The 12 things to do in Christchurch

Artistics, green, creative, resilient: what to do in the emblematic city of Christchurch?

A flagship city in the Canterbury area, located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch is a city whose multiple facets surpret and seduce. Marked by two earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, visiting Christchurch is exploring a city whose reconstruction involves innovation, overflowing creativity and the art of the decay. Also known as the Garden City, nature lovers and green spaces will not stay on their hunger.

To find out the 12 things to do in Christchurch, follow the guide!

1. Riverside Farmers Market

Riverside Farmers Market somehow succeeds the Re:Start Container Mall, whose containers have become a symbol of resilience and originality. Nevertheless, Riverside Farmers Market does not have to go against its predecessor. In 2019, he opened his doors and became a new witness to Christchurch’s brilliant and entrepreneurial spirit.

Don't miss a shopping trip and a lunch in this modern and dynamic space. From the producer market to the restaurants where local food stands and clothing signs are eaten, Riverside Farmers Market promises to be “the place to be”.

2. The Avon River

Visiting Christchurch is also enjoying the peaceful river Avon . Sometimes lined with vegetation, sometimes strolling around the heart of the city, calm waters lead you to the discovery of iconic sites.

The ride takes place in a punt, a flat-bottom boat that a duckboat in a duck suit moves with his perch. Imagine... This freshness and calm, in a romantic and family setting.

3. New Regent Street

With his Napier air, New Regent Street is a retro and pedestrian street whose charm operates immediately.

Smooth its picturesque alley of the 1930s, whose colonial, pastel and vintage style remains unharmed. Enjoy a coffee on the terrace, enjoy lively shops or cross the street on the old tram. An indispensable step if you visit Christchurch, an invitation to strolling and immersion in Art Deco.

4. Quake City and the 185 empty white chairs

“Unfortunity is never pure, no more than happiness. A word allows to organize another way of understanding the mystery of those who have gone out of it: resilience, which means the ability to succeed, to live, to develop in spite of adversity. B. Cyrulnik.

A quote that sticks to Christchurch and its incredible desire to rebound following the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. The Quake City Museum retraces the history of these natural disasters in videos, images, collections of objects and testimonies. To discover for his ode to hope and memory.

♪ 185 Empty White Chairs are one hundred and eighty-five empty white chairs, located in the heart of the city. They represent and pay tribute to the victims of the 2011 earthquake. A sober and poignant installation.

5. Port Hills

Chain of hills located a few minutes from Christchurch, the slopes of Port Hills delight outdoor sports enthusiasts. If you are and are looking for what to do in Christchurch, go to discover its sublime paths.

On foot or by bike, from the breathtaking views, contemplate Christchurch and its back country, the Southern Alps, the Banks peninsula and the port of Lyttelton. For the less fortunate of physical activity, you can borrow the cable car leading up to the top to the unbeatable view.

6. Hagley Park and Botanical Garden

What to do in Christchurch, the city of gardens? Well! Visit its green spaces! Delect yourself from Hagley Park . Bathed in floral scents, majestic and colorful vegetation, this park is ideal for rejuvenating. We're going to spend a sweet day with kids, friends or in love. It’s a picnic. The sound of the river, the wind in the foliage and whistling birds is enjoyed. Also go through the botanical garden south of the park. A promise of beauty and relaxation.

Then, once relaxed enough, why not enjoy the atmosphere of a sports meeting? Yes, Hagley Park also houses a stadium where cricket and rugby games are held. An inevitable show during a stay in New Zealand!

7. The street art of Christchurch

A new proof of modernism, peps and eccentricity: street art! Here is a vibrant way to visit Christchurch. The city is full of streets and buildings covered by urban art. Artists show an overflowing creativity. The colors burst, the representations are great. To see the most famous works go to: YMCA Building , Lichfield Street, Plymouth Lane, Rauora Park Tuam Street. You will find more than graffiti on the walls of Christchurch: sculptures also, from the most intriguing to the most imposing.

