🗺 Tourism Information
What was once, a very English looking town in New Zealand, it all came down to one fatal event in February 2011, when Christchurch was devastated by a major earthquake. Even to today, some of the damage is still evident, with its magnificent Cathedral, not completing its final repairs and restoration till late 2027.
The effects of the February 2011 Earthquake left Christchurch without its major attraction. The Cathedral, is not completing its final repairs and restoration till late 2027. But the city has rapidly risen from the rubble and now frequently graces lists of the top cities to visit in the world. The nightlife and restaurant scene has bounced back impressively, with close to 1,000 cafes, bars, and restaurants currently operating in the city.
The city itself has a relaxed and cosmopolitan centre with historic trams rattling along the streets of the downtown area, a lively pub and restaurant scene, theatres, street buskers, museums, and art galleries. It's lessons have been learnt from the past and you will notice now a modern, contemporary city which is built to withstand any future earthquakes which might happen in the future.
Nature, precisely, is the reason to visit Christchurch. It is ideally situated for outdoorsy holidays, with countless beautiful scenic areas on the city's doorstep. The best adventure activities on a Christchurch holiday include kayaking, deep sea fishing, white-water rafting, hiking, mountain biking, quad biking, 4x4 trails, skydiving, paragliding, hot air ballooning, and much more.
Mount Cook National Park, Akaroa, Lake Pukaki, and the Banks Peninsula are all popular areas to explore.
Mount Cook National Park is a popular day trip from Christchurch. Christchurch is popular with visitors year round, with mild temperatures from spring to autumn (September to May), when most of the festivals take place. The region is full with blossoms, lush trees and new-born lambs in the spring. Summer (when daily temperatures average ranges from 12°C to 22°C) is the peak tourist season, and perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking and water sports.
Christchurch and the Canterbury region showcase the country's most spectacular autumn colours.
Winter temperatures average between 1°C and 11°C. Its the low season for tourism, but this doesn't mean you will nice days and clear skies at times. Its also the season which draws skiers to the excellent nearby snowfields.
Even on Winter days, the sun can shine and sun-cream is needed due to the high UV light. When arriving in Christchurch to the Airport. You can take a few busses which go directly to the city main bus interchange terminal. Route number 29 and 8 are the most frequent. The number 29, can accept contactless payments, however other routes still can only pay cash or by using the Christchurch e-card. More info at metroinfo.co.nz/
Routes 29 and 8 from the Airport connect to the city centre. The Metro e-card can be bought at the main city bus Interchange station for NZ$5 and you can add value on top to pay for fares.
Once in the city, all local buses in Christchurch operate from the Bus Interchange on the corner of Lichfield Street and Colombo Street. Christchurch has three fare zones, with ticket prices rising if you cross into an additional zone.
Most Christchurch bus stops have real-time information about the buses on that route.
The Christchurch Tramway, runs restored vintage trams through the city centre, with 17 stops along the way. They form an interesting option to see the city if you're short on time or the weather is not enough to walk outside. Below you can download the Christchurch Maps for your convenience:
The Christchurch Tramway, runs restored vintage trams through the city centre, with 17 stops along the way. Dubbed the 'Garden City', it's the lively capital of the Canterbury region, priding itself on its green areas, arts and history, as well as its sports. The surrounds offer beach suburbs, protected bays and dolphin swimming, green valleys and snow-capped mountain ranges for skiing, hiking, mountain biking, and climbing. The city itself has a relaxed and cosmopolitan centre with historic trams, a lively pub and restaurant scene, theatres, museums, and art galleries! There is much to see and to in Christchurch! Below you can find some of the highlights to see and do in Christchurch: (don't forget to check the next tab for recommended tours and sights to see outside of the city):
Take a vintage tram ride: Explore Christchurch’s evolving city centre on board our beautifully restored heritage tramcars. The all-day hop-on hop-off tickets allow you to visit the best of the central city sights at your leisure, and with friendly and knowledgeable drivers, they will keep you updated about the latest city changes (along with mentions of the past). The Botanic Gardens, The Terrace & Riverside Market, Margaret Many Playground and New Regent Street are just some of sights to be seen from the comfort of the Tram and accessed from the 18 stops along the route. A full circle ride will take around 50 minutes and the cost is NZ$40 per adult. More info at Christchurchattractions.nz/christchurch-tram
The trams take you around Christchurch , covering 18 stops with informative audio and descriptions along the way. Christchurch Cathedral: Probably now, its popularity and importance is even more significant since it was damaged by the 2011 earthquake and subsequently deconsecrated. It's now a symbol of resistance and how to embrace change with the whole Cathedral undergoing a massive restoration and redevelopment programme to make it quake-proof. However, it's completely off limits to visit. But the Anglican Cathedral is still pulling in visitors and photographers just to see it from the fences of restoration with plans to be completed by the end of 2030.
