The Best Travel Guide to Christchurch

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Christchurch

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Christchurch

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The guide was updated: 2018-01-11

Christchurch, located in the province (region) of Canterbury, is the largest city on the South Island, yet remains a friendly and welcoming city compact enough to easily explore on foot or bicycle.

Following the 2010-2011 earthquakes, Christchurch has re-emerged as a lively, ever-changing city and it is better than ever. A unique destination where creativity and innovation flow and where city's hospitality and arts scenes have really taken off. Christchurch, a city like no other, is an inspiring city in transition making it an exciting place to explore.

Facts

Population:	Approximately 381,500
Currency:	New Zealand Dollar (NZD) = 100 cents
Search Accommodation:	Hotels »
Emergency numbers:	Police, Fire and Ambulance: 111
Newspapers:	The Press (daily regional) New Zealand Herald (daily national)
Opening hours:	Most shops are normally open from 9am to 5pm with bigger malls staying open till 6pm Saturday to Wednesday and 9pm on Thursday and Friday.
Tourist information:	Christchurch i-SITE Visitor Centre 28 Worcester Blvd, Christchurch Central, Christchurch 8013 (The Arts Centre) Open 7 days from: 8.30am - 6.00pm +64 3 379 9629

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Section in Christchurch

New Zealand’s garden city, and capital of the South Island, acts as the perfect gateway to discovering some of the country’s most spectacular scenery and National Parks. There is also plenty to explore in the city itself, with acres of parks and gardens, stunning Gothic architecture and a wide choice of restaurants and bars.

Canterbury Museum

Housed in an exquisite historic building, are outstanding Maori exhibits, a Victorian Christchurch Street, an extensive Antarctic collection and fun for the children in Discovery. Browse the Museum Store or relax in the Café overlooking the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Punting on the Avon River

Experience life the way it should be – relaxed, tranquil and thoroughly enjoyable! Sink back into the velvet cushions of your boat as the Edwardian punter gently glides you down the Avon River, passing the trailing willows and leafy banks of the stunning Christchurch Botanic Gardens. This is an iconic Christchurch experience and an attraction not to be missed!

International Antarctic Centre

One of New Zealand's best tourist attractions, the International Antarctic Centre based at Christchurch airport provides visitors of all ages with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of Antarctica. The centre includes; a hagglund ride, ice voyage 4D Show, a snow and ice experience, penguin encounter and an informative, hands on display.

Christchurch Gondola

Suspended above the suburbs of Christchurch, the Gondola (otherwise known as a cable car) whisks you nearly a kilometer to the Crater Rim of the Port Hills. See in the extinct volcano which exploded six million years ago, sheltering Lyttelton’s sparkling harbor and to the west, the Southern Alps seem close in the clear pure air and to the East, the ocean and the sky stretch as far as the eye can see. Experience the Time Tunnel, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the Port Hills and Christchurch and revive your spirits with a snack at the new Red Rock Café.

Akaroa Harbour Nature Cruise

From the historic French Village of Akaroa, 90 minutes from Christchurch, daily harbour cruises show the fascinating landscape with volcanic craters and exciting wildlife. The cruise is packed with highlights including the rare, NZ native dolphin - the Hector's Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. Each cruise is fully narrated by the skipper who has extensive knowledge of the nature, wildlife and history of the harbour. There are several different operators offering transfer between Christchuch and Akaroa.

Christchurch Tramway

Christchurch’s historic trams are an ideal way to explore the city centre in style. The route takes in sights such as Cathedral Square, the Botanic Garden, Canterbury Museum and the main shopping areas. At present, there are 17 stops along the route.

Ko Tâne

Enjoy an authentic Maori experience, where you will be greeted with a traditional powhiri (greeting), treated to a cultural performance and where you will be able to explore the living village and wildlife reserve. Enjoy an interactive, educational and entertaining day at Ko Tâne.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens showcase some of the flora of New Zealand and other parts of the world. Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English Oak tree, the Gardens now feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand. Take time to explore the gardens, which are considered to be an oasis in the city of Christchurch with 21 hectares of horticultural displays, several conservatories, memorials, garden art and walking tracks.

Adrenalin Forest

Live on the edge and set yourself free. Realise your potential and get your blood pumping at Adrenalin Forest’s multi-level aerial obstacle course. Adrenalin Forest is a great confidence builder and adrenalin rush. With 6 increasing pathways, 102 challenges how far are you prepared to go?

The Court Theatre

In Christchurch’s suburb of Addington, The Court Theatre company was founded in 1971 and is today one of the top groups of New Zealand. Different high quality performances are held throughout the year. Have a glance at their website to see what is on.

Hiking and Cycling the Port Hills

The Port Hills shows the contrasts between rocky Crater Rims and the green scenery of Canterbury Plains below. All sorts of outdoor activities are performed in this unique area and hiking is one of them. The Port Hills truly offers breath-taking views, so be ready with the camera.

Air Force Museum of New Zealand

Discover one of the world’s premier military aviation collections at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Activities include a flight simulator, guided tours and a replica 1940's home. The museum is based at the Wigram Airfield, approximately 15 minutes from the International airport and approximately 20 minutes from the city centre.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

The Willowbank experience includes unique native wildlife, farm animals and the country's natural history. Dining is available in the award-winning restaurant, acclaimed for its architecture and construction which allows magnificent views of the surrounding wildlife and gardens.

Orana Wildlife Park

Set on 80 hectares of park-like grounds, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. The Park has been developed as an open range sanctuary for endangered animals, providing them with enclosures as close to their natural habitat as possible. Streams, moats and banks are used as barriers to allow visitors the opportunity to see the animals in a natural manner. Over 400 animals from 70 different species are displayed and there are various daily encounters allowing up close experiences with the animals.

Hassle Free – Discover Christchurch Tour

Step on board to the classic 1960’s London Open Top Double Decker buses for a fun and informative tour of Christchurch. Learn about Christchurch’s fascinating history from the pioneering days through to modern day times and learn how Christchurch is recovering from the Canterbury earthquakes which has now become a major event in New Zealand’s history. The experience includes a 1 hour Tour around central Christchurch on New Zealand’s only Open Top Double Decker and a 2 hour Tour on a closed top Double Decker visiting places of interest in greater Christchurch. A Hop-on, Hop-off option is available at Sumner Beach and The Tannery Retail Emporium.

Re: START Container Mall

Re:START is a shopping experience like no other, the unique shipping container retail area is brightly coloured and stunningly landscaped and is the heart of the “Pop Up City” concept. Re:START provides a range of quality retailers located in a cool funky city environment. Anchored by Ballantynes department store, Re:START house many businesses previously located in the central city including Johnson's Grocery Store, Scorpio Bookstore, Cosmic, Hunters & Collectors and many others, it also has great cafés, a range of specialty gifts stores and a selection of fashion boutiques not found elsewhere.

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