Christchurch New Zealand

The largest city on New Zealand’s South Island, Christchurch is a vibrant, contrasting city rich in sightly mountain and oceanic landscapes and where locals take pride in promoting healthy lifestyles. Not far from the Southern Alps, natural filtering methods provide Christchurch residents with one of the purest water supplies in the world. Famed as ‘The Garden City’, expansive centrally located public parks and gardens plus the Avon River which flows throughout the city provide a serene setting for travellers to enjoy.

Founded and planned by English settlers, Gothic architecture reminds you of the city’s rich history, as do the old trams that run throughout.

What to See and Do:

City Central
The Arts Centre
The Gothic buildings of the Arts Centre were once the site of the University of Canterbury, but now are popular tourist attractions boasting over 40 speciality shops, fine art galleries, world-class theatre, art house cinemas, bars, restaurants and cafes. Weekends come alive with an art, craft and produce market, whilst the centre is used as a venue for a range of events and festivals throughout the year.
The information centre is open 9:30am-5pm daily.
Web: www.artscentre.org.nz


Botanic Gardens

Christchurch’s elegant Botanic Gardens reflect the area’s fame for being known as ‘The Garden City’. Located a mere 15-20 minute walk from the city centre, hundred year old trees, the Avon River and themed botanic arrangements set the scene for relaxation among natural beauty. Within the Botanic Gardens there are several conservatories, walking tracks, memorials, a café and restaurant, children’s play area and paddling pool, information centre and more. The Gardens are open everyday and admission is free.
Web: www.ccc.govt.nz/BotanicGardens/index.asp


Canterbury Museum

Historical treasures such as the extinct Moa bird, 12 million year old fossil crabs, Antarctic exploration huts, Maori art and more awaits visitors at the Canterbury Museum. A short walk from Cathedral Square, the museum is open every day (except Christmas Day) 9am-5pm (5:30pm in summer) and general admission is free.
Web: www.canterburymuseum.com

Cathedral Square Market

This outdoor market in Christchurch’s city centre is the perfect place to go shopping for hand crafted New Zealand goods and souvenirs such as wood ware, paua, jewellery, clothing, merino wool products, sunglasses, healthcare products and more. There are food vendors you can try or visit one of the nearby restaurants or cafes. The markets are open Wednesday – Saturday, from 10am – 4pm. Don’t forget to check out the Anglican Cathedral which gives the square it’s name.
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu
The largest art institution on the South Island, the all new, modern Christchurch Art Gallery boasts two floors of exhibition space, two educational activity areas, an auditorium, a café and wine bar, two retail outlets, a Sculpture Garden and underground parking. The full name of the gallery, Te Puna o Waiwhetu, recognizes Waipuna or Te Puna, the well spring (the actual artesian spring on the site) and Waiwhetu, which refers to one of the tributaries in the immediate vicinity, which flows into the Avon River.
The gallery is centrally located and open 7 days (closed on Christmas Day), from 10am-5pm, and open late until 9pm on Wednesdays. Admission is free.
Web: www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz


Christchurch Tramway

A great way to see the city is by jumping on board one of Christchurch’s vintage trams with driver commentary. The route passes 11 stops with the entire trip lasting 25minutes. Tickets last two days which give tourists ample time to visit the sights such as Cathedral Square, the Arts Centre, Art Gallery, Canterbury Museum, Botanic Gardens, Victoria Square, or the tram station at Cathedral Junction in New Regent Street (a restored Art Deco pedestrian mall).
Dine on New Zealand’s finest cuisine and enjoy fine beverages at night on the restaurant tram, departing daily from Cathedral Junction at 7.30pm, (7pm from June - August). Make sure you make a reservation.
Web: www.tram.co.nz


Victoria Square

Once the bustling hub of Christchurch, Victoria Square is now a peaceful inner city park full of historical and contemporary objects and monuments such as the famed Floral Clock which uses up to 7,000 plants to create its attractive design. The square also features a six metre Maori poupou carving and an amphitheatre, statues of Queen Victoria and Captain Cook, and is home to many events and festivals.