Plenty of visitors treat Christchurch as a place to collect a rental car and leave. That’s a shame. The Garden City has been rebuilt from the ground up since the earthquakes, and it now suits a long weekend far better than its reputation suggests. There are free gardens, a seaside hot pool with a sauna, a food market beside the river, a gondola up the Port Hills and one of the best train rides in the country leaving from the edge of town.
This guide covers what to do in Christchurch, with an address and a recent Google rating for every spot so you can judge for yourself. Ratings were checked at the time of writing and they drift, so treat them as a rough guide. If you want the background on the city first, the Wikipedia entry on Christchurch is a decent primer.
Christchurch at a glance
If you’re short on time, this table has the lot. Skim it, pick three or four, and read the detail below for the ones that catch your eye.
| # | Attraction | Address | Entry | Best for | |
| 1 | Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park | Rolleston Avenue, Central City | 4.7 | Free | Walks, picnics |
| 2 | Riverside Market | 96 Oxford Terrace | 4.7 | Free entry | Lunch, grazing |
| 3 | Punting on the Avon | 2 Cambridge Terrace | 4.7 | Paid | First-timers, couples |
| 4 | He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools | 195 Marine Parade, New Brighton | 4.7 | Paid | Soaking by the sea |
| 5 | Christchurch Gondola | 10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley | 4.5 | Paid | Big views |
| 6 | Christchurch Art Gallery | 312 Montreal Street (Google listing) | 4.5 | Free | Wet days |
| 7 | Quake City | 299 Durham Street North | 4.5 | Paid | Local history |
| 8 | Canterbury Museum Pop-Up | 66 Gloucester Street | 4.6 | Free | Families |
| 9 | Tūranga library | 60 Cathedral Square | 4.8 | Free | Rain, architecture |
| 10 | Riccarton House and Bush | 16 Kahu Road, Fendalton | 4.6 | Free bush walk | Easy strolls |
| 11 | Christchurch Adventure Park | 50 McVicar Drive, Cracroft | 4.7 | Paid | Ziplines, biking |
| 12 | International Antarctic Centre | Cnr Roy Place and Orchard Road, airport | 4.4 | Paid | Kids, layovers |
| 13 | Orana Wildlife Park | 793 McLeans Island Road, Harewood | 4.4 | Paid | Animal lovers |
| 14 | TranzAlpine station | Troup Drive, Addington | 4.6 | Paid | Scenic rail |
| 15 | Black Cat Cruises, Akaroa | 61 Beach Road, Akaroa | 4.7 | Paid | Dolphins, day trip |
Ratings and review counts come from Google listings viewed while writing this guide. Entry costs and opening hours change, so check the venue before you go.
The top of the chart is crowded. Almost everything sits between 4.4 and 4.8, which tells you Christchurch attractions are consistently well run. The lowest scores go to the two big paid family days out, and even those are solid.
In and around the city centre
Most of the city’s best bits sit within a short walk of each other, so you can cover a lot without a car. The land is flat, the footpaths are wide and the river gives you a handy reference point.
1. Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park
Address: Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City Google rating: 4.7 from roughly 15,000 reviews
Start here. The gardens loop around a bend of the Avon and run straight into Hagley Park, which is far bigger than most people expect. You get a rose garden, tree ferns, rhododendrons, a stand of young giant sequoias and a cafe in the visitor centre. Entry is free and the listing shows long opening hours, roughly early morning to evening. Walk it in an hour or bring a picnic and stay half the day. Go early if you want the paths to yourself.
2. Riverside Market
Address: 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City Google rating: 4.7 from roughly 7,600 reviews
A large indoor and outdoor food market a few steps from the river. There are stalls for dosa, crepes, pies, cheese, seafood, coffee and dessert, plus bars and a few local artisan shops. Upstairs has plenty of seating, which matters on a wet day. Weekends get crowded, so aim for a weekday if you can. It opens early most days, so it works for a late breakfast as well as lunch.
