Christchurch Attractions
Christchurch is located on the East Coast of the South Island in New Zealand and has an unbelievable range of attractions designed to appeal to visitors and holiday makers of every age.
Christchurch has something brand new each day for every visitor, from heart-stopping adventure to absolute relaxation, with options in between for heritage, culture, shopping, performing arts, wining and dining. City side attractions begin with the Art Gallery in Gloucester Street, a stunning structure of bold architectural spaces and is considered one of New Zealand’s most significant new galleries.
Canterbury Museum is in the heart of Christchurch City, within strolling distance of the Botanic Gardens, The Christchurch Arts Centre, Christchurch Art Gallery and Cathedral Square. You can take a free guided tour around the Museum. Staff will be happy to answer your questions and provide you with information about the fascinating collections and exhibitions.
For a fun-filled family day out and a fascinating insight into New Zealand's heritage visit the Ferrymead Heritage Park, it's just a short 15 minute drive from Christchurch city centre. There are tram rides on weekends and trains running first Sunday of the month and every Sunday December to February.
Arguably one of New Zealand's favourite tourist attractions, the International Antarctic Centre near Christchurch airport provides visitors of all ages with an interactive, fun, and exciting experience of Antarctica. This is as close as the majority of us will get to the real South Pole and will take you on a journey of discovery into the harshness of early Antarctic explorations, and the beauty of Antarctica’s scenery and wildlife. Take a ride in a snowmobile and experience real wind chill and snow and much, much more.
The Gondola is one of the leading attractions in Christchurch taking you to the summit of Mt Cavendish for impressive 360 degree views of the city, plains, mountains and Port Lyttleton far below. Visitors without a vehicle may board the express shuttle departing from Cathedral Square. Those without a vehicle may like to make arrangements to board one of the many shuttle services. They generally depart from Cathedral Square at regular intervals. Another option is the City Bus services, departing from the Bus Exchange at The Crossing on Colombo Street.
Wildlife attractions are a special Christchurch feature including cruises on Lyttelton Harbour to view the world’s smallest and rarest dolphin - the Hector’s dolphin, or New Zealand Dolphin. An even closer encounter with some other aquatic species can be had in the Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House in the city. Go and check out around 150 species of fish and feathered friends soon!
Land based creatures from around the world are at home in the Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s largest conservation park (and registered charity). Or you can get up close and personal with our rare native birds like the Kiwi and Kea at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. The kiwis are housed in an open and natural enclosure allowing for incredible viewing and after dark the breeding pairs can be viewed outside under the stars – a world first!
Adventure activities and attractions flourish across the pancake-flat plains and in the Southern Alps. White water rafting, bungy jumping, jet boating, sky diving, heli-skiing, heli-biking, trekking, fishing and hunting are all quite accessible from Christchurch. Hot air ballooning is a top class experience here. You lift off from the city centre as the sun rises over the Pacific Ocean and head towards the snow-capped mountains in absolute silence. A truly memorable experience!
