Christchurch, New Zealand — Where to Go
Christchurch Sightseeing Overview
The Christchurch area was first settled by moa-hunting tribes. Maori oral history relates that humans began living in the area around AD1000. These first inhabitants were followed by the Waitaha who are thought to have migrated from the east coast of the North Island in the 16th century. This migration was joined by the Ngati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu and continued until about 1830.
Although there were European settlers from the 1830s, the first English settlers to Lyttelton Harbour arrived in December 1850. Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856, making it the oldest city in New Zealand. The country's first public railway line was opened from Ferrymead to Christchurch a few years later in 1863.
You can enjoy Christchurch's vibrant city center on a two-day historic tram ticket, stopping off to visit the Cathedral Square with its aquarium and kiwi house, punting on the Avon River, touring the Arts Center and Contemporary Art Gallery, the Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum and Tamaki Heritage Village. In this quaint, very English town, you can even see Christmas carollers in Victoria Square in December.
The International Antarctic Center is a graphic reminder of the close proximity of the world's southern ice cap. Enjoy spectacular views of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains on the gondola ride to the Port Hills summit. Not too far afield explore the Tasman Glacier, Mt Cook, beaches and bays on the Banks Peninsula, whale watching, white-water rafting and jetboating, skydiving or hot-air ballooning.
Christchurch Tourist Information
ChristchurchandCanterburyVisitorCenter
Old Chief Post Office Building
Cathedral Square
Tel: (03) 379 9629.
Website: www.christchurchnz.com
The award-winning visitor center offers a wealth of information on Christchurch and the region, and a free booking service.
Christchurch Sightseeing
There are currently no tourist passes in Christchurch.
Christchurch Sightseeing
There are currently no tourist passes in Christchurch.
Key Attractions in Christchurch, New Zealand
ChristchurchArtGalleryTePunaoWaiwhetu
Opened in May 2003, this stunning modern building houses the largest art institution in the South Island. Two floors of exhibition space showcase contemporary and historic displays in a collection totaling more than 5,500 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and crafts.
Corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street
Tel: (03) 941 7300.
Website: www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz
ChristchurchCathedralandCathedralSquare
The spire of Christchurch Cathedral, the heart of the city, once dominated its skyline. The arrival of the first settlers who landed in Lyttelton Harbour in 1850 is recorded in mosaics on the cathedral's tiled floor. There is a market on the iconic square every day.
Cathedral Square
Tel: (03) 366 0046.
Website: www.christchurchcathedral.co.nz
CanterburyMuseum
Housed in an exquisite historic building, this museum features stunning displays covering themes as varied as Maori culture, Antarctic exploration, Asian decorative arts, New Zealand birds, and transport. There is also an interactive natural history Discovery Center, and The Christchurch Street, a recreation of the city during the Victorian era.
Rolleston Avenue
Tel: (03) 366 5000.
Website: www.canterburymuseum.com
Adrenalin Forest
The park is an aerial obstacle course up to 17m (55ft) high, with five pathways of progressive difficulty. Negotiate 80 challenging activities along rope bridges, flying foxes, and Tarzan swings through the tree canopy. Safe for all ages, with full harnesses and instruction.
105A Heyders Road, Spencer Park
Tel: (03) 329 8717.
Website: www.adrenalin-forest.co.nz
Willowbank
Willowbank is a great wildlife reserve featuring exotic animals such as wallabies, otters, ostriches, lemurs, gibbons, indigenous animals and a variety of domestic animals (check out the weird-looking Kune Kune pig). There is an extensive selection of native wildlife, including the rare tuatara, and a large nocturnal kiwi house.
60 Hussey Road
Tel: (03) 359 6226.
Website: www.willowbank.co.nz
Botanic Gardens
The grounds of Christchurch's Botanic Gardens, which were established in 1863, encompass an area of 30 hectares (74 acres), the majority of this being within the loop of the Avon River. Contained within this area is undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand.
Rolleston Avenue
Tel: (03) 941 8999.
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz
International Antarctic Center
Located right by the airport, the International Antarctic Center (twice voted ‘Best Attraction in New Zealand') features an indoor Snow & Ice Experience, an exciting Hagglund all-terrain vehicle ride and an award-winning indoor exhibit of Antarctic themes. Audio-guides for multi-lingual commentary are available.
38 Orchard Road
Tel: (03) 353 7798.
Website: www.iceberg.co.nz
Further Distractions
ChristchurchGondola
The Christchurch Gondola lifts you 500m (1,500ft) above sea level to the summit of the complex, nestled on the crater rim of a sunken volcano, from where you can enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. Restaurant, café and shop are all on site.
10 Bridle Path Road
Tel: (03) 384 0700.
Website: www.gondola.co.nz
Air Force Museum
Located 15 minutes from the center of Christchurch, this popular museum features restored historic aircraft and captivating displays. There is plenty to see and do for young and old alike, including the opportunity to sit behind the control panel in a real cockpit.
Main South Road Wigram Air Base, Sockburn
Tel: (03) 343 9532.
Website: www.airforcemuseum.co.nz