3. Punting on the Avon
Address: 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central City Google rating: 4.7 from roughly 1,700 reviews
Yes, it’s a touristy thing to do. It’s also quiet, pretty and a good way to see the Botanic Gardens from the water. A punter poles the boat along the river and talks you through the history of the boat sheds and the plants on the banks. Reviewers mention blankets handed out on cool days, which is a nice touch in winter. In summer it pays to turn up early or book, because the queue can build.
4. He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools
Address: 195 Marine Parade, New Brighton Google rating: 4.7 from roughly 1,900 reviews
These council-run pools on the New Brighton waterfront are a proper local favourite. There are several salt water hot pools, a sauna, a steam room and a cold plunge, all with a view over the beach and pier. Sessions are booked in advance, which keeps the place from getting jammed. It’s about a fifteen-minute drive from the centre, or you can take the bus. A cold, grey afternoon suits it better than a hot one.
5. Christchurch Gondola
Address: 10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley Google rating: 4.5 from roughly 4,300 reviews
The gondola climbs Mount Cavendish on the Port Hills. From the top you look across the city, Lyttelton Harbour and Pegasus Bay, and on a clear day the Southern Alps line up along the horizon. There’s a cafe, a gift shop and a network of walking tracks if you want to stretch your legs. A shuttle runs from the city, so you don’t need to drive. Check the operating status on windy days, since exposed rides can pause when the wind picks up.
6. Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Address: 312 Montreal Street per Google (the gallery’s main entrance faces Worcester Boulevard) Google rating: 4.5 from roughly 3,750 reviews
Free to walk in, which makes it one of the best rainy-day options in town. The building is striking, the exhibitions rotate and there’s a strong showing of Aotearoa New Zealand and Māori art. You’ll find a cafe, a shop and a small play area for toddlers. It stays open later on Wednesdays, according to the listing, so it’s handy for an evening wander.
7. Quake City
Address: 299 Durham Street North, Christchurch Central City Google rating: 4.5 from roughly 2,500 reviews
This is where you learn what the city actually went through. Survivor accounts on video, photographs, objects recovered from the damage and a clear explanation of why the quakes hit so hard. It’s emotional in places. Most people spend somewhere between forty-five minutes and an hour. Entry is paid, and a few reviewers felt the price was a touch high for the size, but the storytelling is the point. For the wider history, read the Wikipedia article on the February earthquake before or after your visit.
8. Canterbury Museum Pop-Up
Address: 66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City Google rating: 4.6 from roughly 5,300 reviews
The main Rolleston Avenue building is closed for a major rebuild, so the museum runs a pop-up in the CoCA building instead. Around half the space shows collection highlights and favourites, and the other half hosts changing exhibitions. Entry has been free, and the pop-up is close to the Art Gallery, the Arts Centre and the Botanic Gardens. Check the Canterbury Museum website for the current exhibition and the reopening timeline. A few steps away, Ravenscar House Museum at 52 Rolleston Avenue (Google 4.6) is worth a quick look if you like architecture.
9. Tūranga, the central library
Address: 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City Google rating: 4.8 from roughly 1,100 reviews
Calling it a library undersells it. Tūranga has several floors of reading nooks, creative spaces, a children’s area, fast wifi and a cafe on the ground floor. Visitors regularly report losing three hours in there on a rainy day. It’s free, it’s right on Cathedral Square and it has the highest rating on this list.
A bit further out
10. Riccarton House and Bush
Address: 16 Kahu Road, Fendalton Google rating: 4.6 from roughly 2,300 reviews
A historic homestead beside a small patch of native bush, with a boardwalk that copes with prams. It’s an easy stroll and a good spot for kids to spot birds and ducks. A farmers market runs here on Saturday mornings, so time your visit around it if you like fresh produce and a coffee. Confirm the market day before you go.