To do this, choose either:

• To accidentally lose you in the streets of the city;
• To have an interactive map;
• To book a tour organized around the theme street art.

8. Willowbank Reserve

Says New Zealand says wild life. Visit the Willowbank Reserve of Christchurch: a natural reserve where the New Zealand fauna is discovered. Take a guided tour or not, watch birds, monkeys, lemurians, deer, iguanas or the stars of the country: the kiwis! Between 12:45 and 13:30, enjoy feeding hours to see animals. Many other activities are planned for children. Definitely a pleasant and interesting park for the small and tallest.

9. Tramway tour

Want to visit Christchurch differently? Go back to the last century and board one of the old restored trams. Combining a historical and cultural journey, the rails lead you to the main sites of the city. You will not remain insensitive to the charm of these colourful and vintage cars. Go further and enjoy a comfortable dinner in one of the city's gastronomic trams. Small budget to plan but an enchanting experience with the key.

10. The International Antarctic Center

Did you know that New Zealand is the second closest country to Antarctica after Chile? L’ International Antarctic Center , installed in Christchurch, is a research center on this enigmatic continent.

See you for the visit of his fun museum revealing many mysteries:

• Discover the human, animal and meteorological life on this frozen continent;
• Relive a scientific expedition;
• Adventure in the snowy room;
• Become a marsh in front of the adorable penguins of the centre;
• Raising awareness of environmental issues.

11. Canterbury Museum

What to do in Christchurch if we are curious or in raintime? Like many museums in New Zealand, like Te-Papa in Wellington, the Canterbury Museum Christchurch is free. Many exhibitions allow you to discover this region through its nature, its inhabitants and its history.

12. The cathedrals of Christchurch

During the earthquakes, the Anglican Cathedral of Christchurch was very damaged. The debates are still raging between those who wish to rebuild and those who wish to shave. In any case, enjoy now to see the vestiges of this sadly famous building. As usual, the inhabitants were able to move forward and built a second cathedral. Original and contemporary, the cardboard cathedral, Cardboard It's worth the detour.

How to get to Christchurch?

• By the air

Christchurch has an important airport about ten kilometres northwest of the centre. If you want to visit Christchurch, domestic and international flights are provided daily. Note that since France, two minimum stopovers will be required. Yes, it's worth visiting New Zealand! For a boost, take a look at our partner's flight comparison Ulysses .

Once on site and to reach the centre, you can choose from the following public transport: bus (lines 3 and 10, about 30 minutes, 7$ one way per person), shuttle (about 30 minutes, 15$ one way per person), taxi (about 20 minutes, between 25$ and 40$ one way per person), car rental (modulable rates depending on period, agency and vehicle).

• By rails

One of the most extraordinary ways to reach Christchurch is to borrow the TranzAlpine train . Connecting, in five hours, Greymouth to the west and Christchurch to the east, the train crosses breathtaking landscapes: epic plains, glaciers, gigantic forests and turquoise rivers. Otherwise, TranzCoastal train connects Christchurch to Picton through Kaikoura. Moreover, if you are looking for more things to do in Christchurch, these trips can be a full activity. Finally, other connections exist from the city’s main station (Addington area).

• By road

Of course, winning Christchurch from another New Zealand city by bus or car is quite possible. If you opt for a roadtrip as soon as you arrive in the country, you can opt for it car rental directly from the airport. Still a tip, remember that in New Zealand the journeys are long. The roads are sometimes rocky (especially in the south) and you will necessarily stop every ten minutes to photograph the sumptuous landscapes!

Where to stay in Christchurch?

Where to stay to visit Christchurch? In fact, everything is possible. Classic or luxurious hotels, small budget pensions or Airbnb . Whatever your desires and budget, this Compare hotels can help you in your choice.

In terms of location, for example, you can stay in the centre and enjoy popular neighborhoods such as Cathedral Square or Central City, or get further off the coast (Lyttelton, Sumner, New Brighton). Visit our article « In which quarter house in Christchurch? » to find your foot down!