Christchurch, internationally recognised as “The Garden City”, is famous for its many beautiful parks, leafy avenues, meandering rivers and spectacular gardens. With the centrally located Hagley Park and Botanic Gardens five minutes walk from the CBD, the rugged Port Hills as a stunning backdrop, and an abundance of activities, attractions, festivals and art & culture, Christchurch has plenty to explore.

Experience a multitude of must-see attractions, including the Art Centre, Museum and Art Gallery, take a tram through the central city, picnic on the grassy banks of the Avon River or ride the Gondola for magnificent views across the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps.

Other varied attractions include the International Antarctic Centre, Orana Wildlife Park, cruising on Lyttelton Harbour or a stroll through the Cultural Precinct - education, art, science, government, religion, history and recreation all within an area of less than a square kilometer in the heart of the city.

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.

Day Trips

Enjoy a scenic drive from Christchurch with breath-taking views of the harbour bays as you drive over the summit of the Port Hills to Akaroa. Spend the day enjoying the many cafés, restaurants, art & craft shops and galleries, or take a cruise on the beautiful harbour and view a variety of stunning wildlife including seals, penguins, birdlife and the endangered Hectors dolphins.

North of Christchurch is Waipara, a rapidly growing wine region producing world class wine. With 24 wine producers in the region, including 11 cellar door operations and 3 vineyard based restaurants, there are ample opportunities to sample the local wine & food or tour a vineyard.

Further north is Hamner Springs where you can relax in the hot pools at the Hamner Springs thermal reserve. Or you can travel up the coast to Kaikoura and take a Whale Watch tour, swim with the dolphins or sample the local delicacy of fresh crayfish.