Artistic, green, creative, resilient: what to do in the iconic city of Christchurch?
The flagship city of the Canterbury region, located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch is a city with many surprising and seductive facets. Marked by two earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, to visit Christchurch is to explore a city whose reconstruction is based on innovation, overflowing creativity and the art of the quirky. Also known as the Garden City, lovers of nature and green spaces won’t be disappointed.
To find out about the 12 must-do things to do in Christchurch, follow the guide!
1. Riverside Farmers Market
Photo Credit: Facebook – Riverside Market – Christchurch
Riverside Farmers Market is a kind of successor to Re:Start Container Mall, whose container stores had become a symbol of resilience and originality. Nevertheless, Riverside Farmers Market is no match for its predecessor. In 2019, it will open its doors and become yet another testament to Christchurch’s brilliant, entrepreneurial spirit.
Don’t miss a shopping spree and lunch in this vibrant, modern space. From farmers’ markets and local eateries to food stalls and clothing boutiques, Riverside Farmers Market promises to be « the place to be ».
2. Avon River
Photo credit: De Jack Kajon / Shutterstock.com
Visiting Christchurch also means enjoying the peaceful Avon River. At times lined with vegetation, at other times criss-crossing the heart of the city, the calm waters take you on a voyage of discovery of iconic sites.
The ride takes place in a punt, a flat-bottomed boat maneuvered by a canoeist in Edwardian costume.
Imagine the freshness and calm of this romantic, family-friendly setting.
3. New Regent Street
Photo credit: De Hizor / Shutterstock.com
With its air of Napier, New Regent Street is a retro, pedestrian street with an immediate charm.
Tread its picturesque 1930s alleyway, whose colonial, pastel and vintage style remains unscathed. Enjoy a coffee on the terrace, browse the bustling shops or cross the street on the old tramway. A must if you’re visiting Christchurch, an invitation to stroll and immerse yourself in Art Deco.
4. Quake City and the 185 empty white chairs
Photo credit: De Lukas Kastner / Shutterstock.com
« Unhappiness is never pure, and neither is happiness. One word helps to organize another way of understanding the mystery of those who have made it through: resilience, which designates the ability to succeed, to live, to develop in spite of adversity. » B. Cyrulnik.
A quote that fits Christchurch and its incredible desire to bounce back from the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. The Quake City Museum traces the history of these natural disasters through videos, images, collections of objects and personal accounts. A must-see for its ode to hope and memory.
The 185 Empty White Chairs are one hundred and eighty-five empty white chairs arranged in the heart of the city. They represent and pay tribute to the victims of the 2011 earthquake. A sober, poignant installation.
5. Port Hills
Photo credit: De Martin Valigursky / Shutterstock.com
A range of hills just minutes from Christchurch, the Port Hills are a delight for outdoor sports enthusiasts. If you’re one of them and you’re looking for something to do in Christchurch, set off to discover its sublime trails.
Take in the breathtaking views of Christchurch and its hinterland, the Southern Alps, Banks Peninsula and Lyttelton Harbour, on foot or by bike. For those less keen on physical activity, you can take the cable car up to the summit with its breathtaking views.
6. Hagley Park and Botanical Gardens
Photo credit: De aaron choi / Shutterstock.com
What to do in Christchurch, the city of gardens? Well, you name it! Visit its green spaces! Enjoy Hagley Park. Bathed in floral fragrances and majestic, colorful vegetation, this park is the ideal place to recharge your batteries. It’s the perfect place to spend a day with the kids, friends or loved ones. Relax over a picnic. Enjoy the sound of the river, the wind in the foliage and the whistling birds. You can also visit the botanical garden to the south of the park. A promise of beauty and relaxation.
Then, once you’ve relaxed enough, why not enjoy the atmosphere of a sporting event? Yes, Hagley Park is also home to a stadium where cricket and rugby matches are played. A must-see during your stay in New Zealand!
7. Christchurch street art
Photo credit: Flickr – Bernard Spragg. NZ
Another example of modernism, pizzazz and eccentricity: street art! Here’s a vibrant way to visit Christchurch. The city’s streets and buildings are lined with urban art. The artists are overflowing with creativity. The colors explode, the representations are grandiose. To see some of the most famous works, go to : YMCA Building, Lichfield Street, Plymouth Lane, Rauora Park, Tuam Street. You’ll find more than graffiti on Christchurch’s walls: there are sculptures too, from the most intriguing to the most imposing.
