Christchurch and Canterbury
We’ve compiled the best of the best in Christchurch and Canterbury - browse our top choices for the top things to see or do during your stay.
Sort by:
49 Recommendations
{{numTotalPoiResults}} {{ (numTotalPoiResults===1)?'Recommendation':'Recommendations' }}
0 Recommendations
Loading...
-
21. Christchurch Botanic Gardens
One of the largest city parks in the world, these superb gardens are known for the magnificent trees planted here in the 19th century. Pick up the Historic Tree Walk brochure from the information center for a self-guided Who's Who tour of the tree world. Spend time in the conservatories and the award-winning Visitor Centre and Ilex Cafe to discover tropical plants, cacti, and ferns on days when you'd rather not be outside. Go to the New Zealand plants area at any time of the year; the modern and heritage rose gardens are also quite lovely.
City Centre, Rolleston Ave., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand03-941--7590Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
22. Christchurch Casino
When all else has closed, make your way to the Christchurch Casino for blackjack, American roulette, baccarat, and gaming machines; it's open until 2 am over the weekend and until midnight Monday to Thursday. There are four restaurant and bar areas in the casino including The Cafe, Valley Bar, and the Monza Sports Bar. The latter has TV monitors at every vantage point plus one huge screen for watching live sports. The casino is strict on its dress code; if you're unsure of what to wear, check their website for details. Free shuttles go to and from some local hotels and motels daily from 6 pm to 2 am—book through the casino reception.
-
23. Diamond Harbour
Diamond Harbour is the largest township on the far side of Lyttelton Harbour. You can drive to Diamond Harbour (around 40 minutes from Christchurch) or take a 10-minute journey on the Black Diamond ferry from Jetty B at Norwich Quay. Sailings are frequent. There's a small farmers' market once every two weeks over summer, excellent cafés and restaurants, some great walks, and the beautiful Charteris Bay Golf Club.
17 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton, Canterbury, 8082, New Zealand03-328–9078Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$13.40 round-trip -
24. Ferrymead Heritage Park
HarewoodFerrymead is the site of the country's first railway (built in 1863) and is now home to a replica Edwardian township and museum area. While exploring the shops and cottages, you can taste homemade scones or an old-fashioned lamington (chocolate-covered sponge cake dipped in coconut). You can watch an old-time movie at the Arcadia; see some knees-up dancing; or check out displays of fire engines, farming tools, and printing equipment. The park is home to 19 societies, particularly train and tram enthusiasts, who maintain their collections here, so trams and trains run on weekends and public holidays. A steam train operates on the second Sunday of each month.
50 Ferrymead Park Dr., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8022, New Zealand03-384–1970Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$13.50; tram tickets NZ$5.50; train tickets NZ$5 -
25. Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum
At the Geraldine Vintage Car and Machinery Museum, there's some good rural stuff with more than 100 tractors (some dating back to 1912) and other farm machinery sharing space with vintage cars.
178 Talbot St., Geraldine, Canterbury, 7930, New Zealand03-693–8756Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$15 -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
-
26. Hagley Park
Hagley Park was developed by European settlers in the mid-1800s with imported plants given trial runs in what would become the Botanic Gardens. Now the 407-acre park includes a golf course, sports fields, world-class cricket oval, netball and tennis courts, cycling paths, walking and jogging tracks, and a 17-station fitness circuit. In spring, you'll be treated to a magnificent blossom display from the flowering cherry trees and a host of golden daffodils. You can access the park from most of its perimeter. The Botanic Gardens are near the middle, closest to the city center. Every Saturday morning at 8 am, hundreds join in the Hagley Parkrun, a free timed 5,000-meter (3-mile) run.
8 Riccarton Ave., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013, New Zealand -
27. Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa
The Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa consists of 22 outdoor thermal pools of varying temperatures, including a heated freshwater pool with lazy river, a family activity pool, and three waterslides. There are also six private mineral-rich thermal pools, as well as adults-only aquatherapy pools, private sauna, and steam rooms. Massage and beauty treatments are available at the on-site spa. The Tea Kiosk Cafe and Grill, a beautifully renovated 1904 building, has bar facilities, and there's a picnic area, too. The heated changing rooms are a real treat.
