Christchurch Travel Guide With Most Visited Tourist Attractions

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second-largest city and the gateway to the South Island. A picturesque city bordered by hills and the Pacific Ocean, it is situated on the edge of the Canterbury Plains that stretch to the Southern Alps. The city is also known as Garden City.

While on your Christchurch tour, you will realize that the city, along with its people, is full of hope, optimism, and joy. As recent as 2011 and 2012, the city was devastated by earthquakes. However, the fighting spirit along with an optimistic attitude of the people prevailed and the city bounced back. Some of the ruins can still be found.  Plan ahead with our easy Christchurch itinerary 4 days to get the memorable attractions on the way of your visit to Christchurch.

CLIMATE AND BEST TIMES:

The city of Christchurch has a temperate climate.

Summer lasts from December through February and winter lasts from June through August. Summers are mild and pleasant while winters tend to be dry and harsh.

The best time to visit Christchurch is between the months of October to April.

GET IN:

By Air: Christchurch International Airport is New Zealand’s second largest airport. It services 7 different airlines connecting the city with domestic centers and 10 international airports, namely, Bangkok, Brisbane, Dubai, Gold Coast, Melbourne, Nadi, Perth, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo.

By Train: KiwiRail, Coastal Pacific, and TranzAlpine connect Christchurch to neighboring regions.

By Ferry: Ferries connect Christchurch to cities such as Wellington and Picton.

By Road: State Highway 1 connects Christchurch to neighboring towns and cities.

GET AROUND:

By Tram: The Christchurch Tramway runs in a small loop in the inner part of the city.

By Bus: Busses although up and running are less frequent with few stops.

By Car: Many tourists find it convenient to rent a car and traverse the city on their own.

By Taxi: Taxis are available for hire in Christchurch. Although, they tend to be a bit expensive.

By Bicycle: Exploring the city on a bicycle is the best way to do it! The city has dedicated lanes for bicycle riders.

Find Most Visited Tourist Attraction of Christchurch

International Antarctic Centre:

One of New Zealand’s award-winning attractions, the International Antarctic Centre is a must visit while on your trip to Christchurch. It has been designed in such a way that one can enjoy the fun of Antarctica without actually going there! You’ll get to experience snow and ice, survive an Antarctic Storm, learn about life in modern-day Antarctica and hang out with Penguins!  A major attraction over here is the exciting Hagglund ride! They also have a simulated 4D cruise!

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve:

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a wildlife park which is home to New Zealand’s Big 5- Kiwi, Kea, Tuatara, bush parrot Kaka and the Takahe. Apart from these, other animals that can be found at the reserve are Fallow Deer, Wallabies, Capuchins, Otters, Lemurs, Peacocks, Goats, Miniature Horses, and a lot more.

Air Force Museum of New Zealand:

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand has on display premier military aviation collections- aircraft, engines and assorted parts, medals, weapons, pin-ups, parachute-silk wedding dresses and a lot more. While on a visit, marvel at the collection of 28 classic aircraft, fly a simulator and experience life in the Air Force.

Orana Wildlife Park:

Situated near Christchurch Airport, the Orana Wildlife Park is spread across 80 hectares (198 acres). Animal encounters are a specialty of this park. Feed Giraffes, meet a rhino, feed a Lemur, say hi to a kiwi or travel through the Lion reserve! The Orana Wildlife Park is also known for its involvement in zoo-based breeding programmes. So the entry fees that you pay are utilized for a good cause.

Canterbury Museum:

Located within an architecturally magnificent building, the Canterbury Museum was started in the year 1870. The museum started with a collection of moa bones and bird skins, but today, the collections comprise more than 2.1 million items encompassing Antarctic expeditions, Canterbury settlement, ethnology and natural history.

TranzAlpine Ride:

The TranzAlpine ride is a very scenic train ride between Christchurch and Greymouth. If you start from Christchurch, on the way, you traverse farmlands, deep gorges, the Waimakariri River and finally through the Southern Alps into Greymouth. The ride is perhaps one of the most scenic train trips anywhere in the world.

Hagley Park:

Spread across 400 acres, the Hagley Park has been a city landmark since the 1850s. The park is a major sporting and cultural focal point as well with netball courts, a golf course and soccer and rugby pitches. It also has a jogging/ running track. Situated with Hagley Park is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. They are the city’s most popular, most visited and most loved attraction. The Botanic Gardens boast of an annual footfall of 1.1 million visitors.

Cathedral Square:

The Cathedral Square is Christchurch’s main square and serves as a hangout for the people of the city. In the evening, the square comes alive and is bustling with street performers. While on your visit to the square, do check out the ruins of the Christchurch Cathedral. The cathedral was destroyed in the devastating earthquake of 2011. Another attraction is the Chalice. It is a large piece of modern sculpture in the form of an inverted cone and attracts a lot of photographers. There is also a huge board of chess at the square.

Port Hills:

The Port Hills are a range of hills in New Zealand. They are situated between the city of Christchurch and Lyttelton. The Port Hills are a trekker’s paradise! The hills are full of running and cycling tracks and walkways and hiking trails. Some of the trails include Bridle Path, Rapaki Track, Bowenvale- Sugarloaf Circuit and Huntsbury Track.

Christchurch Casino:

If gambling is on your mind, head over to the Christchurch Casino. It was New Zealand’s first casino when it opened back in the year 1994. Hosting 36 table games, 500 slot machines, 4 bars, 3 restaurants, live bands on weekends and poker championships, the Christchurch Casino is the place to be while your night out in town.

You can best explore the city with Christchurch itineraries and take the perfect glimpse of the city and get the memorable trip planned.

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