11. Christchurch Adventure Park
Address: 50 McVicar Drive, Cracroft Google rating: 4.7 from roughly 1,500 reviews
Up in the Port Hills, this is the place for ziplines, mountain biking and steep uphill walks with big views. You can hire bikes and safety gear on site. Guides get good reviews, and the coffee and food on site keep people happy. Book the zipline tours ahead in busy periods and wear proper shoes.
12. International Antarctic Centre
Address: Corner Roy Place and Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport Google rating: 4.4 from roughly 3,900 reviews
Right by the airport, so it suits a layover or a last morning before a flight. The Storm Experience drops you into an Antarctic blizzard, the Hägglund ride bounces you over rough ground, and there’s a 4D film and a small group of little blue penguins. Some reviewers found the entry price steep for the size, but kids love it. Allow two to three hours.
13. Orana Wildlife Park
Address: 793 McLeans Island Road, Harewood Google rating: 4.4 from roughly 4,700 reviews
Orana is often described as the country’s only open-range zoo. Reviewers say animal feeding is included in the ticket, and giraffe feeding is a highlight for many families. There are barbecue spots if you want to bring your own lunch, plus a playground and a cafe. Give yourself four to five hours to see everything at a relaxed pace.
Day trips worth the drive
14. The TranzAlpine train
Address: Christchurch Railway Station, Troup Drive, Addington Google rating: 4.6 from roughly 1,700 reviews
This train runs from Christchurch to Greymouth, crossing the island from one coast to the other through the Southern Alps. Reviewers rave about the scenery and the open-air viewing carriage, and suggest warm clothes if you step outside. The premium carriage costs more but includes food and drink. It’s a long day if you go there and back, and a slip on the line can mean a bus for part of the trip, so keep some flexibility.
15. Akaroa and Banks Peninsula
Address: Black Cat Cruises, 61 Beach Road, Akaroa Google rating: 4.7 from roughly 1,400 reviews
Akaroa is roughly 75 kilometres from the city, and the drive takes around an hour and a half. It’s the country’s only French settlement, with a harbour, small shops and cafes and a reputation for good fish and chips. The main draw is a dolphin cruise, which gives you a shot at seeing Hector’s dolphins, plus seals and penguins. Wildlife is never guaranteed, and reviewers report return vouchers when dolphins don’t show.
If you have more time, the road south leads to some of the best scenery on the island. Our guides to the Mt John Summit Circuit at Lake Tekapo, the quiet stopover town of Twizel and the alpine day hike on the Mueller Hut Route make good next steps.
Where to eat and drink
Christchurch has a strong food scene, and you don’t need a big budget to eat well. A few reliable options:
- Little High Eatery, 255 St Asaph Street. Google 4.6 from about 5,000 reviews. A big food hall with Thai, Sri Lankan, grill and more, so a group with different tastes can all be happy.
- C1 Espresso, 185 High Street. Google 4.3 from about 3,500 reviews. A quirky old post office with pneumatic tubes and a good brunch menu.
- New Regent Street. A short pedestrian street of pastel heritage buildings, restaurants and bars, and a good place for a gelato and a photo.
- Sumner Beach. Google 4.7 from about 700 reviews. A relaxed seaside suburb with cafes, a promenade and free parking by the sand.
Free things to do in Christchurch
You can fill a couple of days here without spending a cent. Wander the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, spend a morning at the Art Gallery, browse Tūranga, visit the pop-up museum, and hunt down the city’s street art. The local tourism body keeps a decent list, so have a look at the official free things guide for murals and other freebies, including the native longfin eels that live in the Avon.
How to plan your days
One day
Start with the Botanic Gardens, then hop in a punt. Grab lunch at Riverside Market, spend the afternoon at the Art Gallery and the pop-up museum, and finish with dinner at Little High Eatery.
Two or three days
Repeat day one, then head up the Gondola on day two, stop at Sumner Beach and finish with a sunset soak at He Puna Taimoana. Day three is for Akaroa or the TranzAlpine.
