Christchurch attractions
More things to do in the area
Showing 11-36 of 36 attractions in Christchurch
#11
Pegasus Bay Winery and Restaurant
244
The Pegasus Bay Winery is one of the most highly respected wineries in New Zealand. Located in the Waipara Valley region north of Christchurch, this family-run winery has been producing wine for several decades. It’s an easy place to visit from Christchurch for some wine tasting and a delicious meal.
More
4 Tours and Activities
#12
Banks Peninsula
1338
The Banks Peninsula is the bulbous thumb of land that juts out into the Pacific Ocean south-east of Christchurch, on New Zealand’s South Island. The town of Akaroa has an interesting French heritage, which is rather unusual in a country colonized by the British, and the rest of the peninsula is a nature-lover’s paradise, offering outdoor and nature-oriented activities.
More
13 Tours and Activities
#13
Avon River
395
The Avon River (Otakaro) flows from its source in the western suburbs of Christchurch and through the central city, making it a focal point for recreation. Leaving the central city, the Avon flows west and out to the Avon Heathcote Estuary. A popular destination with locals and tourists alike, you can walk along the Avon’s banks, relax in Hagley Park or the Botanic Gardens with a view of the river, or go on an English-style punt boat.
More
6 Tours and Activities
#14
Christchurch Gondola
108
Enjoy a bird’s-eye view from more than 1,640 feet (500 meters) above sea level on the Christchurch Gondola. Take in 360-degree views of the Christchurch cityscape set against a scenic backdrop of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, and Banks Peninsula. It’s a not-to-be-missed experience for visitors of all ages.
More
7 Tours and Activities
#15
Torlesse Wines
282
The Waipara Valley is a well-regarded wine region north of Christchurch, and Torlesse Wines is one of the oldest wineries there. They produce a variety of wines, which visitors can taste at their cellar door every day of the week. At an hour’s drive from Christchurch, Torlesse Wines is a convenient place to visit on a day trip to the Waipara Valley.
More
4 Tours and Activities
#16
Waipara Springs Winery and Cafe
234
The Waipara Valley, just north of Christchurch, is one of the most active wine-growing regions in the country. The Waipara Springs Winery is a family-run winery that’s one of the oldest in the region, having been established in 1981. Visitors can sample fine wines and enjoy a meal at the restaurant, all in a beautiful rural setting.
More
4 Tours and Activities
#17
Waimakariri River
57
Meandering from the majestic Southern Alps through the Canterbury Plains to the Pacific Ocean, the Waimakariri River is known for its scenic beauty. It is also the hub for a number of popular water sports and outdoor activities, from beech forest–lined canyon hikes to jet boat rides that take you spinning around rugged Waimakariri Gorge.
More
8 Tours and Activities
#18
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
73
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a family-friendly reserve on the outskirts of Christchurch. Meet both native animals and creatures from all over the world while supporting and contributing to Willowbank’s conservation efforts. Get close to all kinds of critters, from kiwi to kunekune pigs and everything in between.
More
6 Tours and Activities
#19
Canterbury Museum
552
Covering three floors of a stunning neo-Gothic building in heart of Christchurch, the Canterbury Museum tells the stories of the region and the world around us. Walk down a re-created 19th-century Christchurch street, see the skeletons of dinosaurs and extinct native birds, and marvel at the vehicles Antarctic explorers once used to get to the South Pole.
More
3 Tours and Activities
#20
Port Hills
13
This range of green, rumpled hills divides Christchurch from the harbor community of Lyttleton to the southeast. Walking and cycling trails crisscross the landscape, making the hills an outdoors playground. Now that there’s a 1.25-mile (2-kilometer) tunnel linking Christchurch and Lyttleton, the trip over the hills is the long way around. The extra time pays off in great scenery and gorgeous views.
More
4 Tours and Activities
#21
Sumner Beach
5
The beach suburb of Sumner might be hidden from Christchurch by the Port Hills, but this vibrant summer hot spot is only a short drive east from the CBD. Visitors can enjoy a dip at Sumner Beach, relax on the beach’s golden sands, or enjoy a coffee or ice cream on the waterfront at one of the suburb’s promenade cafés.
More
6 Tours and Activities
#22
Cashel Street
355
The face of Cashel Street is ever-changing—from the heart of Christchurch’s once-bustling downtown to its post-earthquake Re:START mall. Today the city mall, also known as Cashel Street Mall, is rebounding as a thriving pedestrian thoroughfare offering shopping, a farmers market, and top-grade people watching.
