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.
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1. Arts Centre
After major restoration, a large section of the historic Arts Centre, once a popular cultural venue, has reopened with galleries, theaters, boutique shopping, and dining. Further careful restoration and strengthening is still underway on this fine collection of 23 Gothic Revival stone buildings that were originally built as Canterbury's University.
Worcester Blvd. between Montreal St. and Rolleston Ave., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013, New Zealand3-366--0989 -
2. Canterbury Museum
When this museum was founded in 1867, its trading power with national and international museums was in moa bones (these Jurassic birds roamed the plains of Canterbury and are believed to have been hunted to extinction by early Māori). The museum still houses one of the largest collections of artifacts from the moa hunting period. You'll also find an interactive natural-history center, called Discovery, where kids can dig for fossils. The Hall of Antarctic Discovery charts the links between the city and Antarctica, from the days when Captain Cook skirted the continent in a small wooden ship. Among the 20th-century explorers celebrated here are the Norwegian Roald Amundsen, who was first to visit the South Pole, and Captain Robert Falcon Scott, who died returning from the continent. Fred & Myrtle's Paua Shell House tells the story of an iconic Kiwi couple and recreates their paua (abalone) shell--covered living room which was originally in Bluff. The café looks out over the Botanic Gardens.
11 Rolleston Ave., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013, New Zealand03-366–5000Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free admission, donations appreciated; Discovery, NZ$2 -
3. Christchurch Art Gallery—Te Puna O Waiwhetu
The city's stunning art gallery wows visitors as much for its architecture as for its artwork. Its tall, wavy glass facade was inspired by Christchurch's Avon River and the shape of the native koru fern. The museum's Māori name refers to an artesian spring on site and means "the wellspring of star-reflecting waters." Free guided tours, entertaining events, and family activities make the gallery a must-see. Shop for a great selection of gifts, or relax at the brasserie and café. Check the website for updates on the gallery program.
Worcester Blvd. and Montreal St., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013, New Zealand03-941–7300Sight Details
Rate Includes: Free -
4. Christchurch Tram
There's something nostalgic and reassuring about the ding-ding of these heritage trams. All-day tickets allow you to hop on and off and explore the inner city with fascinating commentary by the conductors. The Tramway Restaurant departs daily at 7 pm (bookings are essential). The Tramway ticket office is in Cathedral Junction, but you can buy tickets at other places en route and onboard. Tickets can also be bought in a combination pass that includes the Punting, Gondola, and the Botanic Gardens Tour.
Cathedral Junction, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013, New Zealand03-366–7830Sight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$25 -
5. Christchurch Transitional (Cardboard) Cathedral
After the famed Christchurch Cathedral was severely damaged from the 2010–11 earthquakes, the Anglican church's Transitional Cathedral opened to help fill a little of the enormous gap left by the loss. Locals call it the Cardboard Cathedral because it is built largely from 98 cardboard tubes, covered in plastic. It can seat 700 and is the largest "emergency structure" to be designed by award-winning Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, who gifted the design (right down to its unusual chairs) to Christchurch. The large triangular window at the front contains images from Christchurch Cathedral's original rose window. Built to last at least 50 years, it has been named by Architectural Digest magazine as one of the world's 10 daring buildings. The striking venue is also used for functions and community events outside of church hours.
234 Hereford St., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand -
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6. CoCA—Centre of Contemporary Art
Christchurch's leading contemporary art home was built in 1968 and has since been restored and remodeled as a modern and stylish gallery space. Formed in 1880 as the Canterbury Society of Arts, CoCA is a not-for-profit art gallery run by a trust whose members include several of New Zealand's leading contemporary artists. The gallery commissions, produces, and collaborates with top artists to present an ever-changing set of exhibitions.
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7. Antigua Boat Sheds & Cafe
Built for the Christchurch Boating Club in 1882, this green-and-white wooden structure is the last shed standing of a half dozen that once lined the Avon. On sunny days, punts, canoes, and paddleboats take to the river paddled by visitors and families alike. Join them by renting a boat and taking a champagne picnic into the Botanic Gardens or farther up into the woodlands of Hagley Park. After exploring the waterway you can rent a bike for more action or rest a while at the boat shed's licensed café (open for breakfast and lunch) with a deck overlooking the Avon.
2 Cambridge Terr., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8013, New Zealand03-366–5885-boat shedSight Details
Rate Includes: From NZ$15 per hr. -
8. Bridge of Remembrance and Triumphal Arch
Arching over Cashel Street, this Oamaru limestone memorial arch and Avon River bridge was built in memory of the soldiers who crossed the river here from King Edward Barracks on their way to the battlefields of Europe during World War I.
76 Cashel St. at Avon River, Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand -
9. Captain Robert Falcon Scott Statue
The captain known as Scott of the Antarctic (1868–1912), who stayed in Christchurch while preparing for his two Antarctic expeditions, is memorialized by this unfinished white marble statue sculpted by his widow, Kathleen. It's inscribed "Do not regret this journey, which shows that Englishmen can endure hardships, help one another and meet death with as great fortitude as ever in the past." Scott wrote these words in his diary as he and his party lay dying in a blizzard on their return journey from the South Pole—a story of endurance taught to all New Zealand schoolkids. Scott's marble statue was toppled and broken in the earthquakes, but has now been restored.
Worcester Blvd. and Oxford Terr., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand -
10. Chalice
An artwork created by internationally acclaimed Christchurch sculptor Neil Dawson, this giant steel vessel was installed in Cathedral Square in 2001 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the founding of Christchurch and Canterbury. It survived the earthquakes and is now a major city landmark.
Cathedral Sq., Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand -
11. Christ's College
Founded in 1850, Christ's College is New Zealand's most well-known private school for boys. It is housed in a magnificent precinct of buildings designed by the city's leading architects over a period of 165 years. Set around an open quadrangle neighboring Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens, the school's many heritage buildings are undergoing extensive repair and strengthening following the earthquakes. Guided tours of the school are available during summer from mid-October to late April, at 10 am for 80 minutes on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
Rolleston Ave., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New ZealandSight Details
Rate Includes: NZ$10 -
12. 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 -
13. 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.
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14. 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 -
15. 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 -
16. 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 -
17. 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 -
18. St. Michael and All Angels Anglican Church
The bell in this church's belfry came out with the Canterbury Pilgrims on one of the first four ships and was rung hourly to indicate time for early settlers; it is still rung every day. The original building was the first church to be built in Christchurch. The current white-timber church was built in 1872, entirely of matai, a native black pine, and has 26 English-made stained-glass windows dating back as far as 1858. It's one of the largest timber Victorian Gothic churches in Australasia. The building stood up to the 2010–11 earthquakes, apart from its 1872 Bevington pipe organ, which was badly damaged but has been beautifully restored.
At Oxford Terr. and Durham St., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8041, New Zealand03-379–5236 -
19. Victoria Square
This central square was named for Queen Victoria in her jubilee year and has recently been restored, keeping its character and heritage. A poupou, a tall, carved, wood column in the square, acknowledges the site's history as a significant trading point between Māori and the European settlers. It is home to Christchurch's oldest iron bridge, a floral clock, two fountains, and statues of Queen Victoria and Captain Cook.
Armagh and Colombo Sts., Christchurch, Canterbury, 8011, New Zealand
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