Things to do in Christchurch in July
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Overview
July is a less popular time to visit Christchurch. The weather is usually cold and breezy, with temperatures ranging from 40—52°F (4—11°C). There are plenty of events to check out and activities to try in Christchurch during this time. Some of our top recommendations: visit the International Antarctic Centre, take a day trip to Akaroa, go on a hot air balloon ride over the Canterbury Plains, and more!
Christchurch has plenty to offer for visitors of all ages and interests. In this article, we tell you the top things to see and do for your July trip to Christchurch. Get inspired by the events, activities, attractions, and experiences unique to July. We’ll let you know where to explore events based on your interests, whether that’s food, culture, art, music, sport or others.
We’ll let you know everything you need to prepare for the weather in Christchurch in July. Learn about what to wear and pack for your trip, the average temperatures throughout July, temperature changes from morning to evening and much more.
Visiting Christchurch? See our Christchurch Trip Planner.Table of contents
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Best events and things to do in Christchurch in July
Top experiences in July
Visit the International Antarctic Centre
The International Antarctic Centre offers a unique opportunity to experience the wonders of Antarctica without leaving Christchurch. In July, the centre hosts special winter-themed exhibits and activities, allowing you to learn about the continent's unique wildlife, climate, and research stations.
Take a day trip to Akaroa
In July, the charming seaside town of Akaroa is a peaceful and picturesque destination for a day trip from Christchurch. You can explore the town's French-inspired architecture, enjoy a leisurely stroll along the waterfront, and sample delicious local cuisine at the town's cafes and restaurants.
Go on a hot air balloon ride over the Canterbury Plains
July is a great time to take a hot air balloon ride over the Canterbury Plains, as the crisp winter air offers clear, panoramic views of the stunning landscape below. Drifting peacefully above the countryside, you can take in the beauty of the snow-covered plains and distant mountains.
Explore the Christchurch Arts Centre
The Christchurch Arts Centre is a hub of creativity and culture, featuring a range of art galleries, studios, and performance spaces. In July, the Arts Centre hosts special winter-themed exhibitions and events, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local arts scene.
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Take a scenic helicopter tour of the Southern Alps
In July, the Southern Alps are covered in a blanket of snow, creating a breathtaking winter wonderland. A scenic helicopter tour allows you to take in the stunning views of the snow-capped mountains and glaciers from a unique perspective, making for an unforgettable experience.
Go whale watching in Kaikoura
July is the perfect time to go whale watching in Kaikoura, as the cold waters attract a variety of marine life, including sperm whales, humpback whales, and dolphins. A whale watching tour offers a unique opportunity to see these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens for the winter garden display
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are a must-visit in July, as they host a special winter garden display featuring a stunning array of winter flowers and plants. The gardens are transformed into a magical winter wonderland, offering a peaceful and serene escape from the city.
Go skiing at Mount Hutt
July is the peak of the ski season in Christchurch, and Mount Hutt is one of the best places to hit the slopes. With its stunning alpine scenery and wide range of ski runs, Mount Hutt offers an unforgettable skiing experience for both beginners and experienced skiers.
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Holidays in Christchurch in July
July
There are no holidays in Christchurch in July
Other notable holidays
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Weather in Christchurch in July
Temperatures on an average day in Christchurch in July
The average temperature in Christchurch in July for a typical day ranges from a high of 52°F (11°C) to a low of 40°F (4°C). Some would describe it as cold and breezy.
For comparison, the hottest month in Christchurch, February, has days with highs of 74°F (23°C) and lows of 55°F (13°C). The coldest month, July has days with highs of 52°F (11°C) and lows of 40°F (4°C). This graph shows how an average day looks like in Christchurch in July based on historical data.
Visiting Christchurch? See our Christchurch Trip Planner.
Historical temperature average in July
52°F
highs40°F
lowsGeneral weather summary
Cold and breezy
Feels like
23%
Chance of rain
0.066 in
Amount
15.2 mph
Wind speed
78%
Humidity
9.3 hrs
Daylight length
7:56 AM
Sunrise
5:12 PM
Sunset
49%
Cloud cover
Jacket
What to wear
What to wear in July
With an average high of 52°F (11°C) and a low of 40°F (4°C), it generally feels cold and breezy. With that in mind, most people would dress in something warm like a jacket
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Best attractions for Christchurch in July
Besides the array of exciting events and activities Christchurch has to offer for travelers in July, we want to remind you of the classic attractions in Christchurch that are great to visit at this time of the year as well! You can’t miss these iconic landmarks, local favorites, and places rich with cultural heritage. We hope to give you insights and inspiration into the best things to see and do to make the most of your visit. Here is a list of our top attractions in Christchurch for July.
1. Christchurch Botanic Gardens
4.7
(12848)
Botanical garden
Nature & Parks
These gardens in Hagley Park feature native & exotic plants outdoors & in several conservatories.
