Things to do in Christchurch, New Zealand
Christchurch is a city you’d be visiting for sure.
It is one of the starting places for those on the Working Holiday visa to find their footing – sort out a bank account, an IRD account, buy a car, and find a job.
Unlike the busy cities of the North Island, Christchurch is relatively laid back. You don’t get skyscrapers, four-lane highways, multiple traffic lights and crowds.
But you could still complete administrative tasks, buy items on sale in shopping malls and, as an Asian who misses Asian cuisine, visit Riccarton for dim sum and Korean BBQ and shop for kimchi and tofu.
And that is what I like about Christchurch.
So what are some of the fun activities to do in and around Christchurch?
I was in New Zealand from 2020 – 2022 and visited/ lived in Christchurch frequently. This post contains affiliate links that cost nothing to you but support my blog! It may also be updated periodically. Cheers!
Rambles You Can Skip
I landed in Queenstown in Dec 2019 to begin my New Zealand Working Holiday, but moved to Christchurch three weeks later, low on funds.
Almost a week after arriving in Christchurch, I found a job. My first job in New Zealand was as a plastic packer!
Christchurch is where I found other past and present working holidaymakers who were pivotal in my future adventures.
I returned to Christchurch again in winter, mulling about the lack of jobs while staying at a friend’s place. A rare role as a calf rearer in an adjacent town came within a week!
The same episode happened multiple times. I found work as a wholesale flower packer, a greenhouse tomato picker, and later a parcel sorter while stationed in Christchurch.
Christchurch was the last place I stayed before I bid Sayonara to New Zealand. I did my first PCR test there in preparation for my flight home to Singapore!
So as you can see, this place held several fond memories.
Background of Christchurch
Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island, and third largest in the country after Auckland and Wellington in the North Island.
Located in the heart of Te Waipounamu of Aotearoa, Canterbury region, Christchurch is also known as Ōtautahi in Maori. But the name is to be used with caution, as Ōtautahi is linked to the name of a Maori ancestor.
The name Christchurch was adopted by the European settlers in their homeland in England.
Christchurch is pretty flat aside from a range of hills called Port Hills which split the city from coastal port Lyttleton. Avon River meanders through Christchurch city centre, a large urban park, before releasing itself into the coastal suburb of New Brighton.
State Highway 75 south of Christchurch rides into Akaroa, a town known for its historic French and British-inspired architecture snuggled in the heart of an ancient volcano.
The main SH 1 which starts at the very north of New Zealand at Cape Reinga, bisects Christchurch and continues its journey south to Bluff.
Other smaller SH curves to the farms in the countryside, the mountains for ski slopes when the seasons are right, and up the Southern Alps over Arthur’s Pass to the West Coast.
Many sites call Christchurch a revitalised or vibrant centre.
I see it as an excellent city to ease into New Zealand and a harbour to stock up, rest and pamper myself before I continue my exploration.
Attractions in Christchurch
As a tourist, you may find Christchurch dull compared to other exciting towns in the South Island like Queenstown, the Capital of Adventure, or Wanaka, the ‘sibling’ of Queenstown, or Te Anau, the gateway to the sounds and marvellous hikes.
But Christchurch is a very liveable and convenient city. They have a bus service, and most attractions are within walking distance.
Below is a list of attractions for the curious traveller or those looking to fill their weekends and off days.
Botanic Gardens
Whirl away a day gazing at the ducks bobbing along the Avon River, people-watch by the sprawling green grass of Archery Lawn, or sniffing the seasonal flowers in bloom.
While I was in Christchurch in Dec 2019, I visited their six conservatories featuring a grand collection of plants from ferns to cacti. As it was summer back then, several vibrant flowers – roses, dahlia, hydrangeas – were in bloom.
Founded over 150 years ago in 1863, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens was open only 10 days later than the one in Dunedin.
Check out the highlights map to find out which blooms are in season.
The Botanic Gardens can be quite a big place to explore. Hop onto an electric shuttle and let the guide introduce you to the key sights of the gardens. Why not punt on the meandering Avon River while you’re there, and see Christchurch from a different perspective?
Canterbury Museum
The Canterbury Museum, once located by the Botanic Gardens, has temporarily moved to a new location along Gloucester Street, while the old site is in redevelopment, scheduled to reopen in 2028.
You could still visit the museum and most of its artefacts in the temporary museum, or look through its online collections.
Visiting the museum is free of charge and could take two hours or more, depending on your curiosity.
With over 150 years of history (since 1870), the museum has seen multiple expansion works done to its original building. It suffered minor damages during the 2011 earthquakes due to the multiple renovations and reinforcement work over the decades.
For now, hop over to Canterbury Museum at CoCA on 66 Gloucester Street.
Cardboard Cathedral
The Cardboard Cathedral serves as a remembrance of the dreadful 2011 Christchurch earthquake.
There used to be 185 empty chairs near the cathedral as a temporary installation to remember those who perished during the quake. This has since been disassembled in 2023, after 11 years, with most dispersing into the homes of the public.
Unlike the chairs, the cardboard cathedral is an interim replacement for the damaged Christchurch cathedral. It was built to last for 50 years.
The actual cathedral is under restoration and will be opened in 2027.
Japanese architect Shigeru Ban designed the cathedral using cardboard tubes and other lightweight materials.
Bridge and Arch of Remembrance
The Bridge and its Arch serve as a remembrance of people who perished in the wars of the 20th century.
Both structures suffered physical damage during the 2011 quake, but have since been improved to withstand future quakes.
Demonstrations and protests are sometimes organised under the arch.
As you rest under the shade of a tree along the river, you might spot a passing tram.
The Christchurch Tram has a long history dating back to the late 19th century when it began as a means to ease movement within the city.
With the introduction of buses, the tram became unnecessary. But rather than eliminating it, activists sought to promote its comeback for its historical value to the city. The 2011 quake brought it to a sudden halt, but it has since resumed its service as an iconic city attraction.
Board the beautifully restored tram on a hop-on hop-off ticket and explore all its 18 stops in the heart of Christchurch! One loop around the city takes about an hour.
Farmers’ Markets
The Christchurch Farmers’ Market at the Riccarton Ground House by 16 Kahu Road opens from 9 AM to 1 PM every Saturday with stalls selling fresh produce and cooked food.
The Riccarton Sunday Market at 165 Racecourse Road – a 12-mins drive from the Riccarton Ground House – is bigger than the Saturday market and features more stalls selling art, clothes and second-hand items. It opens from 9 am to 2 PM every Sunday.
I made a point to visit either market every weekend while living in Christchurch, and always head home with bags of fresh fruits and vegetables, and usually a delicious bratwurst sandwich.
Beaches
Sumner and New Brighton Pier are popular beaches for recreational activities.
We were in New Brighton Pier on Kite’s Day (January 2021) and saw numerous colourful kites fluttering in the sky. The library by the beach is a great place to hang out with giant windows overlooking the waves.
Sumner Beach is known for swimming and surfing. I knew friends who’d surf by the beach whenever they had time off. You could learn to surf from the schools by the beach during summer!
Trekking
I did two treks in Christchurch in 2020 – Godley Head/ Awaroa and Rapaki Track on the Port Hills. Both are low-energy trails with beautiful vantage points.
For those curious: The yellow grass turns green only in winter – according to what I heard from the locals.
Aside from being a nice long walk, Godley Head is also a national coastal defence heritage site. It was once home to the coastal defence battery during World War II. Several bunks and gun emplacements littered around the area. Placards within each station illustrate their significance in history. It takes about 3 hours to do one 9.3 km loop on Godley Head, starting from the Taylors Mistake Beach.