Rainy day
Tūranga, the Art Gallery, Quake City, Riverside Market and the Antarctic Centre all work when the weather turns.
With kids
Orana Wildlife Park and the Antarctic Centre are the big hitters. Add the Margaret Mahy Family Playground in the central city and a stroll through Riccarton Bush.
When to go and how to get around
Summer is warm and dry, and the gardens are at their best, though the nor’wester can whip up hot, dusty wind. Autumn brings colour to the trees. Winter is cold and often crisp and clear, with snow on the Alps, and it’s the ideal time for the hot pools. The city centre is flat, so walking and cycling are easy, and a tram loop and a bus network fill in the gaps. For Akaroa, the Adventure Park and Orana, a car makes life simpler. For more trip-planning ideas, newzealand.com’s Christchurch page is a handy official resource.
Heading north after Christchurch?
If your trip continues to Wellington, our guide to Octo in Aro Valley covers one of the capital’s best bars, and the TOP Kitchen guide is a reliable stop for cheap, good Chinese food on Cuba Street.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best thing to do in Christchurch for first-time visitors?
Start with the Botanic Gardens and a punt on the Avon, then add Riverside Market for lunch. That trio gives you the flavour of the city in half a day. See the full list above for the rest.
How many days do I need in Christchurch?
Two full days covers the highlights, and three lets you add a day trip to Akaroa or the TranzAlpine. If you’re heading south afterwards, our Twizel guide and Mt John guide make natural next stops.
What are the best free things to do in Christchurch?
The Botanic Gardens, Hagley Park, the Art Gallery, Tūranga, the pop-up museum and the street art trail all cost nothing. The ChristchurchNZ free things guide has more.
Is Canterbury Museum open?
The main Rolleston Avenue building is closed for redevelopment, but the pop-up at 66 Gloucester Street is open. Check the official Canterbury Museum site for hours and current exhibitions.
Is Christchurch safe to visit after the earthquakes?
Yes. The city has been extensively rebuilt with modern earthquake standards, and visitors travel here every year. If you want the history, read the Wikipedia article on the earthquake and visit Quake City.
What is the best day trip from Christchurch?
Akaroa is the most popular for its French history and dolphin cruises, and the TranzAlpine train is the top scenic pick. Heading further south, the Mt John Summit Circuit at Lake Tekapo is a great add-on.
What can I do in Christchurch when it rains?
Head to Tūranga, the Art Gallery, Quake City, Riverside Market or the International Antarctic Centre. All have plenty of indoor space.
Is Christchurch good for kids?
Very. Orana Wildlife Park, the Antarctic Centre, the Adventure Park and the Botanic Gardens play area all go down well. Check the Wikipedia page on Christchurch for background on the city’s layout and parks.
Do I need a car in Christchurch?
Not for the city centre, which is flat and walkable. A car helps for Akaroa, Orana, the Adventure Park and Riccarton House.
Can I fit Christchurch into a South Island road trip?
Easily. It’s a common start or finish point, and the road south passes Lake Tekapo and Twizel. If you fancy a serious hike, the Mueller Hut Route near Aoraki Mount Cook is a solid pick.
Related posts
- Mt John Summit Circuit Track: The Full Tekapo Hiking Guide
- Welcome to Twizel: New Zealand’s Hidden Gem
- Mueller Hut Route: The Complete Guide to New Zealand’s Steepest Alpine Day Hike
- Octo Wellington: The Aro Valley Bar Where Records, Charcoal and Cocktails Collide
- TOP Kitchen Wellington: The Honest Cuba Street Chinese Food Guide Locals Actually Trust
Disclaimer
This guide is for general information only. Prices, opening hours, exhibitions, transport and Google ratings change often, so confirm details with each venue before you travel. Ratings and review counts were taken from public Google listings at the time of writing. We have no commercial relationship with the venues mentioned, and nothing here is professional travel, safety or medical advice. Activities such as ziplines, hot pools and alpine travel carry risk, so follow staff instructions and check weather and conditions.
