10 minute read
Christchurch Must-Do's
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Advertisement
Margaret Mahy Playground
© Margaret Mahy Playground
The largest, most magical playground in the southern hemisphere. Conveniently located in the city centre. There’s a huge splash pad, built-in trampolines, a clever pump and dam system, huge slides and apparatus. Oh, to be a kid again.
International Antarctic Centre
Experience the Four Seasons of Antarctica show where it snows every six minutes; play in real snow and ice; survive an Antarctic storm and hang out with little blue penguins. Enjoy an unconventional ride on a Hägglund and take a simulated 4D Antarctic cruise.
Christchurch Adventure Park
A base for epic adventures or to simply take in the sights on the Port Hills. Wind your way around the downhill mountain biking tracks, fly overhead on a zipline or take a 1.8km-long scenic chairlift to the top of the hill (the longest in the country).
Adrenalin Forest
Tree climbing, rope bridges and flying foxes all await. Conquer seven forest-shroud trails in the treetops and climb to dizzying heights.
Double Decker City Tour
Enjoy a trip through the changing face of Christchurch aboard a retro 1960’s London double decker bus. Passionate local guides will take you on a half-day tour of the city.
City Tram Rides
Learn about landmarks and local sights while rattling up the streets in a handsome vintage tram. Departing from Cathedral Junction, the route frequents 17 popular stops.
Orana Wildlife Park
See New Zealand’s only gorillas, hand-feed majestic giraffe, meet mighty rhino and travel through the Lion Reserve. There are scheduled daily presentations, a Safari Shuttle, adventure playground and a 50-metre flying fox. Every visit supports the park’s conservation work.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
There are more than 100 animal and bird species here, and it’s the only place in New Zealand with the ‘Big 5’ – cheeky kea, the rare takahē, New Zealand’s bush parrot, ancient tuatara and, of course, our shy kiwi.
Spend The Night in Jail
Formerly the Addington Prison from 1874 to 1999, this former institution is now the award-winning Jailhouse Accommodation hostel, with dorms, private and family rooms. A weirdly fun place to stay if you have the nerve.
NICELY UNIQUE
The BOXed Quarter
A distinctly urban hub of art, music, food and culture, this slick, artistic precinct is jam-packed with eateries, bars and cafés, interspersed with music studios and gallery spaces.
SALT District
A clever acronym for a part of Christchurch’s CBD (Saint Asaph, Lichfield and Tuam), SALT District is an exciting mash-up of laneways, shipping container pop-up shops and heritage buildings.
The Welder
A handful of industrial buildings have been converted into a modern destination selling local products and good food. Check out Grizzly Bakery for the tastiest doughnuts in town.
Tram Diner
Combine a four-course dinner with a scenic city tour by vintage tram. Rattling along Christchurch's most iconic streets while absorbing the sights of the Avon River, the cosy colonial-style tram serves decadent food from its unbelievably compact kitchen.
He Puna Taimoana/New Brighton Hot Pools
These extra high-spec, hot, saltwater baths front New Brighton Beach, featuring five outdoor pools, a plunge pool, steam room and on-site café.
The Pink Lady Rooftop Bar
Part of The Muse Art Hotel, Christchurch’s first rooftop bar drinks up stunning skyline views and is easily one of the CBD's most sought-after venues.
The Court Jesters
A favourite for over thirty years, join the Court Jesters for their famous Friday night ‘Scared Scriptless’ improvised comedy show at The Court Theatre.
CULTURE INJECTION
Canterbury Museum
Housed in a neo-Gothic building, the museum is world renowned for its natural and human history. Upgrades are ongoing and ever-changing temporary exhibitions means there's always something different to see. Free entry.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
© Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Engage with over 100 years of New Zealand’s Air Force history. Enjoy flight simulators and behind-the-scenes tours and hear incredible Kiwi stories such as the daring escape of a WWII Prisoner of War (POW) soldier, Gordon Woodroofe. Free entry.
Theatres
The iconic Isaac Theatre Royal dates back to 1863 and is beautiful both inside and out; Court Theatre shows an eclectic assortment of classical plays and improv, while Little Andromeda is an intimate theatre supporting smaller, Indie productions.
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Experience Christchurch in the early 1900s. This fully explorable replica town features weekend tram rides and a steam train on the second Sunday of each month.
Māori Culture
Paired with Christchurch’s Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, the Ko Tane Māori Experience delivers Māori cultural performances and hangi prepared meals. Discover a replica pre-European village, an authentic pōwhiri and perform the haka.
ART & DESIGN
Street art Lips Mural on Peterborough Street © Christchurch Tourism
Street Art Self-Guided Walk
Christchurch is a global street art capital. Check out watchthisspace.org.nz for a map with street art locations.
The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora
Built to bolster interest and involvement in art, culture and the creative industries, visit 23 heritage buildings packed with shops, restaurants, art spaces, boutique retailers, cafés, a wine bar and cinema.
Creative Residence
Between December and March (when The Arts Centre is not hosting creatives from out of town), its four-bedroom residence is available for overnight stays.
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu
With a significant collection, major exhibitions by New Zealand artists and regular international travelling shows curated in an awe-inspiring space, this is a gallery experience worth paying for but entry is free. And wait, there’s more: complimentary tours at 11am and 2pm reveal more of what you’re experiencing. The gallery stays open late, until 9pm, on Wednesdays.
The National
This is a chic art space predominately showcasing jewellery, as well as impressive ceramic and glass work.
