What to Do in Christchurch?
There is plenty to do in Christchurch. Where to start is probably more the thing!
You can experience excitement, relaxation, sunshine and snow, world class sporting and cultural events, wining, dining and accommodation, unique attractions and activities – and all within two hours of Christchurch International Airport.
It is easy to get around Christchurch using the comprehensive transport system or you can hire a rental car and plan your own itinerary.
For years I have spoken with tourists and a large number of them said they wished that they had allowed more time for the South Island of New Zealand. Many tour planners allocate equal time between the North and South Island of New Zealand. I strongly advise you to spend considerably more time in the south.
The South Island offers a contrast in scenery and all within a small area. From Christchurch you can leave the dryness and flatness of the Canterbury Plains, through the rugged Southern Alps, and on to the west coast of the South Island with its wetter, more tropical scenery. The return trip can be done in one day, although I would not recommend it. It is a full day and you don’t get much of a chance to enjoy the scenery.
Back to Christchurch and some of the things to do…
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are located on one side of Hagley Park in the central city. They are a wonderful place to relax and unwind. They cover a 30 hectare (75 acres) expanse of introduced trees and shrubs, flowers, herbs and native bush.
The Gardens are a most spectacular result of the desire of the earliest settlers to plant the barren plains of Canterbury – a desire, as public and private gardens continue to flourish in the rich alluvial soil, which has earned Christchurch the label ‘Garden City’.
In spring and early summer, the Botanic Gardens are ablaze with blooms in the Rose Garden and with flowering alpine plants in the Rock Garden. There are four glasshouses providing a humid home for native plants, cacti, and carnivorous and tropical plants.
There is an excellent children’s playground complete with a large paddling pool, or children’s swimming pool, available in the summer months.
Christchurch Tram
There is a special deal available – the Christchurch Tram and Gondola Combo. A discounted rate is offered to visit both attractions.
There is an entertaining and informative Inner City Tram Tour. You can then explore the attractions that appeal to you on the main, tram route. The tram route bypasses the Art gallery, Arts Centre, Museum, Botanic Gardens.
On a warm summer day it is wonderful to go on the tram in the evening with the breeze blowing through the open sided trams or through the windows. Very relaxing and fun!
Christchurch Gondola
The Christchurch Gondola provides a gondola ride from the Christchurch suburb of Ferrymead up to the summit of the Port Hills. At the top there is the Summit Cafe for snacks and light lunches or the Pinnacle Restaurant for evening dining. There is also a souvenir store and the Time Tunnel ride showing some history of the region.
The summit is 500 metres above sea level and has a spectacular 360 degree view of Christchurch City, Lyttelton Harbour and across teh Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. There are nature walkways from building at the summit.
Punting on the Avon
There are two places where you can go punting on the Avon River. Punting in the Park operates from the historic Antigua Boatsheds with trips going up the Avon into the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. You can take a wine along and soft drink for the kids. They provide the glasses as you are punted along in pure self indulgence. Make sure you take a camera and get the front seat – I recommend this one!
Christchurch Arts Centre
The Christchurch Arts Centre is a venue for retail and entertainment. It is set on a site that was once the University of Canterbury. There are distinctive gothic revival buildings forming the basis of the site.
The Arts Centre can be found opposite the Botanical Gardens, on the tram route about five minutes walk from Cathedral Square.
The site hosts a bustling weekend art, craft and produce market. This is a good place to go for that little gift.
Sumner Christchurch
Another favourite spot of mine is Sumner Beach and Village. The beach is a popular surf beach set around the interesting Cave Rock. On the other side of the rock from Sumner beach is Scarborough beach.
For the chocolate fanatics among you, there is a lovely little shop tucked away at the bottom of the hills one street up from the beach. It is well worth a visit!
There is a walkway from Cave Rock along Scarborough beach to the bottom of the hills. This is a lovely walk and very popular with all age groups.
Sumner village itself has a variety of interesting shops and plenty of cafes and bars.
