Places to visit in Christchurch

Christchurch Airport is a popular hub for travelers. The city of Christchurch, in New Zealand, offers something to do and see no matter your interests. From fascinating museums and art galleries to beautiful beaches and outdoor activities, there is so much to explore when you visit this vibrant part of New Zealand.

Its shopping centers offer an array of shops and entertainment options, such as movie theaters, bowling alleys, and arcades. Many restaurants also provide local cuisine from all over New Zealand, including seafood dishes or hearty pub meals from the region.

For those seeking adventure outdoors, nearby Lake Pegasus offers swimming and boating opportunities, while Akaroa Harbour provides dolphin-spotting tours for those wanting to really get up close to nature – be sure to bring sunscreen.

There's skiing nearby at Mt Hutt Ski Field or Broken River ski area in winter months if you're daring enough.

For more tourism options, please visit us at getyourguide.com.

Christchurch: Vintage Tram, Punt, and Gondola Ride Combo

Traveling the city via vintage tram, punting along the River Avon, and riding the Christchurch Gondola will give you a well-rounded experience of Christchurch.

Hop in a traditional, flat-bottomed boat, or a punt, for a relaxing cruise down the River Avon. Take a boat pushed by a man in Edwardian garb through the city's heart.

Make your way to Worcester Street Bridge and get going. Hear the running commentary on how the city has recovered from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 and is still expanding rapidly.

Explore the stunning alpine landscape surrounding Christchurch and its suburbs from the comfort of the Christchurch Gondola cable car. Stop for refreshments at the Red Rock Café before continuing your exploration of the region's history in the one-of-a-kind Time Tunnel.

You can see the Southern Alps and Kaikoura Mountains, the plains, the mountains, the city, and the harbor, everything around you from the glass-enclosed cabin. Visit the "Shop at the Top" or one of the several hiking trails, including the path to the rim of the volcanic Crater.

Discover the "Garden City" on a vintage tram with a daylong hop-on, hop-off pass at your leisure. Visit the revitalized downtown to view cutting-edge buildings, such as a mall constructed entirely from shipping containers.

You can ride the entire route in only 50 minutes while your guide provides exciting commentary or hop on and off at any of the 17 convenient stops. Hagley Park is an enormous urban park worth exploring, as are the boutiques on New Regent Street.

Arthur's Pass: TranzAlpine Train and Castle Hill Day Tour

Travel from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass, one of the world's most incredible train journeys due to the scenery it passes through, to experience the South Island's remarkable natural landscapes.

Views of the Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, ice-fed Waimakariri River, lush beech forests, and stunning landscapes are available. Explore Arthur's Pass National Park's walking trails with spectacular mountain views and pristine waterfalls.

Capture mirror images at Lake Pearson and explore Castle Hill's majestic limestone boulders. Nature lovers, hikers, and adventure seekers will enjoy this day trip.

Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo Day Tour from Christchurch

On a day excursion from Christchurch, you and a small party can see stunning glacial lakes and snow-capped mountains and enjoy a lovely alpine stroll. After being picked up from your hotel, you'll travel the four hours to Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, passing through some truly breathtaking scenery.

Do as the locals do and check out Geraldine's past. Then you can travel to the center of Mackenzie Country and see the beautiful turquoise Lake Tekapo, the famous Church of Good Shepherd, and the Sheepdog monument. As you make your way around Lake Pukaki, keep an eye out for Mt. Cook.

Hike across the park and see the longest glacier in New Zealand, the 23.5-kilometer-long Tasman Glacier. Stop by the Alpine Lavender Farm on the way back and snap some photos of the stunning landscape.

Christchurch Gondola and Tram City Tour Combo

Climb aboard the Christchurch Gondola cable car and glide across the slopes of Mount Cavendish in the Port Hills to enjoy spectacular 360-degree views of the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps. You can see as far as the city and harbor as you ride up to the summit, 445 meters above sea level.

Use the facilities at the top, such as the Time Tunnel ride, which dramatically recreates the region's history. Before or after a walk or bike ride along the many nature trails, replenish your spirits at the Red Rock Café.

Take a one-of-a-kind sightseeing tour of the city on an antique tram. At the same time, the driver provides live and entertaining commentary. A complete circuit takes 50 minutes and has 17 stops where you can hop on and off as many times as you want. Visit Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Cathedral Junction, Canterbury Museum, and many other attractions.

Christchurch International Antarctic Center Entry Tickets

Do an Antarctic expedition without leaving Christchurch. You should definitely check out the International Antarctic Center in New Zealand. This Antarctica attraction is geared toward families, but guests of all ages will have a great time.

Learn about contemporary Antarctica and Scott Base, hang out with Little Blue Penguins, and experience snow, ice, an Antarctic storm, and the polar plunge ice water challenge. We recommend the incredible simulated 4D cruise Ice Voyage and the thrilling Hagglund rollercoaster.

An Antarctica admission ticket is the next best thing to actually going there. A variety of languages (including English, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Thai, German, French, and Spanish) are offered for the audio guide trip, so you can have a more in-depth, individualized experience of Antarctica.

Christchurch: Orana Wildlife Park Admission

Orana Wildlife Park offers the ultimate animal adventure. Orana is New Zealand's only open-range zoo, located on 80 hectares just 15 minutes from Christchurch airport. Discover over 400 animals from over 70 different species.

Arrive at the park by 10 a.m. Daily animal feed presentations begin at 10:45 a.m. and accompany a wildlife guide presentation. It is best to arrive early at the park and follow the presentation schedule, which will take you around the zoo.

Enjoy a variety of incredible wildlife experiences while exploring the grounds, such as hand-feeding giraffes and meeting rhinos up close. Wander through the aviaries to see kiwi and other beautiful native birds like kakariki, whio, tui, and mischievous kea.

In the Farmyard, you can see a variety of native reptiles and meet friendly domestic animals. Enjoy the antics of gorillas, tigers, cheetahs, Tasmanian devils, monkeys, meerkats, and other animals.

Take advantage of the park's free Safari Shuttle, sign up for a guided walkabout tour, or wander at your own pace. A children's adventure playground may be found in the park.

There are 2 sizable picnic grounds.

• A café.
• Browse at your leisure through this gift shop with a wild animal focus.

Christchurch Gondola and Punt on the Avon River

Combining a ride on the Christchurch Gondola cable car with a traditional Punt along the Avon River in a flat-bottomed boat is a great way to get a new view of the city.

Take a trip down the river with a guide fully decked out in Edwardian attire who will provide live commentary as you go. Please don't allow the prospect of rain or cold to stop you; we'll have you covered with blankets, umbrellas, and hot water bottles.

Ride the Christchurch Gondola cable car to take in the stunning Alpine beauty surrounding the city. Get to know the area's past on the one-of-a-kind Discovery ride and take a moment to reflect at the Red Rock Café.

Awe at the sight of the Kaikoura Mountains to the north and the Southern Alps to the west. Christchurch Harbor is to the south, and the Pacific Ocean is to the east. From inside the glass-enclosed cabin, you can see the plains, the mountains, the city, and the sanctuary in all directions at once.

While at the peak, stop at the Red Rock Café for refreshments and the "Shop at the Top" for gifts. Suppose you're in the mood for some exercise. In that case, you can stroll on trails throughout Port Hills, such as the one that leads to Crater Rim, which was built by volcanic activity.