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Always an amazing place for a walk any time of year. Beautifully curated with many different zones for different plants. Lots of choices for picnic spots. Each of the tropical houses or fern houses are a must see with the range of colourful flowers and plants
A beautiful place. Visited from Auckland and spent a good few hours here, can’t beat it on a gorgeous sunny day! Lots if birds who all look very happy, plus a range of trees, flowers and stunning scenery. The conservatory is a great experience and full of interesting plants. Will definitely be back!
Not without a reason this city is called Garden City. Regardless of the time of they year and if you are a local or visiting tourist - Botanic Gardens never disappoint. It’s one of the most beautiful gardens in New Zealand. Plenty of walkways to explore amazing collections of flowers, bushes and some of the oldest trees in the country. Walkways by the river are especially rewarding and calming with the water. There are some “hidden” houses offering some indoor plants and tropical flora, rose garden is especially beautiful during blooming time in spring, but so is everything else. Autumn colours have it’s unique charm too. Something for everyone, families, couples and groups. For parents with kids there is dedicated playground area. Parking places are quite limited but there are some surrounding streets around Harley Park where you can always find a spot.
My favourite place in Christchurch! Beautiful, calm, well maintained. The trails are easy, clean and there are many surprises along the way, such as small lakes, birds, different types of trees, flowers and other plants. The place is magical
Absolutely gorgeous place. I could spend all day in this garden and still not see everything. I went during summer and it was beautiful and I felt at peace! This is a must see place in Christchurch. The garden is divided into areas with plants from different regions. I hope to go back here some day!
Beautiful! Love beautiful flowers & colors during spring and plentiful roses (in rose garden) in early summer. You'll amaze to see many types of roses with various colors! They have playground and small pool (open on summer) and its kid's friendly park. Love to come here with kids
Lovely botanical garden during spring. Lots of flowers from azalea, magnolias and camellias. Roses are in bud flowers, need to wait a little bit for the blossoms. Lot of flowers too in the hot house as you can see on the picture. Another little house for the fern with wood moas. Car park is free during three hours, it is enough to visit all the park.
Beautiful place to visit, relax and take a stroll. Running around it is the Avon river, which has ducks, eels and sometimes Swan's
Playground for the children and an ice cream shop close by. Great place for a picnic or to have sometime to sit and read a book.
The greenhouse has many tropical plants, everything from banana plant to cactus.
Must see gardens if you are visiting Christchurch
Came early on a sunny Sunday as easier to get parking. The grounds are well maintained with lots of areas and trees/flowers to explore. The visitors centre coffee shop is a good place to stop for a break. Watch out for the birds trying to get your sandwiches!
A beautiful spot to wander around just outside of the centre of Christchurch. Full of constantly changing beds of flowers and a variety of indoor areas you'll almost always find something new.
The rose garden is particularly special and there's even a heritage rose garden hidden away on the other side of the Avon River. The fountains and statues throughout the park provide a widely varied experience and the New Zealand gardens can even provide you a glimpse of what the wild West Coast is like.
Easily one of the best features of the Garden City Ōtautahi Christchurch. I absolutely love the Botanic Gardens and frequently visit for a stroll with friends or by myself as it is so refreshing. There's lots of birdsong and gorgeous flowers all year round. No matter how many times I visit there is always something new to see! I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city.
The gardens are completely free. We did, however, book a guided tour in a little bus, which was $25pp. I never thought I would see a Californian Red Wood tree in my lifetime, and they have 7 of them in the park. Well, it's worth a visit. It's definitely one of the best parks I have seen in all my travels.
The Botanical Gardens in Christchurch are absolutely stunning. Beautifully maintained, filled with diverse plant life, and perfect for a peaceful walk. A must-visit for nature enthusiasts. Highly recommended!
Loved the gardens and the 2 lovely staff we saw (at Door 1) adding touches to the fairy walk for the July 2022 school holidays.
Highly recommend checking out the amazing tree near the peacock fountain!
Look forward to the next school holiday activity there!
Free parking, lots of beautiful gardens and the river flowing through the middle. Very peaceful and recommend a visit while in Christchurch.
So many gorgeous flowers, interesting buildings and good public amenities.
We had a travel pram with okay (not great) wheels - we got a bit stuck in some of the gravel paths - sunk into the gravel and pushing was a challenge.
Definitely a five star experience, so good we had to go back for a second visit. Magnificent trees. Avon river running through only adds to the experience. Don't miss the heritage rose garden - in full flower November, and the cottage vegetable garden.
One of my favorite go-to places to relax. Spring time is the best season to visit as the flowers are in full bloom. All sorts of colors will flood your senses 🥰 Aside from that, there's also a playground with a paddling pool nearby so the kids will also enjoy.