More
1 Tour and Activity
#23
Bridge of Remembrance
25
Stretching across the Avon River, the Bridge of Remembrance was unveiled in 1924 to honor the servicemen and women who bravely fought in World War I. Hundreds of soldiers have since marched on its stones. Today, the bridge and monument arch are viewed by many as the center of downtown Christchurch.
More
3 Tours and Activities
#24
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa
15
Spa-lovers may find it hard to leave Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa. The standout attractions are the nine open-air geothermal pools, ranging in temperatures from 91°F to 107°F (33°C to 42°C). There are also three sulphur pools, six private indoor thermal pools, and a sauna. Anyone who wants to relax will search for reasons to linger.
More
4 Tours and Activities
#25
Mount Hutt
4
Towering high above the Canterbury Plains, Mt. Hutt Ski Area is an award-winning, internationally recognized ski resort suitable for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. But it’s not only a hot destination during ski season—there’s plenty to do during the summer, including hiking, hot-air ballooning, and jet boating in the Rakaia Gorge.
More
3 Tours and Activities
#26
Christchurch Arts Centre
23
Christchurch is bursting with independent artists, artisans, and storytellers producing vibrant and cutting-edge work, and many of them call the Christchurch Arts Centre (Te Matatiki Toi Ora) home. Redeveloping and reopening in stages following the damaging 2011 earthquake, the center is an exciting, creative hub full of studios, stores, galleries, and museums.
More
2 Tours and Activities
#27
Transitional Cathedral (Cardboard Cathedral)
15
The Transitional Cathedral opened in 2013, after the city’s iconic ChristChurch Cathedral was severely damaged in the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. In contrast to the 19th-century stone church it replaces, the cathedral has a very modern, A-frame design supported by dozens of cardboard tubes, lending it the nickname the Cardboard Cathedral.
More
2 Tours and Activities
#28
Mona Vale
10
An elegant, Victorian homestead presides over 9.9 acres (4 hectares) of gardens and landscaped lawns in this Christchurch park. With blooming flowers, walking paths, and manicured garden beds, Mona Vale is primarily used for weddings and events. The gardens, however, are open to all, with an onsite restaurant serving light meals.
More
2 Tours and Activities
#29
Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial
13
In 2010 and 2011, the city of Christchurch and the surrounding areas of Canterbury were hit by two powerful earthquakes. The first, in September 2010, was larger, but the second, in February 2011, caused more damage and loss of life. Opened in 2017, the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial in Christchurch commemorates these natural disasters.
More
1 Tour and Activity
#30
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
11
Dedicated to the Royal New Zealand Air Force, this museum’s exhibits go from historic aircraft to a hands-on flight simulator. Memorials here are dedicated to members of the air force who have died in service, while a great collection of photographs offer a window into New Zealand’s military history.
More
1 Tour and Activity
#31
Burkes Pass
58
Burkes Pass in South Canterbury’s Mackenzie Country is a mountain pass with a namesake heritage village tucked at its base. First utilized by indigenous Maori people, the outpost later grew into a township around a hotel that was opened for weary Mackenzie pioneers. Today, it makes an ideal base for outdoor explorations.
More
1 Tour and Activity
#32
Akaroa Port
Established by French pioneers, the small town of Akaroa retains its Gallic feel with French street names and tricolor flags. Overlooked by craggy volcanic hills, Akaroa Port serves as a jumping-off point for the wildlife-filled Banks Peninsula, Christchurch, and the wider Canterbury region.
More
#33
Akaroa Harbour
Although it is located in a former British colony, Akaroa Harbour is decidedly French—down to the baguettes and street names—as this Christchurch enclave was originally founded by pioneering French settlers. Located on the rugged Banks Peninsula, 90 minutes by car from Christchurch, Akaroa drifts along at a pace that's more rural, laid-back—and French—than New Zealand’s third-largest city.
More
#34
The Court Theatre
New Zealand’s largest theater company was founded in 1971, and now puts on 19 productions each year, which range from serious drama to light-hearted comedy. Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, the company relocated from the Arts Centre in the heart of the city to a former grain shed in the Christchurch suburb of Addington.
More
#35
Orana Wildlife Park
At Orana Wildlife Park in Christchurch, visitors will get chance to come face-to-face with gorillas, orangutans, giraffes, and lions. You might even enjoy a rare sighting of New Zealand’s national bird, the kiwi, the In fact, more than 70 exotic species can be found at the only open-air wildlife park in the country.
More
3 Tours and Activities
#36
Waipara
Although the Waipara Valley wine region doesn’t always feature in glossy magazines, New Zealand oenophiles flock to this small slice of Canterbury for some of the country’s best gewürztraminer, as well as its uniquely rich pinot noir and riesling. Best of all, it’s more accessible from Christchurch than the South Island’s other wine destinations.
More