The Garden City as it is known all around New Zealand and the world. This is the largest of all the South Island cities. You will find Buskers and street stalls, or you can listen to our eccentric and famous "Wizard of Christchurch" speak in Cathedral Square. You may also enjoy the architecture of Christchurch's central Cathedral.


Winding its way through the city is the Avon River, The Avon River is a focal point for relaxation where you can enjoy an afternoon watching various wildlife, the occasional canoeist or the very English Punts as they pass you by.


The city also boasts a fully restored Victorian electric tram. The loop that you take passes many of the sights and is well worth the time to travel back in time to the pace of yesteryear.

 

With a great number of parks and the mature trees that are everywhere the name 'Garden City' is very apt. Visitors can take a tour around the city and see some of the historic buildings that abound or relax at the Art Centre and enjoy the variety of stall and galleries.

 

Surrounding the city there are a multitude of activities for all walks of life. Including golf courses and driving ranges, tennis courts, wild life parks, walking tracks, cycle tracks, wind surfing, boating and much more. During the winter there are great ski fields within 1-2 hours drive, and the sea and river fishing.

During the winter there are great ski fields within 1-2 hours drive. Porter Heights is just 90 kilometres from Christchurch airport and approximately one hour s drive from the Garden City, making it the closest ski area to Christchurch. Rising to nearly 2000 metres, Porter Heights offers spectacular views of the Southern Alps with Lake Coleridge sparkling below. Good natural snow, improved snowmaking and extensive grooming keep the slopes and trails in top condition.

 

Christchurch Tramway
Christchurch Tramway is a quality inner city tour experience that combines the heritage of the trams, attractions and historic buildings with the culture of the Garden City. The beautifully restored heritage trams are also available for cocktail functions or a unique dining experience on the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant.

Christchurch Gondola
Riding the Gondola is a spectacular experience that is enjoyed by visitors to Christchurch and locals. Look through our web site to gain a small appreciation of all the wonderful things to do and see at one of the city's leading attractions.

The 945 metre Gondola ride gently lifts visitors, in the comfort of 4 person passenger cabins, almost 500 metres (1500 feet) above sea level. Unique 360 degree views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour unfold as you rise to the summit complex, on the crater rim of Christchurch's famous extinct volcano.

Canterbury Museum
See a moa in a minute or spend hours exploring New Zealand s rich cultural and natural heritage. 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.

The Arts Centre of Christchurch
The Arts Centre of Christchurch is a vibrant and exciting venue for a huge range of New Zealand made art and crafts, shopping, education and entertainment. There truly is something for everyone, with highlights including over 40 specialty shops, fine art galleries, world-class theatre, art house cinemas, bars, restaurants and cafes, a bustling weekend Art, Craft and Produce Market, and an array of festivals and special events throughout the year. Once the site of the University of Canterbury, these distinctive Gothic Revival buildings are today a maze of fun, wonder and delight, and form part of our award-winning tourism attraction.

Riccarton Market
Great place to shop, find those unusual gifts, and meet some interesting Kiwis.
The selection of goods ranges from fresh fruits and vegetables, second hand goods to fit out a kitchen or a house. Old and new furniture, old and new clothing, garden plants and ornaments, designer apparel, art, food and coffee, entertainment for small children, places to sit and people watch.

Wigram Air Force Museum
Let one of Christchurch's must see visitor attractions take you on a unique journey of discovery and adventure! The Air Force Museum is a great day out for all the family with 28 amazing aircraft and fun, hands-on displays. Our exhibitions will capture your imagination and our free, guided tours take you exploring behind the scenes of our fascinating restoration projects.

International Antarctic Centre
Very few people have the opportunity to experience the awesome and magical beauty of Antarctica first-hand. At the Antarctic Attaction our aim is to re-create the atmosphere and environment of Antarctica providing visitors with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of the "Great White South".

Willow Bank Wildlife Reserve
Just 15 minutes from Christchurch, you'll find a world of fascination and knowledge.

Willowbank is your opportunity to experience New Zealand wildlife first hand and the delicate balance of this country's natural history.

Be a part of our unique native wildlife, make friends with our farm animals and see how introduced pests have influenced our bio-diversity.

Orana Wildlife Park
Orana Wildlife Park is operated by the Orana Wildlife Trust, a registered charity, which also runs Southern Encounter Aquarium & Kiwi House in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Set on 80 hectares of park-like grounds, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand s largest wildlife and conservation centre and only open range zoo. The Park is located within ten minutes drive of Christchurch International Airport and 25 minutes drive from the City centre.

The Park has been developed as an open range sanctuary for endangered animals, providing them with enclosures as close to their natural habitat as possible. Streams, moats and banks are used as barriers to allow visitors the opportunity to see the animals in a natural manner. Over 400 animals from 70 different species are displayed.

 

For more great attractions and events, check out the following websites:
Ticketek
Be There - Christchurch & Canterbury
Christchurch City Council Recreation Activities