Christchurch Botanic Garden is an absolute gem in the heart of the city! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I recently had the pleasure of visiting this serene oasis, and it exceeded all my expectations. The garden's beauty is unmatched, with a vast collection of plants and flowers that will delight any nature lover. 🌿🌺
The diverse range of themed gardens, including the Rose Garden and the Water Garden, offers a delightful experience for every season. The carefully manicured landscapes, stunning floral displays, and tranquil water features create a sense of peace and tranquility. 🌷💧
One of the highlights for me was the Avon River, which gently winds its way through the garden. You can even take a punt ride for a unique perspective of the surroundings. 🚣♂️
The garden's free entry is a bonus, making it accessible to all. It's a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or simply finding a quiet corner to relax and escape the city's hustle and bustle. 🧺🌞
Overall, Christchurch Botanic Garden is a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike. Whether you're a botany enthusiast, a photographer, or just someone looking for a peaceful retreat, this place has something for everyone. 📸🌲
I couldn't recommend it more highly, and I can't wait to return to witness its beauty in different seasons. Don't miss out on this green paradise in the heart of Christchurch!" 🌳💚
Amazing plant inventory and historic plantings that survived the earthquake. Loved the little golf cart train tour with Karen's commentary. Lots of history and info. Great cafe at the mid point. Would definitely go again. Allow minimum 2 hours to half a day.
Huge gardens you can spend hours walking around, there are lots of benches around the place you can sit and relax, and a couple of little cafes. There's a river going through it with heaps of ducks which is cute. Relaxing place to spend time if you enjoy nature and walking around
It's a beautiful place to go for a walk. There's lots to see when wandering around, to see different fauna and flora. The rose garden and the dahlias were blooming beautifully. The plant houses and the fern house are great places to explore. The botanic garden is just near the city centre and free to visit. Car park and toilets available.
Absolutely beautiful gardens. Whilst following the river, we arrived at the Gardens, accidentally. It was free, so we went in and I highly recommend it. It was gorgeous and we saw so many types of birds. The central rose gardens was in full bloom, the greenhouse was gorgeous, and the overall place was so beautiful and perfect for a stroll on a sunny day.
We had some spare time so we strolled around the botanic gardens. Entry is free, we have paid to see gardens not as good, There is a good cafe plus walking and shuttle (paid) tours. Get a free map, they highlight different areas according to the season. The conservatories, with various sections including tropical rain forest and desert cacti, was really good. There is a large rose garden (where the dahlia border is on the late summer map) and other sections displaying different vegetation. There are ponds and a play area and it is all set in a large horseshoe of a shallow river, where you may see a punt go by. There is car parking close by, along with many sports pitches and more lakes. There is a suggested 30 min walk. We spent a couple of hours, would have spent longer if we weren't off to the airport, enjoying the tranquility.
The gardens are a nice mix of park, arboretum, a few sculptures, a stream, ponds and the greenhouses and a peacock-less fountain. The greenhouses were a treat with bright floral displays and some specialist areas. There are sculptures dotted around, and plenty of birdlife to spot.
You can spend a couple of hours wandering around.
The gardens are stunning! They are so close to where we stayed and it was open on Christmas Day! It was a lovely place to walk through and there are so many places to stop for a minute and enjoy the birds and life there. There are also so many little places to read or sit for a minute. Definitely worth a wander while in Christchurch.
Stunningly beautiful in autumn ❤️🩷💚
Will visit again next time we fly down to CHC.
About 20min to the airport, a great stop on the way to catch a flight. I wish we have a bit more time as it is a really beautiful.
Lots of big and amazing trees. The Giant Redwood tree is magnificent. The Rose garden is a must see. Lots of different varieties or colors of roses. Under the big glass dome, you will wind many subtropical plants. I like the cactus room and room with lots of pitcher plants. A beautiful big garden for a walk with beautiful avon river. Parking is pretty reasonable inside the park. I also love the beautiful weeping willow trees.
Christchurch Botanical gardens are beautiful we actually visited twice on our holiday. Definitely worth going to have a little look especially if you love you trees & plants.
2. TranzAlpine: Scenic Train Christchurch - Greymouth
4.6
(1154)
Transportation
Tour operator
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We did one way from Greymouth to Christchurch and it was great. Easy check in process at Greymouth Station. You don't choose your seats when booking, your seats are allocated when you check in at the station.
Lovely views, approx 5 hours on the train. 4 of us went (all adults), got seated around a table. We found this comfy and roomy enough. If you don't get seated around a table, the other seats are 2 people seated next to each other with tray tables that fold down from the seat above (like airline seats).
There are 2 USB ports to charge devices, overhead luggage storage so no bags have to be stored under the table and headphone commentary along the way. I found the commentary actually okay to listen to, often I get bored with this stuff but I actually listened to some of it when I wasn't standing in the observation carriage. The observation carriage is great for seeing views and feeling the wind rush past you but the seated carriages have large windows for viewing if you don't walk to the observation carriage. We purchased some hot drinks and snacks and found it reasonably priced, I was expecting it to be somewhat overpriced for being on a train but it was standard pricing. The drinks and food were yum.
The entire train was clean, tidy. The toilets were clean! The Cafe carriage has seating but was closed understandably due to covid but food can be taken back to your allocated seat/table. Easy to walk between carriages and we were seated on a carriage between the Cafe and observation carriage so didn't have far to walk which was great.
