Nature & Outdoor Attractions

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Description

A 21-hectare haven featuring diverse plant collections, conservatories, and serene walking paths along the Avon River.
Explore the Gardens

Hagley Park

Hagley Park

Description

Christchurch’s largest urban park, offering expansive green spaces, walking trails, and proximity to the Botanic Gardens and Canterbury Museum.
Visit Hagley Park

Christchurch Gondola

Christchurch Gondola

Description

A scenic cable car ride to the summit of Mount Cavendish, providing panoramic views of the city, Canterbury Plains, and Lyttelton Harbour.
Ride the Gondola

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Description

A sanctuary dedicated to New Zealand’s native wildlife, including kiwi, tuatara, and the endangered takahē.
Discover Willowbank

Taylor’s Mistake

Taylor’s Mistake

Description

A scenic coastal bay between Sumner and Godley Head, known for surf-friendly waves, dramatic cliffs, and peaceful walking tracks.
Explore Taylor’s Mistake

Lyttelton Harbour

Lyttelton Harbour

Description

A historic port town nestled in a volcanic crater, offering harbourside cafés, boutique shops, and stunning views. Gateway to scenic cruises and marine wildlife.
Discover Lyttelton Harbour

New Brighton

New Brighton

Description

A revitalised seaside suburb featuring a long sandy beach, the iconic New Brighton Pier, and a modern beachside hot pools complex.
Visit New Brighton

Sumner Beach

Sumner Beach

Description

A charming seaside village 20 minutes from central Christchurch, featuring a sandy beach perfect for swimming and surfing.
Explore Sumner Beach

Akaroa

Akaroa

Description

A picturesque French-influenced harbour town known for its historic charm, dolphin-watching cruises, and coastal landscapes.
Discover Akaroa

Hanmer Springs

Hanmer Springs

Description

A scenic alpine village famous for natural hot pools, forest walks, jet boating, and mountain biking.
Visit Hanmer Springs

Porters Ski Area

Porters Ski Area

Description

The closest ski resort to Christchurch, offering slopes for all levels, terrain parks, and beautiful alpine views.
Visit Porters Alpine Resort

Culture & History

Canterbury Museum

Canterbury Museum

Description

Offers exhibits on Māori heritage, early European settlers, and Antarctic exploration, including the “Quake City” exhibit on the 2010/2011 earthquakes.
Learn More

Quake City Exhibit

Quake City

Description

An interactive exhibition about the 2010–2011 Christchurch earthquakes. Features personal stories, artifacts, and the science behind the quakes.
Visit Quake City

Bridge of Remembrance

Bridge of Remembrance

Description

A war memorial dedicated to New Zealand's fallen soldiers, located at the head of City Mall, symbolizing sacrifice and remembrance.
Visit the Bridge

New Regent Street

New Regent Street

Description

A pastel-hued Spanish Mission-style shopping street with boutique shops, cafés, and the historic Christchurch Tram passing through.
Visit New Regent Street

Ōtākaro Avon River Red Zone

Ōtākaro Avon River Red Zone

Description

A vast green corridor reclaimed after the earthquakes, now featuring walking and cycling paths, ecological restoration, and community gardens.
Explore the Red Zone

Family & Fun

Ōtākaro Avon River Red Zone

Christchurch Tram

Description

A hop-on-hop-off heritage tram ride through the city, passing landmarks like Cathedral Square and the Margaret Mahy Family Playground.
Ride the Tram

Ōtākaro Avon River Red Zone

International Antarctic Centre

Description

An interactive experience showcasing life in Antarctica, complete with snowstorm simulations and encounters with huskies and penguins.
Experience the Centre

Ōtākaro Avon River Red Zone

Riccarton House & Bush

Description

A historic homestead set within native bush, offering insights into early European settlement and opportunities for bush walks.
Visit Riccarton House

Nightlife & Bars

Smash Palace

Smash Palace

Description

A quirky courtyard bar built around a retro bus, offering cold pints, hot burgers, and a lively atmosphere. Don’t miss Thursday night motorbike meetups and weekend vinyl DJ sets.
Visit Smash Palace

Smash Palace

Austin Club

Description

Christchurch’s stylish 1950s-inspired speakeasy cocktail bar, known for its creative drinks and intimate vibe. Located on High Street, entry requires a monthly-changing password, adding to its exclusive charm. The venue also hosts live jazz, comedy, and other events, making it a top spot for nightlife in the city.
Visit austinclub.co.nz for details and to get the password.

Smash Palace

The Dirty Land

Description

A stylish cocktail bar on Victoria Street featuring a broody aesthetic, an extensive drinks menu, and a selection of luxury spirits. Perfect for a sophisticated night out.
Visit The Dirty Land

Smash Palace

The Last Word

Description

Located on New Regent Street, this whisky and cocktail lounge boasts over 600 whiskies and a curated cocktail list. Enjoy a classic drink in an intimate setting.
Visit The Last Word

Smash Palace

Little High Eatery

Description

A vibrant food and drink hub on St Asaph Street, offering over 200 beers and wines from around the world, alongside nine diverse food vendors. Ideal for groups and casual hangouts.
Visit Little High Eatery

Smash Palace

Riverside Market

Description

A vibrant indoor food market featuring over 60 local vendors offering fresh produce, international cuisines, and artisanal treats. Located by the Avon River, it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors to enjoy great food, shopping, and a lively atmosphere every day of the week.
Visit Riverside Market

Waipara Valley Wineries (approx. 1 hour north of Christchurch)

Smash Palace

Greystone Wines

Description

Renowned for its cool-climate Pinot Noir and Riesling. Greystone is a family-owned boutique winery focusing on terroir-driven wines.
greystonewines.co.nz

Smash Palace

Pegasus Bay Winery

Description

One of the largest family-owned wineries in the region, famous for Bordeaux-style blends, Chardonnay, and Riesling with strong regional character.
pegasusbay.com

Smash Palace

Terrace Edge Vineyard

Description

A boutique vineyard known for its hand-crafted Pinot Noir and other varietals, offering a personal tasting experience.
terraceedge.com

Smash Palace

Black Estate

Description

Award-winning family-run winery specializing in Pinot Noir and other Burgundian varieties, noted for their elegance and finesse.
blackestate.co.nz

Smash Palace

Mud House

Description

Well-known for a wide range of varietals, including Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. They also have a great cellar door and café experience.
mudhouse.co.nz

Smash Palace

Waipara Springs

Description

Family-run vineyard producing aromatic Riesling, Pinot Gris, and Pinot Noir, with a strong focus on sustainable practices.
waiparasprings.co.nz