42 Amuri Ave., Hanmer Springs, Canterbury, 7334, New Zealand03-315–0000Sight Details
Rate Includes: From NZ$35 -
28. Hurunui Hotel
Built from limestone blocks, the Hurunui Hotel, New Zealand's oldest continually licensed hotel (since 1860), refreshed weary drovers bringing sheep down from Marlborough; it's still a great place to rest yourself with a beverage. There are seven quaint rooms in this stagecoach-style hotel, and the restaurant with its old-fashioned pub serves à la carte dinners including a succulent fillet steak. You can dine in the pub, where there is a roaring fire in winter, or outside in the tree-lined beer garden.
-
29. International Antarctic Centre
HarewoodEver since Captain Robert Falcon Scott wintered his dogs at nearby Quail Island in preparation for his ill-fated South Pole expedition of 1912, Christchurch has maintained a close connection with the frozen continent. You can experience a small taste of the modern polar experience here. Bundle up in extra clothing and brave a simulated storm with temperatures of minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes. Or take a ride on the Hägglund vehicle used to get around the ice. The 4D extreme theater show of life at New Zealand's Scott Base is superb, and the Penguin Encounter lets you get up close with some blue penguins, the smallest penguin species.
View Tours and Activities38 Orchard Rd., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8053, New Zealand03-357--0519Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$49 -
30. Jacks Pass
The scenic gravel drive along Jacks Pass, to the north of the village, crosses the lower slopes of Mt. Isobel before dropping into the upper Clarence River valley, an alpine area 15 minutes from Hanmer Springs. This is the beginning of some serious backcountry. The tiny stream trickling past the road at the end of the pass eventually reaches the coast north of Kaikoura at the rough and rumbling Clarence River—a favorite for rafters and kayakers. This is also the southern end of the Acheron Road through the Molesworth Station and the 4WD Rainbow Road through to St. Arnaud and the Nelson Lakes. There's restricted access at certain times of the year, and the roads can be impassable during winter, so before you go, check with the Hanmer Springs i-SITE Visitor Centre.
New Zealand -
31. Kate Sheppard National Memorial
This bronze memorial wall, unveiled in 1993, commemorates 100 years of votes for women. New Zealand was the first country in the world to grant all women the vote, and Christchurch resident Kate Sheppard played a key role in petitioning Parliament for this essential right. The vote for all women over 21, including Māori women, was granted on September 19, 1893; the work of Sheppard and other activists is celebrated each year on that date at the memorial. The women featured on the memorial are (left to right) Helen Nicol, Kate Sheppard, Ada Wells, Harriet Morison, Meri Te Tai Mangakahia, and Amey Daldy.
Oxford Terr. and Worcester Blvd., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand -
32. New Brighton Beach
Popular with surfers, this beach has a pier that goes well out into the surf. It's a great place to stroll when the sea is calm but even better when it's rough. Yellow Line buses travel here. Amenities: food and drink. Best for: surfing; walking.
Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand -
33. New Zealand Alpine and Agriculture Encounter
This purpose-built attraction brings to life the stories of the mountains, plains, and people who live there with multimedia and interactive displays. Get on board a huge combine harvester, operate a digger, explore a snow cave, view a ski film, and learn about Mid-Canterbury's dairying and seed growing.
160 Main St., Methven, Canterbury, New Zealand03-302–9666Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$12.50 -
34. Okains Bay
The contrast of the rim of the old volcanic cone and the coves below is striking—and when you drop into one of the coves, you'll probably feel like you've found your own little corner of the world. One of the easiest bays to access is Okains Bay. Take the Summit Road at Hilltop if approaching from Christchurch or Ngaio Point Road behind Duvauchelle if approaching from Akaroa. It's about 24 km (15 miles) from Akaroa and takes about a half hour to drive. The small settlement lies at the bottom of Okains Bay Road, which ends at a beach sheltered by tall headlands.