We hired a rental car from Christchurch, drove across to the West Coast. On the day of the train trip we dropped our car off at the Greymouth rental company, which was across the road from the station (perfect) and got on the train. This was our first time doing the train and we liked it, would likely do it again. But I would probably recommend only doing it one way as I imagine a two way journey makes a long trip on a train, especially if do a return trip all on one day. We are happy we did the one way journey only, as felt it was long enough for us. More a personal preference.
Otherwise highly recommended to do.
I love train travel so we booked return trip. It was a wonderful day. The views are amazing. The train was very clean and comfortable and the staff were lovely. We were lucky to get a table for two of us on the way to Greymouth and that is great when you want to eat/ drink. The train was full coming back so couldn't move from the airline type seats. They were very comfortable just felt more enclosed with a seat in front of you.
Doing the journey both ways have me some great photo opportunities - in the morning everything was green and sunny while in the afternoon it started snowing and giving everything a dusting of white. Beautiful, but very cold in the observation car when the snow started. Overall, it was fantastic and I'd do it again.
Considering this is advertised as a scenic journey, it’s a shame that the windows weren’t freshly cleaned prior to our departure from Christchurch. That said, there is a good expansive of glass so that you can look out at the view.
There is a good commentary that you can listen to at different stages of the journey, over the complimentary headphones. A problem with this, though, is if there are any train announcements; these override the commentary, and you miss anything that was said during this period.
We travelled mid-January and although the views were okay, they are probably more spectacular when there is lying snow.
Soon after leaving there was an announcement that the open viewing car was open, which prompted a mad rush that made it difficult to see anything from this car. A short while later, though, there were only a few hardy souls left as it was quite a breezy place to be.
For those not riding in the Scenic Plus seats, the café provides a good selection of food at reasonable rates.
Overall, though, I have been on trips with more spectacular views, and I thought this was quite expensive for what it was.
TranzAlpine Scenic Train Journey from Christchurch to Greymouth is a must do. It's definitely worth the train ride instead of driving, especially for the driver as you can actually enjoy the scenery for once. Pick up the rental car from Greymouth instead, which is right inside the Greymouth Train Station. Go to to open air carriage for the best photo opportunities!
A smooth yet expensive scenic train ride from one end of New Zealand to another through the river valleys and into the alps.
The train is clean and the seats are comfortable. The bigger glass windows enable passengers to have a better view during the relaxing journey. Overall experience was good but not great. Slightly disappointed with the overall scenery throughout the ride because it wasn’t as scenic as expected.
Great scenery along the journey. Takes 4.5 hours as moves fairly slowly. Comfortable seats and an open air car to get a different set of views. Provides good commentary through headlines (provided) but was in audible as kept cutting out continuously which was very frustrating!
We took the scenic plus from Christchurch to Moana and back.
The views both ways were gorgeous.
At Moana, we went for a couple of short walks that were very beautiful.
On the return journey we weren’t very happy with the food. It was not flavourful, and the staff claimed to run out of certain items. But the views and scenery were as enjoyable as ever.
I think we paid over $2,000 for three tickets both ways and food should have been good both ways.
The staff were very polite and friendly.
Great train journey through the southern alps. Spectacular scenery. Comfotable seat with running commentary by headphones. Cafe on board for snacks and full breakfast if you want. One stop at Arthurs pass to stretch your legs. Really enjoyed the trip. The queues at Greymouth for hire cars were long. We hired a RAD car. There was no queue, and someone was waiting for us with the car keys.
We went from Christchurch to Arturs Pass where we rejoined our Bus tour. I spent the entire trip in the Cattle (Viewing) Car and loved the entire trip. Although the passenger cars were beautiful, clean, spacious, warm - I wanted the fresh air experience where i could take pictures without glass and reflections. Well worth going to the open air car if you are a photographer. It wasn't busy initially but got packed when we got into the foothills and mountains so you had to pick a side and stick with it. You miss some scenery that way but the same thing would have happened in the passenger cars. Beautiful trip.
Awesome views out the huge windows. The seats are very comfortable and have spacious leg room. There is a cafe with plenty of food options, I got a kumura and cashew pie which was killer!! Tasty and heated perfectly. The viewing carriage at the front was great fun to stand in, makes it feel much faster and was cool going through the tunnels on the coast. We also saw dolphins and loads of seals on the rocks.
A lovely 5 hour long train ride and amazing scenery along the way. Stand on the right hand side of the viewing deck going to Greymouth and you will get the best shots.
Very nice trip. Beautiful country. Very competent rail personnel all with smiles. The breakfast and lunch offerings are tasty. We enjoyed the Grower's breakfast and the vegetarian pie. Then later we split Proper Crisps (Garden Medley) and a McCoy Sparkling Apple Cranberry.
I travelled to Arthur's Pass on this train and loved it. Check in was easy, my seat comfortable, there is scenery both sides to experience so it is not necessary to sit on right side. The cafe has a variety of options and coffee nice. Service and commentary excellent. I highly recommend this rail journey in New Zealand.