When completed, the Church will have its main tower restored, together with a visitor centre and a modern entrance that still will preserve its historical and architectural charm. Learn more about the project at Christchurchcathedral.org.nz/
An illustration of the completed Church, with its main tower restored, together with a visitor centre and a modern entrance, due to open in 2030. Quake City: In relation to the earthquake which happened in 2011, Quake City is a unique multi-sensory exhibition dedicated to the understanding, explanation and prevention of earthquakes, with an active liquefaction display as well as information about quakes and their aftermath. An extension of the Canterbury Museum, Quake City features the spire cross and the broken Rose Window from the Christchurch Cathedral. Combining tragedy, heroism, humour and tributes to volunteer groups such as the Student Volunteer Army, it even has photos of people's homemade toilets called "longdrops"! This is a must see for those who want some context to the city's reconstruction efforts and see documented evidence of the before and after the quake. Entrance to the exhibition is NZ$20 per adult.
The entrance to Quake City costs NZ$20. 
Quake City features the spire cross and the broken Rose Window from the Christchurch Cathedral. 
An audio visual gallery helps understand the events that took place in 2011 when the earthquake struck. Christchurch Riverside Market: is the beating foodie heart of central Christchurch, ideal for you to pop into for a quick coffee, snack or a full meal!
Right by the Avon River, this indoor market blends artisan food stalls, fresh produce and buzzy eateries under one roof. You’ll find everything from flaky pastries and craft coffee to dumplings, gourmet burgers, seafood, and local wines. During the day it’s a brunch and lunch hotspot; in the evening it shifts into a relaxed dinner and drinks scene, often with a social, after-work crowd.
The Riverside Market is right in the heart of the city. 
You can find artisan food stalls and organic fresh produce shops! 
There is also an upstairs to eat, drink and socialise. Canterbury Museum: If you still want more museums in Christchurch, this is the city's main museum, housed in an exquisite Gothic building, this museum features stunning displays covering themes as varied as Maori culture, Antarctic exploration, Asian decorative arts, New Zealand birds, and transport. There is also an interactive natural history Discovery Centre, and a typical 19th century Christchurch Street. The museum also features a café that overlooks the gardens and a shop with New Zealand made goods. Access is free of charge. More info at Canterburymuseum.com/
Access is free of charge 
It features displays covering themes as varied as Maori culture, Antarctic exploration and Asian Arts. Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu: The main gallery building reopened at the end of 2015 after quake repairs to the foundations: amazingly not one pane of glass broke in this stunning building during the quakes. The gallery is the largest on New Zealand's South Island and houses some of the country's most impressive art collections, including international and early-career artists. It's again FREE entry. For more info visit Christchurchartgallery.org.nz/
Christchurch Gondola: The Christchurch Gondola lifts you 500m above sea level to the summit of the Lyttelton Scenic Reserve, nestled on the crater rim of a sunken volcano one of two old volcanoes that formed the Banks Peninsula. Experience the Time Tunnel, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the area, which is included with your ticket up to the top. Enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. A café and gift-shop are on site, and a regular local bus (Lyttelton route for NZ$7 one way) is available to take guests from the city to the gondola. Alternatively, you can take the local bus number 8 for NZ$3.50 from the city interchange. Tickets cost NZ$42 for the return trip on the gondola.
