Christchurch

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens is home to an array of beautifully preserved gardens and conservatories, New Zealand blooms and native trees, and exquisite flowering and fragrant herb gardens. Established in 1863, the arboretum began as a single English oak tree that was planted to celebrate the marriage of Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark and has grown into one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants in the country. Other notable attractions in the park include the early 1900s Peacock Fountain, the original Curator’s House, which is now a casual restaurant serving light fare, and the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial.

Rolleston Ave, Christchurch City Centre Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand, Phone: +64-39-41-89-99

The TranzAlpine Train and rail journey is an epic train adventure that travels through spectacular natural landscapes between Christchurch and Greymouth. The five-hour journey covers 139 miles of incredible terrain in the South Island’s West Coast region, including the splendid Canterbury Plains, vast tracts of native beech forest, the winding glacier ice-fed Waimakariri River, and the majestic Southern Alps. The TranzAlpine rail journey operates daily.

Christchurch Railway Station, Troup Drive, Addington Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand

Hagley Park is a vast urban green space with large open spaces and towering trees that offers a tranquil area with numerous recreational facilities for the public to enjoy. Established in 1855 by the Provincial Government, the 165-hectare park was named after the country estate of the same name owned by Lord Lyttelton. Bisected by Riccarton Avenue and interlaced with the Avon River, which winds its way through the park, Hagley Park offers an array of recreational activities, including jogging, cycling, picnicking, boating and kayaking on the river. The park also has facilities for petanque, croquet, golf, netball, and tennis.

14 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch Central Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand

The Bridge of Remembrance is a famous memorial dedicated to the soldiers who died in the First World War and honors the memory of those who took part in following wars and conflicts like the Second World War, Borneo, Malaya, Korea, and Vietnam. Built in 1873 by civil engineer Edward George Wright, the Bridge of Remembrance spans the Avon River, connecting Cashel Street to the Oxford and Cambridge Terraces and was pedestrianized on Anzac Day in 1977. The Bridge of Remembrance is one of two such memorials in the city.

Cashel Street, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand, Phone: +64-33-79-96-29

Godley Head - Awaroa is a projecting headland at the entrance of the Lyttelton Harbour that offers a spectacular coastal walk with scenic views. Also known as Awaroa or Otokitoki to the Maori, or Cachalot Head as it was called by early French explorers, the peninsula is named after John Robert Godley, founder of Christchurch. The headland is a nationally significant heritage site with the remains of a distinguished World War II coastal defense battery and historic military buildings and features a network of scenic walking trails that boast unfettered views of Lyttelton Harbour, Taylor’s Mistake, New Brighton Beach, and the city.

Sumner, Christchurch, 8081, New Zealand

Standing sentry in the heart of Christchurch, the Victoria Clock Tower is an architectural landmark and much-loved icon of the city. Also known as the Diamond Jubilee Clock Tower, the heritage-registered clock tower was designed by Benjamin Mountfort, constructed in Coventry, England in 1860 and sent to Christchurch in 142 packages. The clock tower was seriously damaged during the earthquake that hit the city in 2011, which stopped the clock face at 12:51. After being lovingly restored to its former glory, the Clock Tower was fitted with a time capsule for future generations to discover. The Victoria Clock Tower now stands proudly on the corner of Montreal and Victoria Streets.

95 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central Christchurch, 8013, New Zealand, Phone: +64-39-41-89-99

Riccarton House & Bush is a historic 12-acre New Zealand heritage site that features two landmark buildings, one of which is the Riccarton House, and beautifully manicured gardens and grounds. Forming part of the Riccarton estate, the elegant Victorian-Edwardian homestead was built in three stages from 1856 to 1900 for the Deans family, who were the primary pioneers of the Canterbury region. The estate is bordered by the River Avon and native floodplain forests of centuries-old Kahikatea trees that were established in the area over 3,000 years ago.

16 Kahu Road, Riccarton Christchurch, 8041, New Zealand, Phone: +64-33-41-10-18

The International Antarctic Centre is an interactive museum that takes visitors on a journey to Antarctica, immersing them into the world’s coldest and most remote continent. Located at the International Airport, the center features a range of exhibits and immersive experiences including off-road Hägglund vehicle rides, meeting Huskies, mingling with little blue penguins, and feeling the cold in an indoor Antarctic Storm simulation room. The center is an educational institution for all ages that aims to teach visitors about the fragile environment in Antarctica, the wildlife and ecosystems that call it home, and the human impact on the continent. The International Antarctic Centre is home to the New Zealand, Italian, and American Antarctic Programs.

38 Orchard Road, Christchurch, 8052, New Zealand, Phone: +64-33-57-05-19

The Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is one of the comprehensive native wildlife parks in New Zealand, offering visitors an up-close experience with some of the country’s rare endemic species. Founded in 1974 by the Willis family, the nature reserve highlights the natural heritage of New Zealand through innovative exhibits and personal interactive experiences and boasts an exceptional display of native species. Willowbank is home to over 50 different animal species, including rare and endangered farm species, such as Arapawa Island goats, Kune Kune pigs, Auckland Island pigs, Damara sheep, and Enderby Island rabbits. The reserve runs a breeding program for kiwis and has a glass-free nocturnal house for the protected birds. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve also takes part in a variety of conservation programs, educational workshops, and rescue initiatives.

60 Hussey Road, Northwood Christchurch, 8051, New Zealand, Phone: +64-33-59-62-26

The Isaac Theatre Royal is a beautifully restored Historical Edwardian Heritage Theatre that hosts an array of performances throughout the year. Opened in 1908 and formerly known as the Theatre Royal, the historic Edwardian-style theater is the only operational one of its kind and is the premier venue for the theatrical arts industry in Christchurch. The grand old lady has 1,266 seats over three levels and is home to several top national performing arts companies and hosts a variety of musicals, recitals, concerts, and community events throughout the year.

145 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand, Phone: +64-33-66-63-26