Okains Bay, Akaroa, Canterbury, 7583, New Zealand -
35. Okains Bay Museum
This collection of buildings contains 20,000 Māori and 19th-century colonial artifacts, including waka (canoes) used in Waitangi Day celebrations and displays such as a smithy and print shop. There are also a wharenui (Māori meetinghouse), colonial homes, including a totara slab cottage, and a saddlery and harness shop. If you happen to be in the area on Waitangi Day (February 6), New Zealand's national day, the museum marks it in style.
1146 Okains Bay Rd., Okains Bay, Canterbury, 7583, New Zealand03-304–8611Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$10 -
36. Orana Wildlife Park
HarewoodNew Zealand's only open-range zoo is now home to its only Great Ape Center for gorillas and orangutans, making it the place to come to glimpse these endangered animals. You will also see both native (kiwi birds and tuatara reptiles) and exotic (tigers, wild dogs, cheetah, zebras, and white rhinos) animals. Orana is world-renowned for its conservation work and breeding programs for endangered native and exotic species. Check out the different animal feeding times; hand-feeding the giraffes is a real highlight, and even small kids manage with a bit of help. For a seriously close-up view of the lions being fed, join the Lion Encounter, where you can watch from inside a specially modified vehicle. A zebra-striped Safari Shuttle with commentary loops around the park, or you can join a guided walk. It's about a 15-minute drive from Christchurch airport; there's also a door-to-door shuttle for an additional cost.
793 McLeans Island Rd., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8051, New Zealand03-359–7109Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$36.50 -
37. Peacock Fountain
This colorful sight at the entrance to the Botanic Gardens is a fine and rare example of Edwardian ornamental cast ironwork, set in a large circular pool. It was made in Shropshire, England, funded by a bequest to the city from politician and philanthropist John Peacock in 1911.
Rolleston Ave, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand -
38. Pegasus Bay
Family-run Pegasus Bay has one of the region's best reputations for wine and food, and the helicopters lined up on the lawn at lunchtime will confirm that. Taste the award-winning rieslings, chardonnay, and pinot noir while you look through a window at floor-to-ceiling stacks of oak aging casks. It has been ranked among the top five wine producers nationally by Robert Parker's buyer's guide, and it's been named Best Winery Restaurant in New Zealand by Cuisine magazine nine times. In good weather, dine outdoors in the garden, or picnic in a natural amphitheater by a small man-made lake. It's best to book ahead if visiting for a meal or large group tastings.
263 Stockgrove Rd., Waipara, Canterbury, 7482, New Zealand03-314–6869Sight Details
Rate Includes: Tastings from NZ$10, Closed weekdays Mar.--Nov. -
39. Quail Island
Located in Lyttelton Harbour, Quail Island was used by the early European settlers as a quarantine zone and leper colony and was named after the now-extinct native quail. It was once a significant area for collecting birds' eggs by local Māori. These days, Quail Island, also known as Otamahua, is being restored as an ecological reserve, and is home to many native birds including kingfisher, fantail, silvereye (a small bird common in New Zealand), and various seabirds. The Black Cat ferry from Lyttelton can zip you out here for a hike or a picnic.
17 Norwich Quay, Lyttelton, Canterbury, 8082, New Zealand03-328–9078Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$30 -
40. SCAPE Public Art
SCAPE public art installs free-to-view contemporary art all year round in Christchurch, with a focus on its Public Art Annual Seasons between September and November. The works, many of which are now permanent, are urban and alternative arts such as conceptual architecture, sculpture, and city murals. Check the website for details.
New Zealand
-
{{ (numCurrentPage-1)*numPageLimit+index+1 }}.
{{ item.neighborhood }} | {{ item.first_keyword }}{{ item.review }}
{{ item.address }}{{ item.phone[0] }}{{ item.details.title }} Details
{{ item.details.content.toString() }}View Tours and Activities -
Recommended Fodor’s Video
No sights Results
Please try a broader search, or expore these popular suggestions:
There are no results for {{ strDestName }} Sights in the searched map area with the above filters. Please try a different area on the map, or broaden your search with these popular suggestions:
