Best things to do in Christchurch
Find out more about those top places in Christchurch
Christchurch, New Zealand: The South Island's Comeback Kid (Think Resilient Spirit, Striking New Architecture, and a Train Ride That Will Make Your Jaw Drop!) - Your Hilariously Honest Travel Guide to This City of Transformation!
Kia Ora from Christchurch, the captivating capital of New Zealand’s South Island! Now, let's be real, it often plays second fiddle to its North Island big brother, Auckland. But don't let that fool you – Christchurch has a beguiling charm all its own. It's like the quiet, thoughtful sibling who's got a whole lot of fascinating stories to tell.
Up until recently, Christchurch was a beautifully preserved Victorian city, boasting a treasure trove of iconic attractions, including that rather splendid early 20th-century Anglican cathedral. However, Mother Nature decided to shake things up (literally!) with devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Sadly, around 80% of the historic city center crumbled, leaving the city in a constant state of renewal. But here's the silver lining: this resilience has given Christchurch a unique character, a blend of old-world charm and striking modern architecture.
Prepare for some serious sightseeing as you wander through the city. Jaw-dropping buildings that miraculously survived the quake, like the elegant Italianate Old Post Office and the stately Palladian-style Government Building, stand proudly alongside innovative new structures that seem to pop up with impressive regularity, giving the city a non-stop buzz of rebirth and creativity. It's a fascinating juxtaposition, like history and the future are having a stylish coffee date on every corner. These architectural marvels are definitely places to visit that tell a powerful story of resilience.
And if you're looking to venture beyond the city limits for some truly spectacular scenery, you're in for a treat! The legendary TranzAlpine train route departs daily from Christchurch, offering jaw-dropping views of the Southern Alps from specially designed observation carriages. Seriously, this train ride is less a mode of transport and more a moving panoramic masterpiece. You'll be glued to the windows as you wind through valleys, across gorges, and past snow-capped peaks – it's one of the top things to do and an absolute must for any visitor to the South Island.
So, while Christchurch might be in a constant state of evolution, that's precisely what makes it so compelling. It's a city with a story to tell, a resilient spirit, and a surprising amount of beauty to discover, both old and new. Forget being overshadowed – Christchurch is shining brightly in its own unique way.
Our hilarious (and incredibly helpful!) travel guide is here to navigate you through the best places to visit and the most exciting things to do in this city of transformation. Get ready for some truly unforgettable sightseeing, from marveling at resilient historic buildings and innovative new architecture to embarking on an epic train journey through the Southern Alps, all while uncovering the top attractions that make Christchurch a truly special and hilariously inspiring destination. Kia Ora and get ready to witness the incredible comeback kid of the South Island!
Top Attractions: Resilient History, Modern Marvels, and Alpine Adventures!
Christchurch offers a unique blend of historical resilience and modern innovation:
Re:START Mall: Symbol of Renewal
Experience the innovative Re:START Mall, a vibrant collection of shops and cafes housed in colorful shipping containers, symbolizing the city's resilience. A key place to visit for a taste of Christchurch's spirit.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens: Tranquil Oasis
Escape the city bustle in the beautiful Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a sprawling green space offering stunning floral displays and peaceful pathways. A top thing to do for nature lovers.
Canterbury Museum: Regional History
Delve into the history and culture of the Canterbury region at the Canterbury Museum. A noteworthy place to visit for cultural enrichment.
TranzAlpine Train Journey: Alpine Spectacle
Embark on the TranzAlpine train route, offering breathtaking views of the Southern Alps from panoramic observation carriages. A must-do attraction for incredible sightseeing.
Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora: Creative Hub
Explore the Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora, a beautifully restored Victorian-era complex now housing art galleries, studios, and performance spaces. A key place to visit for art and culture enthusiasts.
Things to Do Beyond the Iconic Landmarks (and within this city of transformation!):
Our travel guide wouldn't be complete without suggesting some other fantastic things to do to truly experience the Christchurch vibe:
- Punt on the Avon River: Enjoy a relaxing ride along the Avon River in a traditional punt.
- Visit the International Antarctic Centre: Experience the wonders of Antarctica.
- Explore the New Regent Street: Admire the Spanish Mission-style architecture and browse the boutique shops.
- Take a Day Trip to Akaroa: Discover the charming French colonial town on the Banks Peninsula.
- Sample Local Craft Beers: Christchurch has a growing craft beer scene.
So, if you're looking for places to visit that offer a compelling story of resilience alongside beautiful scenery and unique attractions, Christchurch, New Zealand, is calling your name! Our travel guide promises an unforgettable adventure filled with incredible sightseeing and exciting things to do. Just be prepared to be inspired by the city's spirit and wowed by its alpine adventures! Kia Ora and onwards to discovery!
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Tram Tour
Christchurch, famed for its Victorian architecture, is also home to a fleet of tramcars that have trundled round the city’s streets since the early 20th century. While a ride on the tram is worth it for the old world ambiance alone, they also pass by many of the city’s most famous attractions including Cathedral Square.
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River Avon Cruise
The capital of New Zealand’s South Island takes its name from the Christchurch College at Oxford University. Unsurprisingly, the city takes' inspiration from England’s most ancient university in other ways as well with the River Avon transformed during the summer into one of New Zealand’s most picturesque sights with punts (traditional canal boats used in Oxford) plying its waters. All in all, this is Christchurch’s most evocative experience.
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Botanic Gardens
Christchurch’s premier tourist attraction is undoubtedly its award-winning botanical gardens that line the banks of the River Avon. Covering around 30 acres, the gardens are New Zealand’s largest and encompass a variety of native and exotic plant species that are housed in thematic areas. For lovers of flora and fauna, make sure to take one of the guided tours that tell you more about the garden’s history and their conservation efforts.
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Mount Cook
Located west of Christchurch in the Southern Alps is New Zealand’s tallest mountain, the rugged Mount Cook, which is known by the Maoris as Aoraki. Tours take you to the heart of the Mount Cook National Park where you can marvel at the breathtaking peak alongside numerous glaciers and crystal-clear Alpine lakes. If you have time, make sure to make the short hike to the Tasman Glacier.
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Quake City
Christchurch made world headlines in 2011 when a devastating earthquake flattened much of its Victorian core and claimed the lives of nearly 200 people. The fateful day is immortalized at Quake City, a museum dedicated to preserving fragments of the ruined city, including the cathedral’s famed Rose Window, and the traumatic experiences of locals.
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TranzAlpine
One of the world’s greatest train journeys leaves daily from Christchurch on a circular route. Starting nearly the Southern Ocean, the train climbs towards the Southern Alps providing breathtaking views of the glacier-capped peaks before descending towards the picturesque town of Greymouth on the Tasman Sea coast.
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International Antarctic Center
Owing to its position on the shores of the Southern Ocean, Christchurch is known worldwide as the gateway to Antarctica. The International Antarctic Center was built to coordinate the efforts of New Zealand, America and Italy’s expeditions to the frozen continent and today it houses a museum that offers fascinating insight into the world’s last great frontier. Tours of the museum encompass a series of thrilling exhibits, including a -18 °C ‘storm chamber’ and the chance to take a ride in a Hägglund – a vehicle specially designed for Antarctica.