We travelled on the TranzAlpine from Christchurch to Arthur's Pass with a small tour group to travel on a minivan by road back to Christchurch. The train travel was thru scenic Canterbury Plains to the climb up the Southern Alps. The seating was comfortable and the dining car was functional to have a coffee and a tasty savoury scone.
I travelled from Christchurch to Arthurs Pass, overnighted 2 nights at Alpine Motel and returned on the same train. Buffet car serves hot and cold food, tea, coffee, mulled wine and other alcohol. Staff all fantastic and helpful. Not much of interest to see close up on leaving Christchurch but it gets more interesting the closer the train gets to the mountains and there is a good audio commentary available over free headphones. Some great walks of varying length and difficulty once you get to Arthurs Pass, only one place open for meals as Arthurs itself is closed and up for sale and Keas Cafe (also for sale) didnt open over the 2 days I was there and locals said it opens irregularly. You could come back on the same day as the train arrives Arthurs Pass around 10:40 , continues to Greymouth then returns to Arthurs Pass at 4:30 pm for a 7pm arrival back to Christchurch.
Wonderful staff. Very helpful. Great commentaries available. Some of the food quite costly. But we’ll presented and good quality. My mokopuna and I loved every moment
We had a wonderful time travelling from Greymouth to Christchurch on the TranzAlpine train! I would 100% recommend upgrading to Scenic Plus seating if it’s in your budget as the bonuses included are well worth it. The customer service and the meal were unmatched within SP and the staff made our trip one to remember (special shout out to Eva and Sasha!!!)
The views were breathtaking both from inside the seated area and the open air car. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime adventure!
Loved it! 5hours is perfect. We did the scenic plus, food service and drinks were great. This experience is good for all ages to enjoy.
Really nice cross country train trip that takes about four hours and moves through some extraordinary country side. Would recommend organizing your own food snacks to take as it would be cheaper and better than the microwave meals on board. Great staff, clean and modern train. A good day trip or lead into further traveling.
Excellent service. The staff were my was so attentive to everyone's needs it was almost like being in a top rated restaurant where humility instead of who was the requirement for enjoyment. While they didn't have a vegan dish on their menu, they scrambled a Delicious meal together for me that now than exceeded my expectation. They did better than American Airlines in that department. The views were stunning asking the route. The audio guide was very helpful. However, the stats need updating.
Awesome views, friendly helpful service, great way to travel for an enforced break. Only niggle was we thought the supplied packed lunch(with our package deal) was a bit stingy. - 2 sandwiches and a drink. Other participants in the deal in included a cake of some some sort. On the whole an awesome trip both ways
We rearranged our entire NZ South Island itinerary to take the TranzAlpine Greymouth to Christchurch. It didn’t disappoint!
Do yourself a favor and upgrade to Scenic+. The service was excellent; the staff fun, friendly and informative. The food was excellent and the wine New Zealand’s best. You see the landscape change and follow along on a guided audio tour. Highly recommend to anyone and everyone traveling across NZ.
Travelled both ways on this. I'm a well-travelled writer with experience of similar operations. I paid my own fare (full dining both ways) and did not announce my presence until the end (no special journo favours, thanks. Afterwards, I asked for the Press Office to contact me, but nothing since).
The marketing is not clear at best, deceptive at worst.
YOU DO NOT AUTOMATICALLY GET A TABLE, but are more likely to get airline-style seating. The person in charge of the car said that complaints about this happen regularly.
Staff were friendly and efficient, but if you expect a 'Pullman-style' service, you may be disappointed.
Food - airline standard rather than Orient Express.
The trip - enjoyable enough, but if you are also well-travelled, you'll probably have seen equally dramatic in Scotland, and more dramatic on mainland Europe.
The value - this is clearly aimed at profit-maximisation from a captive market (coach tours etc). Well done, if that is the sole purpose.
Would I do it again? No. It simply isn't worth the price for me.
Should others do it? Your choice, but if you've travelled half way around the planet from Europe, believe the marketing, and expect something grander than the Glacier Express, I suspect you'll be very disappointed.
One of the world's iconic journeys. Great staff, informative and friendly, good food, while the stunning views just keep on rolling by for 4 hors plus. If you're thinking about taking the trip stop thinking and book it!
Have just arrived home after a trip from Christchurch to Greymouth yesterday, Greymouth to Christchurch today.
Awesome trip. Wonderful staff that waited on us hand and foot. Top notch food. Couldn't ask for better service.
Thankyou.
3. Canterbury Museum
4.6
(4945)
Museum
History museum
Displays on Christchurch and Canterbury, including Maori and Antarctic discovery collections.
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One of my favourite places in the world. The simulated historical shopping street is a particular delight and had been since childhood decades ago. A must visit in the Botanical Gardens and Arts Centre area.
Staff was very friendly. The museum is closed but they had an urban art exhibit called Thrive on. We quite enjoyed this! It takes you all over the building, including offices and conference rooms that have been converted into art. Great way to spend an afternoon.
They are about to open a new location so their current one has limited space. There was a show by a contemporary Māori artist as well as selections from what I assume to be the museum's permanent collection. The objects on display were fascinating but could have used some more contemporary context. For example: How did all the taxidermy come to be in this museum? What cultural influences encouraged this type of specimen collection as a display method? I look forward to seeing what a contemporary exhibition designer does with these objects in their new location. It is worth checking out if you're in the area. The art gallery around the corner does a much better job confronting the legacy of museums and colonialism. See both with a friend and talk about the differences.
Awesome attraction. Great range of displays and history. My favorite part was the bird hall. Lots of lovely birds there.
Visited when they had the Dinosaur exhibit going. It was pretty awesome to see the mechanical Dinosaurs but was a rather over priced entry fee for what they had. Still something fun to see though.
I've been to this museum several times over the years and not much has changed but that's fine by me. It is a cool experience for first timers or people who are nostalgic. Staff are friendly and very helpful so that is a huge plus. Will definitely visit again in the future.
The SHIFT Urban Art Takeover is undoubtedly the most unique and captivating museum I've ever set foot in! Essentially, it's a massive playground constructed where talented street artists showcase their work. Graffiti masterpieces adorn every surface. Be aware that there's a $25 admission fee, and the exhibit concludes on April 11th. I wholeheartedly suggest paying a visit before this incredible experience disappears.
Wish I was aware the original musuem was under renovations. As a musuem lover I was disappointed to be diverted to a smaller space. However, the staff are so welcoming and the space they have is used so well. I still learnt thing just not in the way I was expecting.
Especially loved that they remembered me the next day at quake city, felt very much like someone of importance rather than just me.
The dinos where awesome. Must see. $10 for adults and $5 for children. The Maori section was more of a racist view of our history. But the rest was pretty cool. Because of the dino section a large section of the museum has been blocked
We went and saw the Shift exhibition in February 2023. Tickets are $25 for adults ($20 for seniors).
An interesting contrast between the old, formal nature of the building and such contemporary art. You will find a great variety of styles. Well worth a visit.
While the museum is being reconstructed there is a pop-up featuring some of the best exhibits in the collection. There's a meteorite, a T-rex skeleton, Antarctic memorabilia and the most amazing prehistoric creature a squid in a 5m shell!
The pop-up is free to enter and takes about an hour to tour.
Firstly I have to emphasize how friendly and helpful the staff are. They're so excited about explaining all the items and the book called 150 Items in Canterbury Museum. I love the "Six Extinction" theme held with some casts from Botswana Studio. They're doing a great job casting the original fossils for the other part of the world to see. Especially Scotty the T-rex.
Great exhibition!! They are rebuilding the museum so this “little” exhibition are what they have until the “real” museum are ready again. Great for me, that love fossils.
The main museum was undergoing renovations when I visited but based on what was open for display I would definitely come back once renovations are finished. The Six Extinctions gallery is a wonderful exploration of the mass extinctions our planet has undergone, and the fossil casts are astounding, especially Scotty the Tyrannosaurus.
Beautiful place with a donation for entry. Lots to see and especially enjoyed the insect section as well as the Maori historical and art pieces.
The musuem itself wasn't too bad, though anyone could come in, there were some really rude kids that came in and weren't respecting the items in there...
Although the items in there are pretty ok!
If you have kids that like dinosaurs,it would be a good place to visit.
There were some cool things on display at the temporary location. Enjoyed the art exhibition. The museum was a bit small, but it wasnt packed, so we enjoyed getting around. We didn't realise the main museum was getting renovations done and was told it would take 6-7 years to complete. Would have been better if that was open
I recently paid a visit to the Canterbury Museum and came away with a mix of feelings. The museum's "Six Extinctions" exhibition was an absolute marvel – a powerful exploration of the planet's environmental history. 🌍🦕
However, I must admit, the art gallery is a different kind of experience. The New Zealand art on display is certainly something to appreciate, but it's essential to be open-minded. The freedom of speech expressed through the art is quite evident and, at times, not suitable for children. 🖼️🎨
Some pieces are thought-provoking, while others might be challenging, depending on your perspective. But this is where the museum offers a unique space for dialogue and artistic expression. 🗣️🇳🇿
While I wouldn't give it a full five stars due to the potential for sensitive content, I believe the Canterbury Museum is a place where you can explore the spectrum of human creativity, from the marvels of science to the depths of artistic expression. It's an experience that's definitely worth a visit. 🏛️🧐 #ArtandScience #FreedomofExpression #CanterburyMuseum
4. International Antarctic Centre
4.4
(3177)
Museums
Amusement park
Simulated Antarctic environments, penguins, huskies & rides in amphibious Hägglund vehicles.
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This attraction is a must visit for anyone who is in Christchurch. It offers great educational value. There is comprehensive information about Antarctica, life on the continent, ongoing preservation efforts about the continent and much more. Certainly made us more aware of the importance of protecting and preserving our environment and indeed our planet.
