Christchurch Things to do
Antigua Boat Sheds
Take out a canoe, kayak, paddleboat or traditional rowboat or Canadian canoe on the Avon River to see the beauty of Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Double and single kayaks available. They also offer cycle hire with flexible hire times from an hour to a week or more. Perhaps just sit back with breakfast, brunch, lunch or a cappuccino and unwind by the Avon River at the licensed café with a great menu selection. Beside Christchurch Botanic Gardens and across from Christchurch public hospital. Open 7 days.
2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch City
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Discover one of the world’s premiere military aviation collections at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand; from aircraft, engines and assorted displays to medals, pin-ups and parachute-silk wedding dresses. Marvel at the collection of classic aircraft, be inspired by the bravery of present and past servicemen, servicewomen and their families, fly a simulator, take a guided tour and step back in time in a replica 1940s home. Your journey through the Air Force Museum of New Zealand will be something very special.
45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram, Christchurch
Punting on the Avon
Sit back and relax as your authentic Edwardian punter gently takes you down the Avon River highlighting points of interest along the way. All punt rides take 30 minutes return. With city and park landing sites available, you choose what part of the river to explore. Summer or winter, glide along the peaceful Avon River in Christchurch, wrapped in luxury, as a skilled boatperson propels you through a romantic wonderland. In spring and summer the sunbeams sparkle and ducklings dive; in autumn and winter the river-level view provides magical photographs.
2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch City
Christchurch Tramway
Welcome aboard the Christchurch Tram! Travel on the newly extended track and enjoy this unique and historic way to view the inner city. A full circuit takes 50 minutes, includes 17 stops and there are up to four trams operating. Trams runs approximately every 15 minutes.
109 Worcester Street, Christchurch City
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve & Ko Tane
Willowbank allows you to experience New Zealand’s wildlife and culture with the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Ko Tane, the Maori experience, followed by a 4-course dinner with hangi-cooked mains. A haven amongst the turmoil of the city, Willowbank is in a natural bush-clad area. Just 20 minutes from the central city of Christchurch or 10 minutes from the airport with FREE return transfers from most motels when purchasing any Ko Tane experience.
60 Hussey Road, Northwood, Christchurch
Hassle-free Tours
Hassle-free Tours invites you to join them on one of their fun and exciting attractions in and around the Christchurch and Canterbury region. Whether you’re looking for a scenic experience into the breathtaking Southern Alps of New Zealand, a visit to a Lord of the Rings filming location or you’d like to discover Christchurch from the top deck of their Classic London Double Decker bus, they have something to suit everyone.
Prestons Road, Marshland, Christchurch
Dress-Smart Outlet Centre
The South Island’s only dedicated factory outlet shopping centre, situated at Hornby, Christchurch. Over 60 outlet stores selling best-known brands in fashion, childrenswear, sportswear, adventure wear, footwear, and accessories up to 70% below normal retail prices.
409 Main South Road, Hornby, Christchurch
Riverside Market
In the heart of the CBD, overlooking the Avon River is Riverside Market, a 7-day indoor farmers’ market selling local produce, meat, seafood, baked goods, coffee and more. Alongside the market is Riverside Lanes, a destination boutique shopping experience with major fashion brands and even more dining options to add to those at the market.
96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch City
Orana Wildlife Park
Set in 80 hectares of park-like grounds, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open-range zoo. Scheduled animal feeds occur throughout the day and these unique encounters get visitors up close to endangered animals at set times: hand-feed giraffes, see tigers search for food, meet massive rhinoceros in a ‘face-to-face’ encounter, stroll through native bird aviaries to see a range of NZ forest birds and the kea, the world’s only mountain parrot.
793 McLeans Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch
International Antarctic Centre
The International Antarctic Centre is fantastic fun for all ages! Located in a unique working Antarctic campus, the International Antarctic Centre has twice been judged New Zealand’s best attraction. Conveniently situated across from Christchurch International Airport, it is the ideal location to “chill out” and experience Antarctica, without even stepping foot on the icy continent.
38 Orchard Road, Harewood, Christchurch
Canterbury Museum
Canterbury Museum is world-renowned for its natural and human history collections. Housed in an exquisite historic building are outstanding Maori exhibits, a Victorian Christchurch Street, an extensive Antarctic collection and interactive fun for the children in Discovery. Don’t miss Fred and Myrtle’s Paua Shell House at Canterbury Museum for the story of an iconic Kiwi couple and their paua shell lounge.
11 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch City
Westfield Riccarton
If you like the best shops, you’ll absolutely love Westfield Riccarton. You’ll find over 180 premium stores and cafés in one perfectly central place, just moments from the CBD and within 10 minutes of the airport.
129 Riccarton Road, Christchurch
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Stroll the heritage village with its church, school house, bakery, jail, homes, printers, grocery store, post office and railway station – a snapshot of Christchurch life in the early 1900s. Explore the fascinating collections in the specialty museums, including aeronautics, fire engines, rural history, Hall of Wheels and model railroad. Trams run 7 days per week. Browse timeless treasures and treats in the gift shop, bring a picnic or enjoy a snack in the rose garden, or try sweet and savoury food baked in a wood-fired oven.
50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Christchurch
Ko Tane Cultural Experience at Willowbank
Ko Tane, the Maori cultural experience, will take you into the heart of Maori spirituality, land, water, forest, wildlife and, most importantly, people. You are invited on a spiritual journey of engagement with the Maori of the South Island, as you experience: stories of Maori spirituality and beliefs, traditional greeting onto the pa (village), portrayal of Maori lifestyle, a Maori cultural performance, wildlife tour (optional), 4-course dinner with hangi-cooked mains, transport to and from Ko Tane from most accommodation.
60 Hussey Road, Northwood, Christchurch
Little River Cycle Trail
The Rail Trail takes you through a changing landscape that has seen a thousand years of human history. It passes through rural areas and settlements on the Canterbury Plains, skirts past the massive flanks of the ancient volcanoes which make up the Banks Peninsula, and hugs the shoreline of a vast lagoon, Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere, and its smaller twin, Te Roto o Wairewa/Lake Forsyth. The lakes and associated rivers and wetlands are rich in wildlife and natural vegetation.
