A trip to Christchurch wouldn’t be complete without seeing the top 10 attractions in Christchurch, New Zealand.
1. Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Address: City Centre Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Website: https://ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/christchurch-botanic-gardens
Telephone: 03 941 7590
Email: christchurchbotanicgardens@ccc.govt.nz
Opening Hours:
| 7:00am – 8:30pm March |
| 7:00am – 6:30pm April to September |
| 7:00am – 8:30pm October |
| 7:00am – 9:00pm November to February |
Prices: Free entry
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens, located in the central city of Christchurch, New Zealand, were founded in 1863 when an English oak was planted to commemorate the solemnisation of the marriage of Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark.
Volunteer guides from the Friends of the Botanic Gardens offer free guided walks! A fantastic guided tour by knowledgeable and friendly guides showcasing some of our spectacular collections
As there is so much to see in the Botanic Gardens you might like to consider taking a tour. There are a number of different options for tours.
There are many collections of exotic and native plant species that make up our beautiful grounds.
For lovers of horticulture and sculpture, these beautiful gardens are a haven for plants from around the world and a showcase for fascinating art works. From flowering gardens to giant stately trees, there’s a lot to see all year round.
Botanic Garden attractions have plenty on offer for everyone to enjoy from: Get the kids outdoors and have fun at our playground and paddling pool.
There are a number of important art works on display around the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, amassed through acquisitions and donations throughout the history of the Gardens.
The Bandsmen’s Memorial Rotunda is a well-known landmark in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The workshop is the last remaining building of the Magnetic Observatory complex, which was used by Antarctic explorers and visiting scientists.
The World Peace Bell was gifted to Christchurch by the World Peace Bell Association and unveiled in 2006. It is New Zealand’s only peace bell.
We are fortunate to have multiple conservatories in the Botanic Gardens, filled with fantastic collections of plants.
The Visitor Centre is an excellent starting point for exploring the Gardens. Ask our friendly staff for guidance on seasonal highlights or collect a map.
2. Christchurch Gondola
Address: 10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand
Hours:
| Sunday – Saturday – 10:00am – 4:00pm |
Prices:
| Adult: NZ$30.00 |
| Child (5-15 years):NZ$15.00 |
| Infant:NZ$0.00 |
| Family (2 adults + up to 3 children):NZ$75.00 |
Duration: Around 1 hour
Christchurch Gondola is a must do day out which offers stunning unique views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour and beyond from the station situated atop the Port Hills. A great family-friendly spot to explore for locals and visitors. Take in the spectacular 360-degree views and see Christchurch from a different view: admire the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains and the glistening waters of Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean. There is no minimum age but for safety reasons children must be accompanied by an adult. At the top is the Time Tunnel, a shop and the Red Rock café.
3. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Address: 60 Hussey Road, Northwood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
Website: https://www.willowbank.co.nz/
Email: info@willowbank.co.nz
Telephone: 03 359 6226
Opening Hours:
| Sunday – Saturday – 9:30am – 5:00pm |
Amenities & Services:
| Café | Picnic Areas | Shop |
| Mobility Scooter | Wheelchair | Toilets |
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a wildlife park and nature reserve in Christchurch, New Zealand. New Zealand was founded by the Willis family and is still owned and operated by members of the family. Willowbank is packed full of more than 45 species of animals. From guaranteed viewing of the Kiwi in the natural environment to a cute and fluffy giant rabbit as well as getting close to other native animals.
4. Christchurch Art Gallery
Address: Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Website: https://christchurchartgallery.org.nz/
Email: info@christchurchartgallery.org.nz
Telephone: +64 3 941 7300
Opening Hours:
| Monday & Tuesday – 10:00am – 5:00pm |
| Wednesday – 10:00am – 9:00pm |
| Thursday – Sunday – 10:00am – 5:00pm |
Services:
| Education | Venue Hire | Exhibitions |
| Events | Collection | Shop |
Christchurch Art Gallery/Te Puna o Waiwhetu opened in 2003. The public art gallery of the city of Christchurch, New Zealand which has its own extraordinary art collection, and also presents a programme of New Zealand and international exhibitions collaborating with artists.
5. Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
Akaroa is on the Banks Peninsula, southeast of Christchurch, New Zealand. Akaroa is the most French town and is one of New Zealand’s charming towns with boutiques, art and craft galleries with a long and beautiful harbour which is perfect for sail, paddle board or kayak.
Banks Peninsula is near Christchurch on the east coast of the South Island. Its many reserves are scattered all over the peninsula and best accessed by car. Bank Peninsula is one of New Zealand’s most one-of-a-kind landforms and has the most interesting volcanic feature on the South Island.
6. Avon River
The Avon River has a length of 14 kilometres which flows through the centre of the city of Christchurch, New Zealand, and out to an estuary, which it shares with the Heathcote River, the Avon Heathcote Estuary. Avon River is also known by the Māori name Ōtākaro, which means ‘the place of a game’. Punting on the river is a popular attraction at Avon River.
7. Bridge of Remembrance
Location: Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
The Bridge of Remembrance is one of two main war memorials in Christchurch, New Zealand. It is dedicated to those who died in World War I, and serves as a memorial for those who participated in two World Wars as well as subsequent conflicts in Borneo, Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam. The Bridge of Remembrance opened on 11th November 1924. The war memorial was designed by architect William Gummer and stonesman Frederick Gurnsey. The beautiful memorial bridge reminds people of the sacrifice of people who gave their lives to give us the freedom.
