International Antarctic Centre
A hands-on Antarctic attraction beside Christchurch Airport, with a simulated Antarctic storm, a penguin enclosure and interactive exhibits. It is the city's best wet-weather option and works well for families.
Canterbury (New Zealand)
Christchurch & Canterbury
Christchurch is the South Island's largest city, a flat, green place on the Avon River with a rebuilt centre, a free art gallery and Botanic Gardens, and some of New Zealand's best day trips within reach.
This guide covers Christchurch and its surroundings: the International Antarctic Centre, the Christchurch Gondola, the Christchurch Tram, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, the Botanic Gardens and the Christchurch Art Gallery. It adds city stories and free stops such as Quake City, the Arts Centre, Riverside Market and Riccarton House, a zipline at the Adventure Park, and bigger outings including an Akaroa Harbour dolphin cruise, whale watching at Kaikōura, the Hanmer Springs thermal pools, the TranzAlpine train and day trips to Mount Cook, Arthurs Pass, Edoras and the Waipara wine region. Six hotels, from a five-star splurge facing Hagley Park to a budget base in the centre, and six guides cover what to book ahead, where to stay, day trips, family plans, a free and budget plan and the best season to visit.
Don't miss
International Antarctic Centre
A hands-on Antarctic attraction beside Christchurch Airport, with a simulated Antarctic storm, a penguin enclosure and interactive exhibits. It is the city's best wet-weather option and works well for families.
Akaroa Harbour Dolphin Cruise
A cruise of about two hours on Akaroa Harbour, a flooded volcanic crater on Banks Peninsula, looking for Hector's dolphins and other wildlife. The boat leaves from Akaroa, around 80 km from Christchurch.
Kaikōura Whale Watching
A boat trip from Kaikōura on the east coast, where a deep ocean canyon close to shore draws giant sperm whales and other marine life all year round. It is one of New Zealand's signature wildlife experiences.
Christchurch Gondola
A cable car ride from the Heathcote Valley up onto the Port Hills, with sweeping views over the city, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. The ride itself takes about 15 minutes.
Things to do in Christchurch & Canterbury
Hand-picked: every experience here has strong traveler reviews and a verified booking link.
Christchurch Gondola
A cable car ride from the Heathcote Valley up onto the Port Hills, with sweeping views over the city, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. The ride itself takes about 15 minutes.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
A wildlife reserve on the northern edge of Christchurch with a strong focus on native New Zealand species, including kiwi. The guided-tour ticket includes a 45-minute guided native tour.
Christchurch Tram
A hop-on, hop-off tram loop through the central city, with 18 stops and a full circuit of about 50 minutes. It is the easy way to see the Avon River, the Arts Centre, the Botanic Gardens and the new city centre.
Akaroa Harbour Dolphin Cruise
A cruise of about two hours on Akaroa Harbour, a flooded volcanic crater on Banks Peninsula, looking for Hector's dolphins and other wildlife. The boat leaves from Akaroa, around 80 km from Christchurch.
Kaikōura Whale Watching
A boat trip from Kaikōura on the east coast, where a deep ocean canyon close to shore draws giant sperm whales and other marine life all year round. It is one of New Zealand's signature wildlife experiences.
TranzAlpine Train
A scenic rail journey from Christchurch across the Canterbury Plains and through the Southern Alps via Arthur's Pass to Greymouth on the West Coast. Track repairs currently affect the service, so check before you book.
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa
A hot pool complex in an alpine village about an hour and a half's drive north of Christchurch, with thermal pools, a spa and hydroslides. The Cascade pools are currently closed for refurbishment.
FreeChristchurch Botanic Gardens
A free city garden of lawns, glasshouses and tree collections, set in a loop of the Avon River beside Hagley Park. It is the green heart of Christchurch and a natural first walk.
1 to 2 hoursDetails →
FreeChristchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
The city's main public art gallery, with free admission, a glass-fronted building at the corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, and a programme of New Zealand art. It is open daily and late on Wednesdays.