Tickets cost NZ$42 for the return trip. 
Gondola lifts you 500m above sea level to the summit of the Lyttelton Scenic Reserve 
Enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. ✅TIP: Once at the top of the Lyttelton Scenic Reserve, most visitors will stay around the café and the fields around the cable car station. However, you can freely open the gates and go down the hill towards Mt Pleasant, which is a 45 min walk/hike to the top. The views at the top are definitely worth it!
Open gates allow you to explore further after the cable car. 
The views from Mt Pleasant are great! 
Take a day trip for hiking or simply take in the views across the reserve. Christchurch Botanic Gardens: They were established in 1863 and cover 30 hectares, the majority within the loop of the Avon River just minutes from the city centre. This award-winning garden has NZ's only Peace Bell (a temple bell from Japan that is a symbol of world peace) and undoubtedly is home to the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand. Permanent and temporary artworks are scattered throughout the gardens. As well as daily walking tours, an electric shuttle tour of the gardens is available from 10am to 4pm in summer and 11am to 3pm in winter.
Free entry and a large area to explore at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. 
Entry to the gardens is free. 
Any season is good to take a walk at the Gardens. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve: Seeking wildlife in a natural habitat? This is a great reserve featuring exotic animals such as Kiwi birds, wallabies, capybaras, otters, ostriches, lemurs, gibbons and indigenous creatures alongside a variety of domestic animals.. They have an extensive selection of native wildlife, including the rare tuatara, and a large nocturnal kiwi house where visitors can see kiwis up close and not behind glass. The reserve also has a good restaurant and an evening Māori Cultural show. To get there, you will need to take two busses, the first is bus 1 or 95 from the city Interchange Terminal and get off at the Northlands Shopping Centre where you will change to bus 107 which stops only a couple of minutes walk to the reserve. Note that bus 107 operates once every hour until 5.30 pm. Entrance costs NZ$36.50. More info and tickets can be found at Book.willowbank.co.nz/
You will see classic animals like the sheep! 
Capibara are one of the cutest animals to see! 
The entrance to the Wildlife Reserve cots $36.50 
It can take 90 minutes to see all the reserve and the animals. 
Birds are also possible to watch and catch in their natural habitat. 
Other species such as goats can also be seen. International Antarctic Centre: Located right by Christchurch International Airport (follow the blue painted penguin feet trail to or from the arrival and departure lounges) the International Antarctic Centre features an indoor Snow & Ice Experience and an exciting Hagglund all-terrain vehicle ride, as well as a chance to visit a colony of Little Blue Penguins and a simulated 4D cruise. Multilingual audio guides are available. Cost is NZ$74 per adult. More info and tickets can be found at Iceberg.co.nz/'
With scenery, nature and adventure being at the front of any reason to visit Christchurch, it's a world of different activities, tours and sights to tick of your list when coming to Christchurch and the South Island in New Zealand. Weather it's in the Summer or Winter, there is always spectacular scenery to admire, visit and walking in nature is safe as long as you always stick to weather forecasts and listen to any recommendations from local tour guides on your trips. If you are driving, select your destinations ahead of time and plan your routes along main roads and watch any updates for changes in weather to stay safe. You can select to visit the below sights by a tour or driving. Take into account the driving hours and the distance if you are driving. Tours can be more relaxing if you are travelling solo or in small groups/couples, with the addition of learning a lot more first hand, thanks to the knowledge and recommendations of the local tour guides. Below are the main activities/ sights and destinations: Take the TranzAlpine Train: Explore the Southern Alps one of the world's great train journeys, covering 223 kilometres each-way and taking just under 5 hours.
