Christchurch

Our largest South Island centre has won international aclaim as the ‘Garden City’ and the ‘Most English City in New Zealand’.

Christchurch is a very charming and graceful city that values its heritage, culture, arts and environment and for this reason it is an absolute delight to visit at any time of the year.

This gateway to the scenic splendours of the Southern Alps, constantly delivers on its promise of offering ‘something fresh each day’ with a non-stop programme of entertainment in the visual and performing arts, and a host of local attractions like those below.

Get acquainted with Christchurch by strolling through Hagley Park’s leafy glades
Admire the stately old English trees, colourful themed flower beds in the Botanic Gardens and the tranquillity of the meandering Avon River (spanned by 30 bridges).

Catch the romance of punting in the Park
Enjoy a leisurely cruise on the Avon River through woodlands and gardens.

Take lunch in the gardens at the Curator’s House Restaurant
Admire the Tudor style architecture, view the home fruit and vegetable garden and savour its produce.

Join the after-dark party scene along swinging Oxford Terrace
The Strip’ of chic bars and cafes offers dancing, jazz and great nightlife.

Visit the graceful Gothic-style Arts Centre
Enjoy the atmosphere of this hub of theatre, film, dance and music – it has New Zealand’s longest running professional theatre.

Drop in to the Canterbury Museum
View exhibits on Antarctic exploration, life-size dioramas of Maori history and New Zealand bird life.

Visit Christchurch’s new and impressive Art Gallery
See the wonderful collection of paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings and craft objects.

Trot out to Orana Park, New Zealand’s largest wildlife centre
Interact with all sorts of animals, birds and reptiles. Don’t miss the nocturnal kiwi house.

Call in to the renowned International Antarctic Centre
Examine the geography and science of the southern polar region. Walk through an ice cave and aquarium.

Travel back in time at the Ferrymead Historic Park
Hop on a working historic tramway and stroll through a colonial village.

Visit the Port Hills and ride the Mt Cavendish gondola
The reward is a fabulous view over Lyttleton and the Canterbury Plains.

Drive through the tunnel to Lyttleton
Walk the historic streets and see the maritime and colonial displays in the museum.

Travel out to the French colonial settlement of Akaroa
Enjoy wine tasting, cheese sampling, or a wildlife cruise. Wander through craft shops and galleries.

Explore the bays and peninsulas of Banks Peninsula
Take to the coastal walking tracks and see the diverse marine life – seals, penguins and Hector’s dolphins (the world’s smallest and rarest species).

Drive to Kaikoura to view the marine life
Take a Whale Watch cruise to view sperm, humpback, pilot whales or orcas and return via Hanmer Springs for a soak in the therapeutic hot pools.

Drive to Mt Cook for stunning views of the Southern Alps
Check the Visitor Centre for details of superb walks up glacial valleys and the lower slopes. Excursions by 4WD, Kayak, ski plane and helicopter are also available.

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