Christchurch

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 cafe overlooking the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

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 (Ōtākaro), 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!

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.

Suspended above the suburbs of Christchurch, the Gondola whisks you nearly a kilometre to the Crater Rim of the Port Hills. See in the extinct volcano which exploded six million years ago, sheltering Lyttelton’s sparkling harbour 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 Cafe.

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?

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.

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 offer breathtaking views, so be ready with the camera.

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 1940s home. The museum is based at the Wigram Airfield, approximately 15 minutes from the International airport and approximately 20 minutes from the city centre.

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.

Step on board to the classic 1960s 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.

Established in 1863, the Botanic Gardens host, without doubt, the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand. Operating a continuous daily service, Caterpillar Garden Tours allows visitors to discover the natural beauty, history and culture of this central city oasis while at the same time being taken around the gardens in all weather, comfort and style. The tours are fully guided on an environmentally friendly electric shuttle.