1 to 2 hoursDetails →
ZIPCHCH Zipline at Christchurch Adventure Park
A guided zipline tour of about three hours on the Port Hills at Christchurch Adventure Park, with a chairlift ride, two guides, safety gear and food and drinks included.
Lord of the Rings Journey to Edoras Day Tour
A nine-hour guided day trip from Christchurch into the Canterbury high country to the landscape used as Edoras in The Lord of the Rings films.
Where to stay
Hotels we would book ourselves, from splurges to good-value bases.
$$$$The George Christchurch
Park Terrace, Hagley Park
A five-star boutique hotel at 50 Park Terrace, facing Hagley Park and the Avon River on the edge of the city centre. It is the splurge pick, with a garden, a restaurant and bar, and free on-site parking.
Check rates →Distinction Christchurch Hotel
Cathedral Square, City Centre
A four-star hotel at 14 Cathedral Square in the middle of the city, with a restaurant, a bar, a gym and a wide choice of room types including family suites. It is a strong all-round pick for first-time visitors.
Check rates →
$$$Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square, City Centre
A 154-room hotel at 52 Cathedral Square with city-view rooms of about 30 square metres, a restaurant and bar, and a fitness centre. It is a dependable mid-range base beside the tram.
Check rates →Quest Cathedral Junction Serviced Apartments
Worcester Street, City Centre
Serviced studios and one- to three-bedroom apartments with kitchens at 113 Worcester Street, close to New Regent Street and Cathedral Square. It is the practical pick for families and longer stays.
Check rates →
$$ibis Christchurch
Hereford Street, City Centre
A budget-friendly Accor hotel at 107 Hereford Street, close to Cashel Mall, Cathedral Square and Hagley Park. Rooms are compact, there is a restaurant and bar, and guests can use the gym at the Novotel nearby.
Check rates →
$$$Chateau on the Park Christchurch, a DoubleTree by Hilton
Riccarton, Deans Avenue
A four-star hotel at 189 Deans Avenue in Riccarton, a two-minute walk from Hagley Park, with an outdoor pool, a gym, free parking and a free area shuttle.
Check rates →Christchurch & Canterbury guides
First Time in Christchurch: What to Book, How to Get Around and How Many Days
A practical primer for a first trip to Christchurch and Canterbury: what to book ahead, how to get around, how many days to allow and where Akaroa, Kaikōura, Hanmer Springs and the TranzAlpine fit.
Where to Stay in Christchurch: City Centre, Park Terrace or Serviced Apartments
Where to stay in Christchurch for a first visit: the Cathedral Square area, the quiet Park Terrace edge by Hagley Park and serviced apartments, with six hotel picks across budgets.
Day Trips from Christchurch: Akaroa, Kaikōura, Hanmer Springs, Edoras, Mount Cook and More
How to choose between the big day trips from Christchurch: Akaroa harbour, Kaikōura whales, Hanmer Springs, Edoras, Arthurs Pass, Mount Cook and the Waipara wine region, with distances, tour lengths and a way to pick.
Christchurch with Kids: Wildlife, Playgrounds, Trams and Rainy-Day Plans
A family guide to Christchurch: where children can see kiwi and penguins, burn off energy at the free playground and tram around the city, plus wet-weather backups and a few day trips that work for young travellers.
Christchurch on a Budget: Free Sights, Cheap Days and Where to Spend Wisely
How to see Christchurch without spending much: the free art gallery, Botanic Gardens, Tūranga, the memorial, Riccarton Bush and the Arts Centre, with advice on which paid attractions are worth the money.
Best Time to Visit Christchurch: Seasons, Weather and What to Do in Each
A season-by-season guide to Christchurch and Canterbury, from summer boat trips and spring gardens to winter hot pools, with notes on weather, crowds and what to book at each time of year.