The TranzAlpine train travels coast-to-coast through the 'Great Divide' and the indomitable spine of mountains that partitions New Zealand's South Island.
On the east, enjoy relaxing in the garden city of Christchurch and horse trekking into the mountains from Springfield. On the west, experience the tranquillity of Lake Brunner and venture into glacier country from Greymouth. At the centre, explore some great NZ mountain hikes at Arthur's Pass.
Boarding the train from Christchurch need to arrive early to organise, tickets, seats and times. You can book a journey like no other by travelling in either direction from Christchurch to Greymouth. Some tours might cover other destinations nearby Christchurch and then take you to a train station for the return trip onboard the TranzAlipine. Cost on the cheapest one way ticket from Christchurch to Greymouth is about NZ$250. More info and tickets can be found at Railnewzealand.com/train-services/the-tranz-alpine
✅TIP: Continue from Greymouth to Franz Joseph (to see Fox Glacier). On arrival to Greymouth you need to head directly with your luggage to the Train Station bus stop, where at 13.30 you'll take a regular bus to Franz Joseph. Arrival time is 17:04, journey time by bus is 3.34 hours. Get off at Franz Joseph Main Road Bus stop.
💭Suggested Hotel in Franz Joseph! Punga Grove Motel and Suites, at only a short walk away from the bus stop, located at 40 Cron St. Punga Grove offers stylish motel accommodation in the heart of Franz Josef Glacier village. Perfectly positioned in a beautiful rainforest, set amongst native forest against a stunning backdrop of high alpine peaks, Punga Grove is your natural West Coast accommodation choice for your stay in Glacier Country in New Zealand.
TranzAlpine Train Photo Gallery
Mount Cook National Park: is known for its exquisite alpine beauty and is home to the highest mountain in New Zealand, Mount Cook. Its Maori name, 'Aoraki' means 'cloud piercer' and at 3,724m it towers above the surrounding snow-covered peaks in the park. A third of the park is covered in permanent ice and snow and the mighty Tasman Glacier is the longest glacier outside of the polar regions. Glacial melt gives the lakes their beautiful milky, turquoise colour and there are many walks in the area to take in the dramatic beauty. Getting there from Christchurch can take 4-5 hours when driving or going by bus. Allow plenty of time for driving and check the weather before your departure. If you are doing a tour, then these often depart early at 7am and return in the evening around 8pm.
Mount Cook National Park Photo Gallery
Lake Tekapo: And its tourist town of Tekapo, is 2 hour and 45-minute drive (225 km), from Christchurch. The scenery here breath-taking but for such a tiny town, there’s so much to do in Tekapo! As well, situated right on the lake, the Church of the Good Shepherd is a must-visit while in town. Not only the Church is free to visit, but it also boasts the a spectacular backdrop of the lake and Mount Cook. Note, it's a tiny church so it can get very crowded when the tour busses arrive. So, if driving, aim to get here early in the morning, or in the evening for a more peaceful experience. If you are staying at Lake Tekapo, make sure you book your accommodation well in advance as it gets very popular during the summer months.
Lake Tekapo and Church of the Good Shepherd Photo Gallery
Lake Pukaki is another popular lake to visit. It's really gorgeous and huge, totalling 69-square miles. It’s the largest of three lakes (with Tekapo and Ohau) occupying ancient glacial valleys in the Mackenzie Basin and is formed from glacier melt off, which gives it this stunning blue colour. You would drive along this lake if you are heading to Mount Cook. At the main viewing spot, there is a visitor centre, gift shop and the Mt Cook Alpine Salmon Shop which is a great snack option to recharge on protein for the trip!