8. Canterbury Museum
Address: 11 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch 8013 New Zealand
Website: https://www.canterburymuseum.com/
Telephone: +64 3 366 5000
Opening Hours:
| Monday – Sunday 9:00am – 5:00pm (April – September) |
| Monday – Friday 9:00 am – 5:30 pm (October – March) |
Canterbury Museum opened in 1870. It has a wide and varied collection of natural and man-made artefacts, everything from motorcycles to skeletons of the Moa, giant birds which once roamed the South Island of New Zealand. It is truly a treasure house.
Fantastic museum with many displays to keep you busy for a good hour or more. It’s amazing that it’s completely free as well. It’s right next to the botanic gardens for a nice stroll afterwards as well.
enjoyed exploring our diverse exhibitions. Free admission, and covers everything from Maori over early European settlers to wildlife and Antarctica A must visit
Enjoy a memorable and enjoyable visit to the Museum
Canterbury Museum is a treasure to explore New Zealand’s rich culture and natural heritage of the past, present and the future. We recommend that you visit the antarctica display The number of antarctic’s species on display was phenomenal, and they also had many other small well curated exhibits
This was the collection that stood out for me
This is a must-do if you are visiting Christchurch.
A good way to get in touch with new Zealand’s history.
Find out about the history of
9. International Antarctic Centre
Visitor Information:
Address: 38 Orchard Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
Website: https://www.iceberg.co.nz/
Telephone: 0508 736 4846
Opening Times:
| Monday – Sunday 9:00am – 4:30pm |
Their Cafe is open daily too, here you’ll find a range of tasty menu options to fuel your explorations. We pride ourselves on our handcrafted baked goods and, with a number of gluten and dairy-free options
Ticket Prices
Adults: General Admission $49 | Ambassador Club $70
Child (5-15 years): General Admission $29 | Ambassador Club $35
Family (2 Adults + up to 3 Children): General Admission $119 | Ambassador Club $150
Senior/Student (with valid ID): General Admission $29 | Ambassador Club $50
Getting There:
the International Antarctic Centre is approximately 15 minutes drive from Christchurch central city or a 5 minute walk across the road from the Christchurch Airport terminal.
Next to the airport in Christchurch you can travel to a whole lot of Antarctica. Since 1992 we’ve been transporting visitors to an incredible world of ice and mystery, ambition and endeavour.
Located on the International Antarctic Programme’s working campus at Christchurch Airport, the centre has become renowned as one of New Zealand’s most diverse and dynamic tourist attractions. The range of interactive experiences here provides fun, education and excitement for visitors of all ages.
We take pride in delivering an inclusive and engaging centre. We hope our visitors are surprised at what’s on offer. Yes you can look around this website to get an idea of what’s here. But there’s nothing to compare to turning a corner in our attraction and stepping into an incredible, awe-inspiring scene.
Here you’ll experience real snow and ice and you’ll survive an indoor Antarctic storm. You’ll learn about life at Scott Base and see what it takes to work on the ice. You’ll hang out with Little Blue Penguins and get close up to a husky. There’s also the exciting Hägglund Field Trip, an awesome 4D Theatre, a massive HD screen and lots, lots more.
Christchurch is one of five cities in the world known as a ‘gateway to Antarctica’. This is far more than an empty title. The garden city acts as a conduit to the icy continent, sharing and championing Antarctic geography, history and culture.
In 1990 Christchurch International Airport saw the need for a visitor centre to Antarctica. The airport wanted a complex that could show people why the airport was so important to the Antarctic scientific programmes, and why these programmes and the continent was so important to the world.
The airport commissioned Tim Hobson (a regular Antarctic visitor himself) to shape and manage the development of the centre. Renowned local architects Warren Mahoney were contracted to design the building.
The airport campus proved the perfect site for the new building. Home to a number of other Antarctic programmes and organisations, the campus provided an important focal point for the many endeavours happening further south.
Since opening in 1992 the International Antarctic Centre has welcomed millions of visitors, steadily introduced exciting new exhibits and experiences and won plenty of awards and much recognition for work in tourism.
Provides unique school holiday programme
10. Quake City
Address: 299 Durham Street North, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Website: https://quakecity.co.nz/
Telephone:
Opening Times:
| Monday – Sunday 10:00am – 5:00pm |
A visit to Quake City is a must to understand the seismic events that shook Christchurch and Canterbury 10 years ago.
This special exhibition at 299 Durham Street North, Christchurch, is packed with interesting displays and interactives for all ages. Hear from those who lived through the earthquakes and those who came to help.
Learn about the science behind the quakes and with the help of a hands-on interactive understand the phenomenon of liquefaction. Suitable for visitors of all ages.
Learn how the seismic events of 2010 and 2011 affected Canterbury and how locals adapted to the tough times that followed. See taonga (treasures) rescued from the rubble and discover the science behind the earthquakes.
Tickets:
Adult $20
Children under 15 (accompanied by an adult) Free
Children under 15 (unaccompanied by an adult) $8
Students/Seniors $16
Enjoy a memorable and enjoyable visit to some of the Top Attractions in Christchurch. You could also soak up some culture at Museums, visit the Botanic Gardens, or take the perfect picture at Avon River, just some of the many iconic places to go in Christchurch. Pack a picnic (or pick up food from one of the restaurants) for the perfect relaxing day out in Christchurch.
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