Our guide to Christchurch

Staying in Christchurch for a day, for a month or even all year long and no ideas of what you can do? Well, no worries, we put together a list of the 'must do' sight seeing, restaurants and activities to keep you busy and have an unforgettable time in the third biggest city of New Zealand.

What to visit in the city :

Christchurch Cathedral

Located on Cathedral Square, the spire has been demolished by the big 2011 earthquake, but it is still worth a visit to see both the architecture and the damage from the outside.

Earthquake memorial

To learn more about the Christchurch history and how the 2011 earthquake changed the city, you can visit Quake City. Located next to it, the 185 empty chairs tribute for the victims.

The bridge of remembrance 

This bridge linking Oxford and Cambridge Terraces over the Avon river stands for the service men and women of World War Two as well as subsequent conflicts in Borneo, Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam. 

The Botanic Garden

Located in the middle of the city and surrounded by the Avon river, it is kind of the Christchurch Central Park. You can wander through the 20 hectares of nature admiring sculptures, flowers and trees but if you want to learn more about the gardens, you can take one of the walking or shuttle tours through this splendid area.

The Cardboard Cathedral

Because of the damage on the main Cathedral, this transitional Cathedral has been built in Latimer square. Don't hesitate to go have a look as you can enter for free and contemplate this monument build in a modern way with cardboard tubes, timber and steel.

New Brighton Pier

Take a walk along the the biggest ocean pier in Australasia. You can go during the day to enjoy a promenade on the beach or for a sunset walk to experience the great light installations along the pier.

Sculptures, paintings and street art

The city is full of wall painting and sculptures. Just walk around the city centre and admire the beautiful displays of art. You can find here a map that will tell you where they are located.

Visit the city by Tramway 

Get into the tramway and enjoy a guided tour of the city. Hop on and off as often as you want as the ticket is valid for the entire day.

Where to eat : 

C1

Looking for a breakfast or afternoon tea, this place makes expresso and bakeries primarily with its own produce in a green and sustainable way. 

Piki Poke

Build your own bowl with fresh fish, rice, chicken, avocado, cheese, peanuts, fruits and pretty much everything you want for a result full of protein.

Bacon Bros 

This friendly place serves sides, beer, wine, cocktails and fantastic burgers with great bacon or excellent vegan options but above all, they serve winks, hugs and happiness.

Sal's Pizza

No you are not in New York city, but it almost feels like it! The American style pizza are made with ingredients imported straight from the United States.

Tramway Restaurant

Visiting the city and looking for somewhere a little different to eat? Be welcomed by a glass of wine and have a great gastronomic dinner. Just remember to book in advance.

Strawberry Fare

With a wide choice of dishes, this restaurant is mainly known for its fabulous deserts made of chocolate, fruits and cream. A piece of cake could be considered dinner.

What to do : 

Christchurch Zip Line

From September to April, you can fly over the hills while admiring the city from above thanks to the longest and highest zip line in New Zealand. Available on weekends as well as week days, it is the perfect family attraction. 

Quad bike tour

Ride your own quad bike in the high country, splashing through rivers and crossing mountains and plains. You can enjoy this activity in summer or in winter. The tours are adapted to all kinds of riders, from beginners to experienced, so you can be sure you will have lots of fun while discovering breathtaking scenery. 

Jet Boating

All year round, you can enjoy thrilling experiences on the Waimakariri river. This boat speeds and spins in the twisting arms of the river and you can choose between a 30 minutes or a 60 minutes tour depending on how much of the river you want to discover.

Horse trekking 

Situated about 20 minutes drive from Christchurch, the Icelandic horses have a great temperament and have a special pace - Tölt. Whether you are a good rider or you have just ridden a few times, the horses will offer you speed as well as a calm and quiet experience. All year long, Inga, the owner, and her horses will take you in the forest or on the beach for an unforgettable adventure. 

Surf in Sumner 

If you want to learn how to surf, Sumner is the safest beach of Christchurch for it. Located in a bay, the waves of the ocean are not too strong and and you can sign up for a group or private lesson. Of course if you are an experienced surfer, you can have as much fun by hiring a board and hitting the waves.

Ruapuna Speedway 

During the summer, every Saturday night, sprint cars come out to race in Templeton. The different car categories will race from 6.30pm until 10pm. Think about taking warm clothes that can get dirty and I assure you, you will have a great time.

Oarana Wildlife Park

Time to change the roles, because those animals are not in cages - but you will be! Meet animals from Australia, Africa, Asia and of course New Zealand. Get up close to them while still respecting their space and even hand feed some of them. If you haven't beem lucky enough to see a kiwi until now, don't worry, the endemic bird of New Zealand is waiting for you there.

The International Antarctic Centre

Meet the blue penguins who have been rescued by the centre, experiment an antarctic storm, go for a Hagglund ride and pet some really cute huskies. Wether you are 2 or 90 years old, you will have an awesome time discovering the wonderful secrets of Antarctica, but be careful, you might want to go there for real...

Escape game

Rainy day? No worries, Chrischurch is full of indoor activities. The famous thing to do now is an escape game. Be a relic hunter in Antarctica, a scientist traveling in the future or an inmates in one of the most secure prison and try to escape the room in less than 60 minutes. Follow the clues, solve puzzles and above everything, have a lot of fun with your family and friends.

Go Karting

Another fun indoor activity is to go, go karting. Just get a helmet on and you are good to go racing with your friends on the course. 

Where to go for a good night out : 

Rock pool

This bar is situated in the city centre, you will discover an awesome concept as this place is full of pool tables. Get a drink enjoy the music and play pool with your friends.

The Casino

if you are at least 20 years old, you can enjoy slot machines, table games, live shows as well as have something to eat and drink in the 3 restaurants and 2 bars of the Casino.

Oxford Terrace 

Situated by the Avon river, there are a few different options of restaurants and bars where you can have drinks while listening to good music inside or on the terraces.

Places to go around Christchurch : 

Lyttelton

Take a ride up the gondola to have a stunning view of Banks Peninsula, Lake Ellesmere, Lyttelton Harbour and the beaches of Pegasus Bay.

Akaroa

Located an hour and a half drive from Christchurch, Akaroa is a really cute french village where there are heaps of things to do, like kayaking, dolphin swimming, hiking...

Port Hills

You can drive up Port Hills at day or night time and enjoy the stunning view of Christchurch. If you feel like it, you can also walk up there to enjoy a hike along the trails for as long or as short as you like.

Hamner Springs