Christchurch, the “Garden City”, with its many beautiful parks, leafy avenues, meandering rivers, and stunning gardens is perfect for exploring on foot. Stroll through the spectacular Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, centrally located only 5mins walk from the central city, or discover Christchurch's art, culture and history, and visit the Arts Centre, Museum and Art Gallery.
Catch a tram through the central city, punt on the Avon, or ride the Gondola to the top of Mt Cavendish and enjoy stunning 360° views over Pegasus Bay, Banks Peninsula and the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps. Stroll through the Cultural Precinct - education, art, science, government, religion, history & recreation all within a square kilometer in the heart of the city - browse through the unique and diverse retail outlets, or take time out at a restaurant or café on The Strip and enjoy a glass of wine and fabulous food or just sit and sip a coffee and watch the world go by.
Other varied local attractions include visiting the International Antarctic Centre (experience life in the Antarctic complete with a penguin encounter and a snow and ice experience), Orana Park Wildlife Park (NZ's only open range zoo with animal encounters on a daily basis) or taking a Lyttelton Harbour Cruise to view the endangered Hector's dolphins.
Christchurch is the international gateway to the South Island, and the surrounding area is a diverse and varied landscape of rugged ocean beaches, wide braided rivers, spectacular gorges, fertile plains, and beyond to the majestic Southern Alps. From bungi-jumping, jet boating and skiing for the thrill seekers, to hiking in the Port Hills, visiting award winning wineries or punting on the Avon for those wanting a more relaxing holiday, Christchurch has it all.
Enjoy a scenic drive from Christchurch with breathtaking views of the harbour bays as you drive over the summit of the Port Hills to Akaroa. Travel north of Christchurch to Waipara (a rapidly growing wine region producing world class wine), continue inland to Hanmer Springs and relax in the hot pools, or head further north to Kaikoura where you can take a Whale Watch tour, swim with the dolphins or sample the local delicacy of crayfish.