The Rapaki Track is another track at the edge of the Port Hills with vantage points over Lyttelton Harbour. An easy walk up with the occasional sheep. I saw runners going up and down this track for training. The 3.5 km one-way Rapaki Track can be lengthened to include the Huntsbury Track as the return loop.
Adventure Park
The Christchurch Adventure Park, set in the hilly terrain of Port Hills, is a welcome respite for city dwellers looking for adrenaline.
They have trails for mountain biking, zip lines, and hiking routes through a pine forest that comes with a free chairlift ride!
International Antarctic Centre
Spend half a day learning about life on the coldest continent at the International Antarctic Centre!
Located beside the International Airport, this amusement park is open every day with experiences unique to Antarctica, like being buffeted by a freezing snowstorm, riding on a Hägglund, viewing the cute penguins, watching a show in a 4D theatre, and strolling through a museum.
Trips Beyond Christchurch
Quail Island
The largest island of Canterbury is an inner harbour island with a rich history.
Once a quarantined centre for new migrants in the 1800s, the island had halted several disease outbreaks. It housed the country’s last leprosy colony.
Apart from being a lazaretto, Quail Island also functioned as a training station for dogs and ponies meant for Antarctic expeditions of the 20th century.
Any clues as to how the island gets its unusual name? A prominent captain named it after the now-extinct native quail he saw in 1842.
A short ferry ride links the island to Lyttleton. You could paddle over, hike around the perimeter of the island, and even spend a night in its hut!
Akaroa
The Banks Peninsula, immediately south of Christchurch, originated from ancient volcanoes. Have a look at the map or an aerial image, and you’ll see its odd circular landform.
Lyttelton Harbour sits in the crater of one of the volcanoes. Akaroa Harbour is on the other.
Apart from its impressive geographical origin, which results in the curvy route from Christchurch, Akaroa is a resort town by the sea, suitable for fishing, surfing, paddling – generally, any water activities if you can handle the cold. It is also the home to the rare Hector’s dolphins.
Book a tour to swim with the dolphins, a nature cruise around the harbour to see its inhabitants, or be overdosed with cuteness at an alpaca farm.
Distance: 81 km
Total drive time: 1.5 hours
Mt Richardson
A somewhat challenging day hike that took us six hours to complete if you were to do it as a loop over a portion of Blowhard Track and end with the Bypass Track.
Standing at 1,047 m, Mt Richardson provides marvellous viewpoints over the Puketeraki Range and Lees Valley.
Distance: 70 km
Total drive time: 1 hour
Arthur’s Pass National Park
A two-hour drive west from Christchurch brings you to Arthur’s Pass National Park, where you’d find nature, beautiful scenery and treks.
The Devil’s Punchbowl is a short and popular track with excellent photo spots.
Those looking for a moderately challenging day track could consider the Avalanche Peak Track. The return track with an elevation gain of about 1100 m to the peak at 1833 m took us eight hours!
Distance: 150 km
Total drive time: 2 hours
Castle Hills
Located on a high country station of the South Island in the direction towards Arthur’s Pass, Castle Hills features a variety of outdoor activities.
Boulder weathered limestone big rocks, spelunk in the 594 m-long cave at the Cave Stream Reserve, and trek up the very challenging and slippery castle hill peak.
Distance: 98 km
Total drive time: 1.5 hours
Peak Hill
The road to Peak Hill isn’t easy as the last part is on gravel with farms lined by the sides.
But the summit gives sweeping views of Lake Coleridge and beyond. The one-way return trek took us slightly under three hours.
This trek is exposed and can be terribly slippery during wet weather.
Distance: 111 km
Total drive time: 1.5 hours
Ski or Snowboard Mt Hutt
Voted as New Zealand’s best ski resort for 9 years, Mt Hutt is the nearest ski resort for those in Christchurch.
With over 365 hectares of skiable terrain over the 2086 m mountain, the snow peak has a plethora of slopes for people of all abilities.