Invaluable experience!
Had a few hours to fill in so headed here. Best suited if you had kids of any age but still enjoyed our visit. Lots to learn and very interactive. Be warned if you do the artic storm experience, wear more than a thin t-shirt
I enjoyed my time at the international Antarctic centre. While it isn’t as large as I expected, there were so many unique experiences that I rate it a 5/5!
Firstly, the Hagglund ride across various terrains was so fun!
I also enjoyed the Antarctic storm experience, and thought that the igloo was a nice touch!
Finally is the animals. The huskies and penguins were absolutely adorable. Im particular, the sneak view into their burrows was unique.
This was a day well spent, we were there 3.5 hours and had a fantastic day. Gabrielle was amazing and knew so much, answered all of our questions and was really friendly. in fact everyone was really helpful and friendly worth a visit!
My experience at the Antarctic Center was fun and informative. My personal favorite was the simulated Antarctic storm experience. You can easily spend 2-3 hours there. The place also has various documentary screening, a Hägglund ride, a museum providing info about the Antarctic missions, a cafe, store and much more. The staff were very friendly and assisted in storing my luggage here while I explored the place. Would definitely recommend visiting.
If u are visiting Christchurch this has to be on ur to do list when u have kids. Keep at least 3-4 hours aside. The penguin feeding shows, the storm session and 4D movie all have timings so if u want to see all. Even I enjoyed the whole experience along with my daughter.
Fantastic experience. Plan to spend a good 3-4 hours. Penguin feeding, 4D cinema, snowstorm experiences are amazing. One of its kind center giving visitors a feel of what it's like to experience the great icy continent of Antarctica. Good Cafe. Accessible by public transport, close to the Christchurch International Airport.
Lovely experience, the guides and staff super friendly, and helpful, the cafe could improve in their food, however staff was still very friendly 😊.. Loved the huskies, well looked after, and the owner so, Informative, I had backstage pass, and learnt a lot about the penguins, so interesting and enjoyed the 4D theater experience, and if cis the Hagglund ride was fun. A+
Unique attraction and worth the visit. Penguins were funny, a little lazy and the Huskies were adorable. Well informed staff with a real passion for what they do.
I think that this place is slightly overpriced.
There’s the penguin feeding, the haggling ride is quite fun and then the 4D movie experience.
Felt bad for the dogs with massive crowds hovering over and around them.
Amazing experience and great service from the team.
Huskies, penguins, storm experience, hägglund ride... They're amazing!
We've got lots of explanation, help, stories, sincere care from the team!
Will definitely recommend to friends and family!
Enjoyed our time here. We arrived closed to 3pm and the center closes at 4.30pm. We were able to complete all activities in time. My fav was the storm dome. Great simulation of Antarctica!
It was a great way to spend the day. Loved seeing the Huskys and watching the penguins have their feed. Next time I wouldn't visit during the school holidays as we were often pushed away from things before being able to finish reading as the kids wanted to use the items.
Unfortunately I went wrong day and time to visit. People staying at same motel had been a few days earlier and said it was great and went round twice, so thought I'd go. Unfortunately they hadn't mentioned I needed to be there at a certain time and on particular days to see everything and I hadn't bothered to check on google as I just went on what they'd told me. Only day I could go was Wednesday morning, so missed out on the Huskies (not there Wed/Thurs?). Also missed out on penguin feeding as got there 20min too late (be there well before 1030am if going in morning). By time I'd stopped and looked at the penguins (rescues that can't be released back into the wild) and a few other things inside was 5 mins late for the 4D show and they'd locked the door so missed that too. (they do say it happens in threes, lol). Best bit while there was the hagglund ride outside and only paid $30, I think because penguin feeding had already finished and no huskies either. Would I go back, probably not, but could be an entertaining morning for families with young kids.
This is right next to the airport and has luggage storage, so it was a perfect getaway to avoid just waiting in the airport all afternoon! There are a lot of penguins, and they are all so cute. We did the VIP backstage tour, which was super cool, and I would definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about penguin conservation efforts in NZ, or to anyone who just wants to see a cute little penguin up close and personal. I would definitely recommend a visit here!
A really fun place to visit. Some really cool interactive experiences. I loved the ride in the Hagglunds. The snow storm chamber was brilliant, and the blue penguin, and husky shows were great. Also had a nice gift shop with some fun stuff, and lovely staff. Definitely worth visiting the International Antarctic Centre.
Friendly staff and a fun atmosphere. The penguin feeding was a delight to watch. Our daughter loved to see the Huskies up close and really enjoyed being around their trainer, he was the highlight for her. Very informative about the Huskies and kept everyone safe, we learned a lot from him regarding safety around dogs in general.
Definitely stop at the gift store at the end, there are some great soft animals for the little ones.
Our family spent a fabulous morning at the Antarctic Centre. Staff all very helpful and obliging. Loved all the visual effects and penguin feeding.
