Things to do in Christchurch: A complete visitor's guide

As New Zealand’s Garden City, Christchurch is home to sprawling parks, established gardens and the Ōtākaro Avon River winding through the centre. The city’s abundant greenery sits alongside colourful street art, modern architecture, and an expanding network of cycleways, markets, and restaurants.

Is Christchurch worth visiting? Absolutely! There’s enough here to fill a few days, whether you want to explore on foot, eat your way around the city, or get out into nature.

If you’re deciding what to do in Christchurch, you’ll find plenty to fill your itinerary, from free attractions and family days out to date ideas and things to do after dark. 

How many days do you need in Christchurch?

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Two to three days gives you enough time to explore the central city without racing from one attraction to the next. If you want to know how to spend a day in Christchurch and make the most of your time, start at the Botanic Gardens, hop on the heritage tram, and spend the afternoon around Cathedral Square and the riverside precinct before heading somewhere central for dinner.

With three days or more, you can start looking beyond the city. Hire a rental car and head to Akaroa to discover its British and French influence, then swim with Hector’s dolphins, the smallest oceanic dolphin in the world. Or spend a day driving around Banks Peninsula to explore its volcanic landscapes, sheltered bays and coastal walks. 

For a completely different day out, the TranzAlpine carries you across the Canterbury Plains and into the Southern Alps, passing dramatic gorges, river valleys, and mountain scenery along the way. 

Things to do in Christchurch for free

Some of the best Christchurch free activities are within walking distance of one another, including some of the city’s most popular green spaces. Start with the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, which cover 21 hectares beside the Avon River and have free admission. From there, wander through neighbouring Hagley Park before following the river towards the central city.

Stop at the Bridge of Remembrance, then continue through the regenerated river precinct. Christchurch’s street art is another reason to keep exploring on foot, with large-scale murals appearing on buildings throughout the centre.

For a change of scenery, head east to New Brighton Beach. Walk out along New Brighton Pier for coastal views, take a stroll on the wide sandy beach, or grab a coffee and spend time by the sea. 

For something indoors, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū is free to enter, while Tūranga, the central library on Cathedral Square, is another interesting stop for its architecture, exhibitions, and public spaces. The main museum is currently being redeveloped, but you can see collection highlights and changing exhibitions for free at the Canterbury Museum Pop-Up on Gloucester Street.

What to visit in Christchurch’s city centre

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Cathedral Square is a natural starting point for exploring the city centre. It’s also home to the landmark Christchurch Cathedral, which was badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake and is undergoing restoration. A short walk away, you’ll find the distinctive Cardboard Cathedral, built as a transitional home for the Anglican cathedral community after the earthquakes. 

Riverside Market is a great stop for something to eat while you’re exploring the city centre. Its mix of food stalls, cafés, and specialty retailers covers everything from coffee and a quick lunch to an evening meal, with many more bars and restaurants in the surrounding lanes and riverside terraces.

For a great view of the centre, hop aboard one of Christchurch’s restored heritage trams or take to the Avon instead. Punting trips depart from the historic Antigua Boat Sheds, with a punter doing the work while you glide past the Botanic Gardens.

Fun things to do in Christchurch with kids

Christchurch makes family holidays easy, with dozens of attractions that give kids something to do rather than simply something to look at.

Margaret Mahy Family Playground is a great place to let them loose in the central city, with huge slides, climbing equipment, a flying fox, and water play areas. And it’s free!

If the kids are keen on wildlife, take them to Orana Wildlife Park, New Zealand’s only open-range zoo, or Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, which focuses more on native wildlife and gives visitors a chance to see kiwi. 

Photo Credit: Orana Wildlife Park

The International Antarctic Centre brings another side of Christchurch to life. The city has long been a gateway to Antarctica, and the attraction combines Antarctic history and wildlife with hands-on experiences, including its Antarctic storm room.

Finish with a ride on the Christchurch Gondola, where getting to the top is half the fun. The cable car climbs high above the city to the Port Hills, with huge views across Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour waiting at the top. 

Things to do in Christchurch for couples and adults

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

If you’re travelling without kids, there are plenty of ways to slow things down or dial the adrenaline up. A punt along the Avon is an easy choice for couples, particularly if you combine it with a walk through the gardens and drinks or dinner. Christchurch also has a lively café, restaurant, and bar scene, so leaving some unscheduled time to see where you end up isn’t a bad thing.

If you prefer your sightseeing with a shot of adrenaline, Christchurch Adventure Park in the Port Hills has a network of mountain bike trails and a zipline tour that includes New Zealand’s longest zipline. If wine tasting is more your cup of tea, head north to the Waipara Valley, where cellar doors and vineyard restaurants make an easy day trip from the city.

For a more laid-back afternoon, head out to New Brighton Beach for a walk along the pier and some time by the Pacific, then book a soak at He Puna Taimoana hot pools. The beachfront complex has five heated pools overlooking the ocean, along with a sauna, steam room, and plunge pool. 

What are the best things to do in Christchurch at night?

Christchurch doesn’t shut up shop once the daytime attractions close. The Terrace and surrounding central-city streets are full of bars and restaurants, while Riverside Market stays open well into the evening from Thursday to Saturday.

If you’d rather keep moving, take an evening stroll beside the Avon or check what’s on at the city’s theatres, music venues and performance spaces during your stay. Christchurch Art Gallery also stays open until 9 pm on Wednesdays, giving you a free evening option.

What to do in Christchurch when it rains?

A rainy day doesn’t have to write off your plans. Christchurch Art Gallery and Tūranga are both central, free, and easy to spend time in, while the Canterbury Museum Pop-Up gives you another indoor option nearby. Riverside Market takes care of lunch without requiring a dash between cafés in the rain.

Photo Credit: International Antarctic Centre

For families, the International Antarctic Centre is an easy place to spend a few hours indoors. Get up close to little blue penguins, learn about life and exploration in Antarctica, experience an Antarctic storm and take a ride in an all-terrain Hägglund vehicle.

Plan your Christchurch adventure

Photo Credit: Tourism New Zealand

Christchurch is a great city to explore on foot, with many of the central sights and attractions within walking distance. But when you’re ready to venture farther, having your own car opens up much more of Canterbury.

Spend a day in Akaroa, explore the scenic roads of Banks Peninsula or head north for lunch and a tasting in Waipara wine country. If you’re continuing your South Island adventure, why not take a day trip to Lake Tekapo? Pick up an Omega rental car in Christchurch and explore beyond the city on your own schedule, with plenty of freedom for a spontaneous stop or two along the way.