Christchurch Attractions
Boating on the Avon
Visitors can see a different aspect of Christchurch from a punt on the slow River Avon. Punts can be hired at the visitor center or at the old Antigua Boatsheds in Cambridge Terrace.
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Canterbury Museum
(Hagley Park)
The Canterbury Museum is located in an 1870s building. It focuses on the history of Christchurch, and features impressive Maori woodcarvings.
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Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square has long been the main hub of the city, and home to the famous Christchurch Cathedral and other impressive late 19th and early 20th C buildings.
Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament
The Roman Catholic Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament is the finest neo-Renaissance church in New Zealand. The cathedral (1901-05), with a high dome over the crossing, was designed by FW Petre and was much admired by George Bernard Shaw.
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Christchurch Cathedral
(Cathedral Square)
This famous landmark of Christchurch was built in the late 19th C. In 2011 a devastating earthquake severely damaged the cathedral.
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Provincial Council Buildings
The Provincial Council Buildings were built in the 1860s by Benjamin Mountfort. The main highlight is the Council Chamber.
Town Hall
Northeast of the Provincial Council Buildings, in Victoria Square, is the eye-catching modern town hall (1972). This attractive and imposing building was designed by the Christchurch architects Warren and Mahoney. Within the complex are an auditorium seating 2000 and a restaurant.
Bridge of Remembrance
Further south is the Bridge of Remembrance, built in 1923 as a memorial to the New Zealanders who fell in the first world war.
Centre of Contemporary Art (formerly Canterbury Society of Arts Gallery)
The gallery specializes in modern art. There is a showroom with works for sale.
In 1996 the name was changed from Canterbury Society of Arts Gallery to The Centre of Contemporary Art.
In 1996 the name was changed from Canterbury Society of Arts Gallery to The Centre of Contemporary Art.
Centre of Contemporary Art
66 Gloucester Street
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
66 Gloucester Street
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 12:00 | 12:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Christ's College
Christ's College, to the north of the Canterbury Museum, was established soon after the foundation of Christchurch as a boys' secondary school in the tradition of the British grammar school. The earliest buildings date from 1857. The Big School (1863), designed by Superintendent FitzGerald, is the oldest school building still in use in New Zealand. The New Classrooms (1886) were designed by Benjamin Mountfort, the Dining Hall on the street front, the Hare Library with the clock and Jacob's House (1915-25) by Cecil Wood.
Christchurch Club
In Latimer Square, to the east of the cathedral, is the Christchurch Club (by Benjamin Mountfort, 1861), an imposing wooden building in Italian Renaissance style. This was the meeting place of the wool barons and owners of the great sheep farms. The writer Samuel Butler was also a member, though he complained that his fellow-members could talk of nothing but money and sheep.
Christchurch Gondola
The Christchurch Gondola takes passengers 500 metres above sea level. From the top there is a 360° view over Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean to Kaikoura and across the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps.
Christchurch Gondola
10 Bridle Path Road
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
10 Bridle Path Road
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 | 21:00 |
Christchurch International Airport
Christchurch International Airport is located 12 km (7.2 miles) from the city center. It is the primary airport on the South Island, offering a range of domestic and international flights.
Christchurch International Airport Ltd
Box 14-001
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
Box 14-001
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
Mona Vale
Northwest of Hagley Park, on the banks of the Avon, is the mansion of Mona Vale (1905), set in a 4ha park planted with mature trees.
The housed is leased as a restaurant and function center.
The housed is leased as a restaurant and function center.
Regent Theatre
The Edwardian-style Regent Theatre was built in 1905 as the Royal Exchange Building. It was converted into a cinema in 1930.
Rugby, Cricket and Sport Museum
In Lancaster Park is the Rugby, Cricket and Sport Museum.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 | 16:00 |
Scott Memorial
Opposite the visitor center is a memorial honoring Robert Falcon Scott, who set out from Christchurch in 1912 on the expedition that took him to the South Pole after Roald Amundsen, and to his death on the return journey. The memorial, erected in 1917, was the work of his widow Kathleen (Lady Kennett), a sculptor.
St Michael and All Angels
To the west of the cathedral, is the church of St Michael and All Angels (by WF Crisp, 1872), the oldest surviving Anglican wooden church. It has a beautiful interior and fine stained glass. The free-standing bell tower (1861) was designed by Benjamin Mountfort.
St Michael and All Angels
84 Oxford Terrace
Christchurch, Canterbury 8001
New Zealand
84 Oxford Terrace
Christchurch, Canterbury 8001
New Zealand
Theatre Royal
The Edwardian-style Theatre Royal in nearby Gloucester Street was built in 1908 to the design of the Luttrell brothers. It has a very handsome auditorium.
Theatre Royal
145 Gloucester Street
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
145 Gloucester Street
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
Trinity Centre
Behind the cathedral is the State Trinity Centre, originally a church (by Benjamin Mountfort, 1874) and now used for lectures and meetings.
Victoria Clock Tower
Northwest of the Town Hall is a clock tower that was originally intended for the Provincial Council Buildings but turned out to be too heavy for their roof. It was moved to its present site on a massive stone plinth in 1930.
Victoria Square
In Victoria Square are a green-patinated bronze statue of Queen Victoria (1903) and another of Captain Cook (1932).
Women Memorial
Beyond the visitor center is the Women Memorial, the city's newest bronze memorial, erected in 1993 on the 100th anniversary of the confirmation of women's right to vote.