Lake Pukaki Photo Gallery
Tasman Glacier: is New Zealand’s longest glacier, at almost 17-miles. After parking, the glacier view is a 10-15 minute steep stair climb away (be sure to wear adequate shoes). Allow 1+ hour time at the glacier for the hike/photos, unless you’re taking the cruise. This is the main last stop for tours which cover Mt Cook, as then you will be returning to Christchurch for drop-off.
Tasman Glacier Photo Gallery
Christchurch’s nightlife is social and relaxed, places do not get too busy and the atmosphere is good. It's more focussed on bars and pubs, rather than huge club scenes. Oxford Terrace (“The Terrace”) along the Avon River is the main hub at night with lively bars, rooftop spots and dance floors.
Places to go: 🍸 Pink Lady Rooftop – stylish drinks & views 🍹 Mr. Brightside Rooftop Bar, Austin Club, darkroom, The Last Word – cocktails & vibes 🍺 Fat Eddie's, Jimmy's Smokehouse, The Church Pub, The Craic Irish Bar – casual drinking & live music🎧 Hide – late night club, plus occasional parties.
Jimmy's Smokehouse is a popular place to go to eat and drink anytime of the day! 
Steaks and meat options are popular choice in Christchurch! Cinema fans can catch films at Lumiere, Deluxe, Alice or EntX theatres around the city.
Buses run until late but are limited overnight; so rely on Uber and taxis to get back home after midnight.
Safety: Christchurch is generally safe, but central streets can be quiet late at night with fewer people; stay in well-lit areas and with friends for best safety.
Christchurch is generally safe at night but quiet. 
The Rugby Post Building is well lit at night next to the Christchurch Cathedral, you can find more places to go out at night. Christchurch offers a relaxed yet diverse shopping scene blending modern malls, boutique streets, and local markets. Westfield Riccarton is the city’s largest mall, featuring international brands, department stores, and dining options. In the CBD, Cashel Street, The Crossing and Ballantynes (New Zealand’s oldest department store) provide a mix of high-street and premium labels. For boutique shopping, explore New Regent Street for specialty stores and gifts, or Victoria Street for fashion and design-focused shops.
Souvenirs such as pounamu (greenstone) jewellery, Māori art, manuka honey, and local wines can be found in central city gift shops and at the Christchurch Arts Centre. The Riverside Market is ideal for artisan foods and local produce, while nearby farmers’ markets offer fresh Canterbury cheeses, meats, and baked goods.
Riverside Market is ideal for artisan foods and local produce. 
In the CBD, Cashel Street, provide a mix of high-street shops and premium labels. 
Along Cashel Street you can find gifts and souvenirs as well as plenty of other shopping ideas. Christchurch offers a wide range of accommodation, with the CBD (City Centre) being the most convenient area for tourism. Staying near Cathedral Square, Riverside Market, and The Arts Centre allows easy walking access to restaurants, shops, and the Avon River. Riccarton is another good option, close to Westfield Mall and Hagley Park, while Merivale offers a quieter, upscale neighbourhood feel with boutique dining nearby.
Average mid-range hotel rates range from NZD 180–260 per night, while budget hotels typically cost NZD 110–170. Good-value options include BreakFree on Cashel, Hotel Give, and Ibis Christchurch, offering reliable comfort and central locations. Popular hostels such as Haka House and Urbanz provide dorm and private rooms at lower prices.
Serviced apartments, short-term rentals, and Airbnb properties also are widely available across the city, making it easy to find options for families or longer stays.
Good-value options include Ibis Christchurch, offering reliable comfort and central locations. 
Airbnb flats and private accomodation is widely avaialbe in Christchurch. Recommended stay: 3–4 days. This allows time to explore the city and enjoy Canterbury’s natural highlights without rushing.
Must-do activities:
-Wander the CBD, Riverside Market & New Regent Street.
-Punt on the Avon River & visit Hagley Park.
-Christchurch Gondola for panoramic views.
-Day trip to Akaroa or Arthur’s Pass.
-Visit the International Antarctic Centre.
