Christchurch - Activity Highlights

Christchurch | Regional Information | Activity Highlights | Scenic Highlights | History

Christchurch is an elegant, rather English-feeling city with a refined sense of fun. Known for its beautiful gardens and parks, Christchurch is vibrant with colour and culture.

Featured Tourism Operators in Christchurch

Christchurch Activity Highlights Overview

The large number of public parks and well-developed residential gardens in Christchurch has given the city the name of 'The Garden City'.

Hagley Park and the 75 acre Christchurch Botanic Gardens, founded in 1863, are located in the central city. Hagley Park is often used for sports such as golf, cricket, netball, and rugby, and for open air concerts by local bands and the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra.

Aside from the many beautiful parks and gardens, Christchurch has a huge variety of activities and attractions for the adventurous and tame, young and old alike.

Activities in Christchurch

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Christchurch Tram, Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch Tram
Photographer: Kieran Scott
(www.kieranscott.co.nz)

Christchurch has a huge range of activities and adventures, with something to suit everyone. You'll find plenty to do.

Skydive from an aircraft
Hot air balloon ride high above the city
Paraglide over Christchurch's Port Hills
Travel up the Christchurch Gondola for awesome views
Take a dawn balloon flight over Christchurch city or the patchwork fields of the Canterbury plains
Take an historical tram ride around the city centre
Go punting on the Avon River
Embark on a guided walk of Christchurch city and the heritage buildings

Attractions in Christchurch

Gather some amazing memories while you enjoy the unique attractions of Christchurch.

Riccarton House - Visit the home of the first family of Christchurch at Deans Bush.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Arts Centre, Christchurch, New Zealand

Arts Centre, Christchurch
Photographer: Kieran Scott
(www.kieranscott.co.nz)

Christchurch Casino - If you're feeling lucky, head for Christchurch Casino.

Air Force World - Brings you face to face with 28 classic aircraft, thousands of artifacts, artworks and stories of famous aviators.

Canterbury Museum - Explore the museum, including the Hall of Antarctic Discovery.

Christchurch Art Gallery - The largest art institution in the South Island, the Gallery is home to one of New Zealand's most important public art collections.

Arts Centre of Christchurch - One of New Zealand's most significant cultural attractions and a dynamic venue for arts, shopping and entertainment.

Anglican and Catholic cathedrals - Don't miss these beautiful old buildings.

Getting Close to Nature

Beautifully presented gardens and wildlife parks are a Christchurch specialty.

International Antarctic Centre - Features a real snow and ice experience and a 45 minute behind the scenes tour of the Antarctic Campus on the Hägglund Ride.