I learnt to ski at Mt Hutt during off days while working as a calf rearer around the region.
Distance: 114 km
Total drive time: 1.5 hours
Indulge in the vineyards of Waipara Valley
The Waipara Valley has over 75 vineyards spanning more than 1,200 hectares. With its first production established in 1978, this location – one of the driest in New Zealand – produces smooth pinot noir and citrusy riesling, to name a few.
Since you cannot drink and drive, board an intercity bus to Waipara for a day trip or sign up for a hassle-free full-day tour to different wineries from Christchurch.
Or spend a night at Waipara! Most accommodations have bikes for loan.
Distance: 60 km
Total drive time: 1 hour
Soak in the thermal pools of Hanmer Springs
Known for its natural mineral hot pools set in a beautiful landscape, the resort village of Hanmer Springs is an all-year destination.
Drive or hop onto a shuttle to begin your weekend – or more! – of bliss!
From the 22 outdoor therapeutic pools and fun slides – which I’d think is the purpose of heading there – to hikes, rafting, jet boating and even bungy jumping!
Stay a night at Hanmer Springs to fully rejuvenate yourself – no rush, no hurry to return to Christchurch.
Distance: 133 km
Total drive time: 2 hours
Weekends at Kaikoura
180 km north of Christchurch is the coastal town of Kaikoura, famous for its sperm whale population, a colony of fur seals, and delicious seafood, notably crayfish.
Go whale-watching – on a cruise or from the air – and kayak with the playful seals and dolphins!
A one-day trip to Kaikoura from Christchurch is too little time. Spend at least a night here and catch the sunrise and sunset from the coast. The Clifftop Cabin is one such example – a beautiful apartment facing the sea with a hot tub for a romantic getaway!
Distance: 180 km
Total drive time: 2.5 hours
Rail Tour
Take a scenic train ride from the Christchurch Railway Station to Picton via the Coastal Pacific Train, or across the ‘Great Divide’ of South Island via the TranzAlpine Train.
Remember to bring lots of snacks or purchase hot drinks and meals onboard for the 5 – 6 hours scenic rides!
Winter will give you gorgeous snow-capped mountains, though you may encounter fog or rain. Travelling in summer almost guarantees a crystal-clear view of the landscape.
According to past patrons, pick the seats on the right if travelling towards Picton for the best sea views. Any seats on the train towards the West Coast are good.
Accommodations
There are many accommodation options in Christchurch. Staying close to the city centre enables convenience, though car park spaces may be limited if you drive. Staying further away from the centre may offer scenic lodging or better prices.
Budget solos or couples may find comfort staying at Hotel Give, conveniently located next to the Botanical Gardens. Spend a night at Urbanz at the heart of Christchurch City. For those who have just reached Christchurch via flight, LyLo next to the airport is your immediate respite.
And if you’d like to pamper yourself in a luxurious stay, check out the posh Sudima, elegant Mayfair, or the immaculately designed 5-star historical Observatory Hotel that everyone who stayed remarked as absolutely beautiful.
Conclusion/ Rambles
Christchurch is usually the central place to transit for the nomads or travellers, who might just spend a day or even an hour before advancing to the south or jetting home.
But for those living in Christchurch, it is actually a convenient and comfortable place to call home. A satisfying day hike is about an hour’s drive away. A snow mountain to ski during off days in winter is less than 2 hours away. When one gets tired and wants to pamper themselves, a natural mineral thermal pool resort is just 2 hours north for a respite.
There are Farmer’s Markets for artisanal produce, an international airport, and many Asian supermarkets and eateries for the home-sick asian.
Christchurch is also relatively safe, though common sense, such as not leaving your belongings in the car and walking late at night, should still be observed. (ahem, someone slashed the tyres and broke the side mirror of our car when it was left on the street for a week)
Anyhoo, that’s all from me for the activities to do in and around Christchurch that may come in handy for your New Zealand itinerary.
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