CoCA
(The Centre of Contemporary Art) is as slick as the name suggests. If you like contemporary art galleries, head here.
FOOD & DRINK
Riverside Market, Christchurch © ChristchurchNZ
Riverside Market
An unmissable seven-day a week indoor farmers’ market fronting the banks of the Ōtakaro Avon River. Foodies will be enthralled by charismatic chefs, food choice and purveyors.
Riccarton Sunday Market
With over 200 stalls, family-friendly entertainment and bargains galore, Christchurch’s largest market springs up every weekend at Riccarton Racecourse from 9am-2pm.
The Last Word
A very suave whisky and cocktail lounge on historic New Regent Street, enjoy 320 different whiskeys, a distinguished decor and romantic atmosphere.
Utopia Ice
City Waffles and gelato! Cosy in winter, a funky wee hangout in summer, there are several GF and vegan options and every flavour is handmade in the nearby coastal ‘burb of Sumner.
J'aime Les Macarons
Uniformed rows of bold macarons in every imaginable flavour. A slick venue in Merivale Mall (but it could be Paris’ Gare du Nord), take pleasure in picking your favourites.
NATURE & OUTDOORS
Christchurch Botanic Gardens © Welcome Aboard Christchurch
Ride the Gondola
Glide to the top of Port Hills and enjoy 360-degree views. Set off on a walking track, learn the area's history on the unique Time Tunnel ride or grab a bite at Red Rock Café.
Punting
Take in the serene Avon River/Ōtakaro which winds through the Botanic Gardens. Your skilled punter will be dressed in traditional Edwardian attire. Departing Worcester Street bridge or the Antigua Boat Sheds, make the occasion extra special and pack a picnic.
Punting along the Avon River\Ōtakaro © ChristchurchNZ
Avon River Rentals
Prefer to take the helm yourself? As well as punting, you can hire single canoes, double canoes, paddle boats and row boats.
Sumner Beach
Do as the locals do and take a 20-minute drive out of the city to the seaside. Walk the prom and explore Cave Rock.
New Brighton Beach
Much like an old English seaside resort, this bonny coastal suburb boasts an exceptional pier with excellent sea views (wonderful at sunset with a bag of hot chips). In summer, the beach and water are freckled with surfers, swimmers and sun bathers.
New Brighton Beach Playground
Right next to the sea, this is a holiday hot spot. Mixing wet and dry play areas with climbing frames and water cannons, there's a small shallow pool and an enormous whale. Bring the kids and play all day.
The Avon Loop
This newly updated route features both pedestrian and cycle-friendly sections. Weaving 11km through the city, it traces the Ōtakaro Avon River, enhanced by plants, innovative lighting and kayak entry points to the river.
The Botanic Gardens
Welcome to a 21 hectare oasis with a beautiful lake and fanciful pathways. The Visitor Centre is a stunning, architecturally beautiful building with a dedicated gallery detailing Christchurch’s world of plants. There’s also a great café and gift shop.
Diminish and Ascend by David McCracken, Christchurch Botanic Gardens © ChristchurchNZ
Cass Bay
Grab your togs and drive over to Cass Bay in 20 minutes. Three swimming beaches are linked by a gentle walking track, the water's crystal clear and there's a playground too.
Port Hills/Te Poho o Tamatea
This raw strip of land is the result of the Lyttelton volcano. Explore Halswell Quarry, with its historic sites and six sister-city gardens; discover WWII military remnants at Godley Head; rock climb at the top of Rapaki Track and enjoy stellar views along the Bridle Path.
Mountain Bike The McLeans Island Track
Part of the Waimakariri River Regional Park. The entrance is directly opposite Orana Wildlife Park and if you ride at night, you'll hear the lions stir.
QUAKE RELATED
Cardboard Cathedral
After the original Christchurch Cathedral was damaged in the 2011 earthquake, a temporary home was made in Latimer Square. It is now the world’s only cathedral made substantially of cardboard. Open daily from 9am-5pm.
Quake City
A fascinating, interactive exhibition that analyses the Christchurch earthquakes from various perspectives. Learn what causesan earthquake and hear first-hand stories from Christchurch residents. This is also where the fallen Cathedral Spire now resides.
185 Empty White Chairs
Each chair, arranged near Christchurch’s Cashel Street,represents 185 lives lost due to the 2011 earthquake. Peaceful and poignant.
Oi Manawa Canterbury Earthquake Memorial
Pay your respect to those who lost their lives, the injured and those who helped with the rescue and recovery following the 2011 earthquake.
RETAIL THERAPY
The Tannery
Where new wardrobes are built. This stylish shopping mecca is packed with boutique stores and sophisticated dining establishments.
New Regent Street
Its pastel-shaded buildings will delight. A throwback to the 1930s, with Spanish Mission architecture and an air of glamour, this street is all style.
The Colombo
A hub of upmarket retail, food and entertainment, this boutique shopping mall is located in the industrial district of downtown Sydenham, just five minutes on foot from the CBD.
Riverside Lanes
Adjoined to Riverside Market, nip across for a refined shopping experience in the heart of the city.
The Crossing
Your go-to for the finest international and local brands. This is a slick mall and a modern hangout. Languid window shopping with coffee stops is as appealing as flashing the cash.
Ballantynes Department Store
An upscale and long withstanding department store. Find interesting and good quality apparel, homeware and gifts. Devonshire tea at The Tea Rooms is a must.
