Christchurch - Scenic Highlights

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

A medley of stunning scenery and diversity, Christchurch is an unmissable experience. No visit is complete without exploring Banks Peninsula, or the Botanic Gardens.

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Christchurch Scenic Highlights Overview

Explore the beauty and diversity of Christchurch. From the stunning Kaikoura Ranges behind Christchurch, to the rugged coastline, beautiful beaches and surrounding bays.

Don't miss the gorgeous gardens in Christchurch which the city is so famous for.

Stroll down the New Brighton Pier and admire the amazing views out to sea, or back over Christchurch. Drop a line at the end of the pier and catch your dinner.

Historic Christchurch Tram

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. New Brighton Pier, Christchurch, New Zealand

New Brighton Pier
Christchurch
Photographer: Kieran Scott
(www.kieranscott.co.nz)

Christchurch Tramway is an inner city tour experience that combines the heritage of the trams, attractions and historical buildings with the culture of the Garden City.

The beautifully restored trams follow a 2.5 kilometre loop around central Christchurch, taking in some of the most interesting sights. You'll see Cathedral Square, the Aquarium of Discovery, the Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, the Avon River, Victoria Square and New Regent Street—to name just a few.

By using an all day pass, you can hop on and off at any of the nine stops around the inner city tram loop and experience the inner city sights and attractions at your leisure.

Hagley Park

Hagley Park, Christchurch
Photographer: Hiroshi Nameda
(hnamechan@hotmail.com)

Hagley Park was created in 1855 by the Provincial Government. According to the government's decree at that time, Hagley Park is "reserved forever as a public park, and shall be open for the recreation and enjoyment of the public".

Hagley Park is 1.61 kilometres square. 30 hectares of this is the beautiful Botanic Gardens.

Botanic Gardens

The grounds of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens encompass an area of 30 hectares (75 acres) alongside the Avon River. Contained within this area is undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand.

The Rose Garden is central in the Botanic Gardens layout, containing more than 250 different roses. Old and new varieties are grown and displayed in such a way that visitors can see examples of those most suitable for their own requirements.

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Avon River, Christchurch, New Zealand

Avon River, Christchurch
Photographer: Hiroshi Nameda
(hnamechan@hotmail.com)

The nearby Herb Garden, constructed in 1986, has an extensive range of plants used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Be sure also to visit the Heather Garden, Rock Garden, Rhododendron Collection and the Cockayne Garden, which features New Zealand native plants.

Lyttelton Harbour

Scenic Lyttelton Harbour is located right beside the city of Christchurch. It offers the visitor spectacular scenery, made even more interesting with fascinating Maori and European history.

You can experience Lyttelton Harbour by driving the short distance through the Lyttelton Road Tunnel or over the Port Hills. Lyttelton was the port of entry for English settlers coming to the new settlement of Canterbury.

Around the Port Hills you'll find a choice of adventure sports, including mountain biking. There are many walks around the hills and beach areas, as well as safe swimming and picnic areas.

Akaroa and Banks Peninsula

Image Source: Tourism New Zealand. Sumner Beach, Christchurch, New Zealand

Sumner Beach, Christchurch
Photographer: Hiroshi Nameda
(hnamechan@hotmail.com)

A one-and-a-half-hour drive south-east of Christchurch, Banks Peninsula is the result of violent eruptions from three ancient volcanoes. The spectacular coastline of Akaroa Harbour and the surroundings bays are the legacy of the earth's fury.

The Ngai Tahu Maori tribe had already discovered the charm of the location well before Captain Cook sighted Akaroa Harbour in the 1770s. Akaroa is the site of the only attempted settlement by the French in New Zealand.

Their influence is still evident in this vibrant tourist town—look for French street names, quaint historic buildings and inspired cuisine.