To take this tour, choose either :
- Get lost in the streets of the city;
- Bring along an interactive map;
- Book a tour organized around the street art theme.
8. Willowbank Reserve
Photo credit: Flickr – Staffan Andersson
New Zealand is all about wildlife. Visit Christchurch’s Willowbank Reserve: a nature reserve where you can discover New Zealand’s wildlife. On a guided or self-guided tour, observe birds, monkeys, lemurs, deer, iguanas and even the country’s stars: kiwis! Between 12.45 and 1.30 p.m., take advantage of feeding times to see the animals. Many other activities are planned for children. Definitely a pleasant and interesting park for young and old alike.
9. Tramway tour
Photo credit: De Kritsana Laroque / Shutterstock.com
Looking for a different way to visit Christchurch? Take a trip back to the last century and climb aboard one of the restored old streetcars. A combination of historical and cultural journey, the rails take you to the city’s main sights. You won’t be able to resist the charm of these colorful vintage cars. Go one step further and opt for a comfortable dinner in one of the city’s gourmet streetcars. A small budget, but an enchanting experience.
10. International Antarctic Center
Photo credit: Facebook – International Antarctic Centre
Did you know that New Zealand is the second closest country to Antarctica after Chile? TheInternational Antarctic Center, based in Christchurch, is a research center on this enigmatic continent.
Come and visit its playful museum and discover its many mysteries:
- Discover human, animal and meteorological life on this frozen continent;
- Relive a scientific expedition;
- Venture into the snow-covered room;
- Become a marshmallow in front of the center’s adorable penguins;
- Raise your awareness of environmental issues.
11. Canterbury Museum
Photo credit: Facebook – Canterbury Museum
What can you do in Christchurch if you’re curious or if it’s raining? Like many museums in New Zealand, such as Te-Papa in Wellington, the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch is free to visit. Numerous exhibitions allow you to discover this region through its nature, its people and its history.
12. Christchurch cathedrals
Photo credit: De Boyloso / Shutterstock.com
Christchurch’s Anglican cathedral was badly damaged in the earthquakes. Debates are still raging between those who wish to rebuild and those who wish to raze to the ground. Either way, take the opportunity now to see the remains of this infamous building. As usual, the locals went ahead and built a second cathedral. Original and contemporary, Cardboard Cathedral is well worth a visit.
How to get to Christchurch
- By air
Christchurch has a major airport some ten kilometers northwest of the city center. If you wish to visit Christchurch, domestic and international flights operate daily. Please note, however, that from France, a minimum of two stopovers is required. You’ve got to earn your way around New Zealand! For a helping hand, take a look at our partner Ulysse’s flight comparison.
Once you’re here, all you need to do to get to the center is choose from the following public transport options: bus (lines 3 and 10, approx. 30-minute journey, $7 one-way per person), shuttle bus (approx. 30-minute journey, $15 one-way per person), cab (approx. 20-minute journey, between $25 and $40 one-way per person), car rental (rates vary according to time of year, agency and vehicle).
- Over the rails
One of the most extraordinary ways to reach Christchurch is on the TranzAlpine train. Connecting Greymouth in the west and Christchurch in the east in just five hours, the train passes through breathtaking scenery: epic plains, glaciers, gigantic forests and turquoise riverbanks. Alternatively, the TranzCoastal train connects Christchurch to Picton via Kaikoura. In fact, if you’re looking for more things to do in Christchurch, these trips can be an activity in their own right. Finally, there are other connections from the city’s main station (Addington district).
- By road
Of course, you can also reach Christchurch from any other New Zealand city by bus or car. If you opt for a roadtrip as soon as you arrive in the country, you can rent a car directly from the airport. A word of advice, though: don’t forget that New Zealand is a long country. The roads can be very bumpy (especially in the south), and you’re bound to stop every ten minutes to take photos of the sumptuous scenery!
Where to stay in Christchurch?
Where to stay to visit Christchurch? In fact, everything is possible. Classic or luxury hotels, budget guesthouses or even Airbnb. Whatever your desires and budget, this hotel comparator can help you make the right choice.
In terms of location, you can stay in the center and enjoy popular areas such as Cathedral Square or Central City, or move further out to the seaside (Lyttelton, Sumner, New Brighton). Visit our article « Where to stay in Christchurch » to find your perfect base!
Map of hotels and accommodation – Christchurch,nz