer facility to enhance your golf game than this one, which features a championship course, large short-game practice and putting areas, and a 23-bay covered driving range.
3. Skydiving Kiwis Ōtautahi
Skydiving Kiwis Ōtautahi is our latest initiative in conjunction with GCH Aviation - Garden City Helicopters, and it's a one-of-a-kind adventure for thrill enthusiasts. This renowned helidive combines a breathtaking helicopter trip over the skyline of Tautahi Christchurch with a skydive from a helicopter over the Sumner Beach coastline. The one and only heli dive in New Zealand is Skydiving Kiwis tautahi. Only seven other destinations in the world offer a heli dive, including Switzerland, Hawaii, Mt. Everest, Australia, and Dubai.
4. Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens
Discover why Christchurch is known as "The Garden City." There seems to be something new to uncover every time you go around the grounds. You'll adore the restored peacock fountain at Christchurch's Botanic Gardens if huge water fountains are your thing (we're not sure whether it's anyone's thing, but this one is quite nice). When you're hanging out with your backpacking mates, a stroll around the surrounding park and garden is a lovely and relaxing walk.
5. Canterbury Museum
A stroll through the Botanic Gardens leads to Canterbury Museum, the one token sight to see if you're on a budget. You can learn about New Zealand's history, art, and natural environment here; it's got everything!
6. New Brighton Pier
The New Brighton neighborhood offers a diverse range of activities. Surfing and sunbathing are common activities on the beaches, weather permitting. A stroll along Marine Parade also provides access to stores and eateries. What's a more calming activity to do on any Sunday evening than take a stroll on the pier?
7. Bridle Path Walk
A gondola up the Port Hills is a beautiful sight and one to remember. Although if you have two working legs, the Bridle Path hike, which takes 3 hours round trip, offers spectacular views of Christchurch and is a lot cheaper. Just below the gondola, the Bridle Path Walk begins. However, if you want to take the Christchurch Gondola to the top, it's well worth the views. Metro Bus number 28 will transport you from Central Station to the Gondola base and on to Lyttelton if you don't have a vehicle.
8. Quail Island
Probably one of the most overlooked Christchurch attractions is Quail Island. Quail Island is accessible via a NZ$25 return boat and has shipwrecks, as well as a historic leprosy colony and quarantine facility. Of course, don't forget about the beautiful beaches and bushwalks!
9. Sumner Beach
Take public transport or drive to Sumner Beach. Take a walk down the beach and explore the caverns and archways. Along the trip, keep an eye out for fascinating animals! It's also a terrific spot to get authentic New Zealand fish & chips. As a result, a trip to Sumner Beach is the most uniquely Kiwi of all Christchurch pastimes.
10. The Darkroom
The Darkroom on St Asaph Street hosts free or low-cost live music on Thursday through Saturday nights. You can't really anticipate what will be on in the Darkroom, from jazz to comedy and everything in between, so if you're in Christchurch, check them out and see if anything piques your interest.
Top Destinations
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