The city of Christchurch is located just north of Banks Peninsula, on the east coast of New Zealand’s South Island. It is New Zealand’s only predominantly flat major city, and with a population of 300,000, is the South Island’s largest city. Because Christchurch is flat, getting around is easy, whether walking or cycling.

Christchurch has such extensive parks and gardens in the inner city, including the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, it has earned its name, the Garden City.

Christchurch has also been called the most English city outside England, which is reflected in local styles and architecture. A neo-gothic Anglican cathedral lies at the centre of the city, Cathedral Square, where crowds gather to listen to buskers and speakers, including the iconic Wizard of Christchurch.

The city centre is a particularly dynamic place, offering numerous opportunities to shop, sightsee, and socialise. It’s surprisingly easy to get about. You can hop aboard one of the beautifully restored vintage trams, jump on a free shuttle, hire a vintage car or bicycle, enjoy a gentle punt on the Avon River or simply stroll about on foot. One thing is clear, it’s worth taking in Christchurch’s compact city centre at a leisurely pace.

Surrounding the city there are a multitude of activities for all walks of life. Including golf courses and driving ranges, tennis courts, wild life parks, walking tracks, cycle tracks, wind surfing, boating and much more. During the winter there are great ski fields within 1-2 hours drive, and the sea and river fishing.

<h2>Attractions</h2>

  • Arts Centre & Galleries
  • Hagley Park & Botanic Gardens
  • Cathedral Square – Centre of Christchurch
  • Mona Vale – Punting, homestead, gardens
  • City loop on the Tram
  • Punting on the River Avon
  • Southern Encounter Aquarium
  • Riccarton House and Deans Bush
  • Christchurch Gondola

<h2>Day Trips</h2>

Orana Wildlife Park

  • Feed the giraffes in tranquil, spacious surroundings

Willowbank

  • Wildlife Reserve, observe the national icon the Kiwi

Akaroa

  • Take the Black Cat Cruise around the Banks Peninsula and spot the dolphins

Kaikoura

  • Go Whale Watching

Hanmer Springs

  • Relax in the Thermal Springs

Antarctic Centre

  • Experience the challenging Antarctic environment