Christchurch

A collection of artefacts from Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern cultures.

Mostly interesting for its collection of over 150 classic and vintage vehicles. Closed since Covid and it is estimated to reopen in 2025.

Dedicated to those who died or were injured in the 22 February 2011 earthquake. It is beside the Avon River, immediately downstream from Montreal St and upstream from Rhododendron Island in the Avon.

Was an art work and memorial to the 185 people who died in the 22 February 2011 earthquake. The chairs were on the site of the demolished St Paul's Church, across the road from the site of the most casualties, the Canterbury Television building, where 115 people died. The chairs were removed in April 2023 and have been dispersed around the city; most are in private gardens, but a few may be visible.

The site of the CTV building, where 115 people died was planted as a memorial garden in 2018.

The Gothic revival cathedral was consecrated in 1881 as the seat of the Christchurch Anglican diocese. Damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, the cathedral sat largely untouched for years due to debate over what should be done with it. Removal of rubble commenced in late 2018 and rebuilding work is expected to take 10 years.

Coordinated by Canterbury Museum, it has exhibits about earthquakes in Christchurch, particularly the quakes of 2010–11.

30 hectares of exotic and indigenous plants and trees wrapped in a loop of the picturesque Avon River and linking to the 160-hectare Hagley Park. These put the "Garden" in the "Garden City", and the combined total with Hagley Park makes them the second largest inner city park in the world (after New York's Central Park). A new visitor centre and cafe opened in 2014.

A memorial to those lost in World War I and subsequent conflicts. A memorial arch was added to an existing bridge over the River Avon in 1923-24. The arch was damaged in the 2011 quake and reopened after repairs on Anzac Day 2016. The bridge is open all the time to walk across, but has been closed to vehicles since 1976.

A recreated Edwardian township and museum with horse and carriage (daily), tram (weekends and school/public holidays) and train (first and third Sunday) rides. Not all attractions run at all times, due to the voluntary nature of the historical societies managing the park. Special events are often held and the park has been used to film the TV One reality show Colonial House. Admission price is based on whether trams/trains are operating or not, and include unlimited rides if available.

New Zealand's largest wildlife sanctuary and conservation project featuring endangered animals from around the world. The park's design minimises fences and cages in favour of natural boundaries and habitats. Lion Encounter (limited 20 tickets per day, participants must be above 1.4 metres in height).

The last remaining forest remnant on the Canterbury plains is in Christchurch city. If your time is limited in NZ, this is a great way to experience an example of the country's native forests. The circular track passes under tall kahikatea trees, and there is a diversity of small trees, shrubs, climbers and ferns. Christchurch's oldest house, Dean's Cottage (built 1843), is adjacent. Five minutes drive from central city and easily accessible by bus.

A smaller park than Orana, with a focus on New Zealand species including kiwi in a natural environment. The site also houses Ko Tāne replica Maori village which offers cultural performances and hangi dinners.

Commemorating the 3 journeys of Captain James Cook to New Zealand. The statue was unveiled in 1932 and was moved to its present location in 1989.

Elizabethan-style riverside homestead with gardens.

Boat hire from historic British boatsheds for a hands-on water experience.

Very good mountain biking trails for advanced, intermediate and beginner bikers, and also zip-lines. Take the chairlift up then bike down. There are bike and gear rentals, lessons and skills clinics, and a cafe and bar. There are charges for the chairlift, rather than the biking as such – you can take the uphill trail for free.

Dress code (jeans now allowed). You get a free meal (breakfast, lunch or dinner) if it is your birthday (booking essential).

Ride in an enclosed gondola car up to the summit of the Port Hills then view the Heritage Time Tunnel exhibit, take an outdoor nature walk, visit the cafe and shop. The trip takes 10 min but it is recommended to allow an hour all up. An hourly shuttle bus with the sign "Gondola" runs from 9:30AM-4PM in summer from Cathedral Square (beside Tram Stop 2). The shuttle bus costs $6 one way, and you can buy tickets in advance at Tram Stop 1 in Cathedral Junction (no dates on the ticket thus can be used anytime) or from the bus driver directly. Alternatively, you can take #8 public bus from Bus Interchange.

With a capacity of 9000, it hosts Test matches, plus Canterbury Knights men's and Magicians women's teams.

Scenic flights from 20 min to 3 hours.

Punts depart from Antigua Boatsheds (see above). Glide down the river in Cambridge University style with a uniformed boatsman. An additional route departure at Worcester Bridge is available in summer. There is a $5 discount when buying together with Tram one day pass.

Drive it or bike it or take a bus then walk it. The road (and the Crater Rim Walkway) traverses the crest of the Port Hills, which separate Christchurch from Lyttelton Harbour. Breathtaking views over Christchurch, the Southern Alps, Pegasus Bay, Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula – often all from the same vantage point. Lots of sheep on the walkways, some of which traverse working farms. It is not possible to drive along all of Summit Rd because part is closed due to earthquake damage. The route passes through countryside that was badly burned by the Port Hill fires in Feb 2017.

Runs on a loop in the central city that takes 50 min in total. Get on and off as you please with your day-long ticket. Tickets can be bought online, on board, or at the office in stop 1 (109 Worcester Street). An annual pass for the tram & gondola is available (adult $99, children $40 (5–15 years), family (2 adults and up to 3 children) $240).

80-minute tours of the independent (fee-paying) boarding school. The school was established in 1850 and follows the English public school model. The school has about 650 boys who wear a black and white striped blazer. Tour tickets can be bought from the i-Site.

From Sign of the Takahe on Dyers Pass Rd. to Sign of the Kiwi through Victoria Park, and then along the Summit Rd. to Sign of the Bellbird. You will pass various "Sign of the..." places which were built during the Depression as rest stops.

Take #28 bus to Heathcote, then walk to Lyttelton. This steep walk takes about 1.5 hours one way. An alternative option is taking the Gondola up to Mt Cavendish and walk down.

Starting from Taylors Mistake car park, this loop takes about 3 hours. Along the way you can observe various seabirds, penguins, or even dolphins, seals, and whales if you are lucky.

Music festival running in February in Hagley Park.

Runs for two weeks in January and usually features about 30 comedy, street, and circus acts from around the globe.

During the midwinter school holiday. Programme is announced in early June.

The largest arts festival in the South Island, it takes place every second year around Aug-Sep.

Centred on a number of events taking place in November - Guy Fawkes' night (a major public firework display at New Brighton Pier), the two New Zealand Cup (trotting and galloping) horse racing meetings, and the Canterbury Agricultural and Pastoral show, which is the largest in the country.

A long-standing tradition on Christmas Eve.

Architecture festival in early May giving an opportunity to see inside about 50 buildings, some require pre-booking.