Christchurch Surroundings
Christchurch National Marae (Nga Hau E Wha)
This new marae (assembly place) in the eastern suburb of Aranui is not meant only for Maoris.
Of particular note are the carved entrance gateway and the meeting house, in modern style, with carvings in the tradition of various tribes.
Of particular note are the carved entrance gateway and the meeting house, in modern style, with carvings in the tradition of various tribes.
Mount Cavendish
From the end of Tunnel Road the Mount Cavendish Gondola, a cableway, runs up to the summit of Mount Cavendish, on which there are viewing terraces and a restaurant. There are breathtaking panoramas of the city, the coast and the wide plain extending to the Southern Alps.
Air Force Museum
To the southwest of Christchurch, on the old Wigram airfield (9km west of the city center), is the Museum of the Royal New Zealand Air Force, with a number of old military aircraft, aeronautical apparatus and flying equipment. There are also showings of war films.
Air Force Museum
Private Bag 4739
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
Private Bag 4739
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Bridal Path
The steep Bridle Path followed by the early settlers runs over the hills from Lyttleton Harbour to Christchurch.
Ferrymead Historic Park
At Mount Pleasant is Ferrymead Historic Park, an open-air museum with a reconstruction of a pioneer settlement, an old tram and a stretch of old railroad line on which the first train in New Zealand ran in 1863.
All values are in New Zealand Dollars
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Ferrymead Park Drive
Christchurch, Canterbury 8002
New Zealand
Ferrymead Park Drive
Christchurch, Canterbury 8002
New Zealand
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 | 16:30 |
Always closed on:
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
| Family | $ 16.00 |
| Adult | $ 6.00 |
| Child 15 & under | $ 3.00 |
| Child 5 & under | FREE |
International Antarctic Centre
The International Antarctic Centre offers a fun, exciting and hands-on experience for the whole family to enjoy. Exhibits include the indoor Snow & Ice Experience, New Zealand's first combined indoor/outdoor penguin viewing area, known as the Penguin Encounter, featuring Little Blue penguins as well as an outdoor adventure ride in the Hagglund, a genuine Antarctic all-terrain vehicle.
All values are in New Zealand Dollars
International Antarctic Centre
38 Orchard Road
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
38 Orchard Road
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
Hours
May 1 to September 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 | 17:30 |
October 1 to April 30
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 | 9:00 |
| Close | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 | 19:00 |
Always opened on:
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
| Family | $ 145.00 |
| Adult | $ 55.00 |
| Students | $ 46.00 |
| Senior | $ 46.00 |
| Child 15 & under | $ 36.00 |
Hagglund Ride Only (unlimited all day rides) $20.00
Penguin Backstage Pass (Optional Extra)
Adult $20.00 Child (5-15 years) $15.00
Facilities
Gift shop
Restaurant or food service
Restaurant or food service
Ngaio Marsh House
The house (1907) in the Cashmere district once occupied by Ngaio Marsh, the well-known author of detective stories, actress and theater director, is now a museum.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | ||||||
| Close |
Guides
Guided tour included with admission.
Orana Park Wildlife Reserve
Near the airport is the Orana Park Wildlife Reserve, Christchurch's zoo, with open-air enclosures reproducing natural conditions and a much-visited nocturnal house for kiwis.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Queen Elizabeth II Park
Queen Elizabeth II Park is a large park to the northeast of the city with facilities for various sports was laid out for the 1974 Commonwealth Games. Particular attractions are the giant water slide and a large maze.
Red Cliffs
At Red Cliffs, near Monck's Bay, is a cave in which Julius von Haast found large numbers of moa bones in 1872.
Riccarton House (Deans Cottage)
Some distance west of Hagley Park is Riccarton House (1856), the former residence of the Dean family, in a park that has been left in its natural state. The family was settled here before the arrival of the Canterbury pilgrims. The little cottage that they built in 1843 is open to the public as a museum.
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | Closed | 14:00 |
| Close |
Sign of Kiwi
The Sign of Kiwi is a roadhouse on the Summit Road built on the initiative of Harry Ell.
Sign of Takahe
In the Cashmere district is the Sign of Takahe. This house, with the aspect of a small castle, was built for Harry Ell, a local politician who was active in the campaign for the preservation of the Port Hills between Christchurch and Lyttleton. Only half-finished when he died in 1934, it was completed by the city in 1949 and is now a restaurant. From the hills there are fine views.
Sign of Takahe
200 Hackthorne Road
Cashmere
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
200 Hackthorne Road
Cashmere
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
Hours
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | Closed | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | 18:00 | Closed |
| Close | 23:00 | 23:00 | 23:00 | 23:00 | 23:00 |
Te Whatu Manawa Orehua
This magnificently carved Maori meeting house (1906) stands on the Rehua marae (assembly place) in Springfield Road.
Yaldhurst Museum of Transport and Science
12km west of the city center is the Yaldhurst Transport Museum, with a collection of veteran and vintage cars.
The Museum complex is set in the grounds of an early colonial homestead, originally built in 1876.
The Museum complex is set in the grounds of an early colonial homestead, originally built in 1876.
Yaldhurst Museum of Transport and Science
School Road
Yaldhurst RD 6
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
School Road
Yaldhurst RD 6
Christchurch, Canterbury
New Zealand
Hours
July 1 to May 31
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Open | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 | 10:00 |
| Close | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 |
Always closed on:
Christmas - Christian (December 25)
Attractions in Other Popular Destinations
More New Zealand Resources
- Christchurch tours & day trips by Viator