Grandson especially loved the ride in the snow machine 😁
Visited the International Arctic Museum, and my experience was a bit mixed. 🐧🎥
The museum had an amusement park vibe, with lots of kids around. You can watch the penguin feedings, which is a nice touch, and they have a 4D cinema. However, I found the cinema lacking in substance; it showed random videos of ice rocks and penguin life without any clear storyline. The noise from the hydraulics and air fans really detracted from the experience.
I'd rate it three stars. It's great if you have kids and want to interact with huskies and experience the storm room. But, at $59 NZD is a bit overpriced #ArcticMuseumExperience #FamilyFun #TravelTips
Very interesting and a lot of factual information, geological samples and real life footage. The VIP Penguin Backstage Pass is so worth it, with a really fascinating presentation of Antarctica wild life and the little blue penguins up-close encounter. The bumpy Hägglund Field Trip is fun and unique!!! Absolutely recommended!
An amazing unique experience with many different activities. The staff were friendly and answered all questions well. The huskies and the 4d cinema were definitely a highlight but everything was really fun.
Loved this place! Can easily spend 3 hours here doing all the activities they have to offer.
We went on the day they had the huskies in which was a highlight for us along with the blizzard room.
We added on the behind the scenes tour and it was well worth it got to learn about the penguins and where they came from, why they’re there and see the little guys up close in the vets office. This was a massive highlight to our trip.
A unique, fun and eye-opening experience. The 4D show and storm room (experience -18°C temps!) were the highlights. There is also a shuttle that runs from the city to the Centre so it is easy to get to if you don't have a carm
We took a 5 & 7 year old along. They enjoyed going inside the ice room to experience a storm. We got to see the penguins being fed, pat a couple of huskies and ride in the Hagglund.
Spent a couple of hours there.
What a brilliant afternoon out here. W loved the snowstorm experience so much we did it twice. Lots to learn about, well presented and with enough fun stuff to keep the kids interested. I was a bit concerned it might be superficial but the connection with the Research Centre is strong and staff are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and very happy to share. Well worth a visit. Now we want to go to the real Antarctic. Penguins are fun too
An amazing experience that encapsulates the arctic experience.
The centre has a lot of things that are fun to do. You can experience the ice cold temperatures in a special room that even simulates a storm. A lot of information is presented about the arctic, arctic expeditions, wildlife and many other things. There is a 4D movie that is fun to watch and experience.
There is also lots of animal fun. Watching pinguins in their nest and during feeding time was such a cool experience. The handlers are also really nice and love to chat. The same goes for the huskies. They bring them out and tell a nice story about them whereafter you can pet them. They are used to all the humans so they are very relaxed.
There is also the Hägglunds ride, a Swedish arctic vehicle that will take you on a fun ride. Do make sure to hold on tight if you are in the back as the ride can get bumpy.
Overall such a fun experience for anyone interested in the arctic, animals or is just looking for a fun way to spend their day.
I enjoyed this place and the staff were very helpful. Try to get there for the feeding of the penguins which only happens twice a day. The vehicle ride outside eas fun and worth the extra.
5. Cardboard Cathedral
4.4
(1624)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Interim cathedral, constructed from cardboard to replace a church damaged in a 2011 earthquake.
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Ok, just go see... Amazing architecture if you consider the time it too,,, the material used and now the look... Free to go in and covid safe.... The neighbourhood does not look like much... Still lot of empty lots for rebuild...
This building was erected quickly after the earthquake to allow worship to continue for congregations whose buildings were damaged. Locally known as the cardboard church. I attended a C of E service.
It has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
A must see if you’re in town. A piece of architectural genius. Read about the construction and design of this building to understand why it’s so interesting. Run by volunteers who are happy to explain how this project was created. There is also a small souvenir shop right at the entrance.
Amazing design made of cardboards, when you are in Christchurch try to visit this unique place.
A beautiful building constructed using paper (+steel) and is earthquake resistant. This was after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Worth a visit 🙂
I recently visited the Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch, and it left a profound impression on me. As someone who isn't particularly religious, I was drawn in by the incredible ambiance of this unique place.
The cathedral's construction from cardboard, influenced by Japanese architecture, is a true testament to human ingenuity. To meet building regulations, plywood columns are cleverly hidden within the cardboard cylinders.
This cathedral's history is a symbol of resilience, having risen from the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. Its design, with varying heights from 16 meters at the entrance to 30 meters at the far end, is a captivating architectural achievement.
Adjacent to the cathedral, the Monument of the CTV tower stands on the very ground where the tower once was. A serene garden surrounds it, and you can still glimpse some of the ground fundamentals amidst the beautiful greenery.
A visit to the Cardboard Cathedral is a unique and moving experience, highlighting the strength and creativity of Christchurch in the face of adversity. 🏗️🌏 #CardboardCathedral #ChristchurchHistory #Resilience #CTVTowerMemorial
Great welcome from the volunteers and a lovely service from the Priest and members of St. Luke's. We just turned up as tourists ( Eucharist at 12.05 each day) and left feeling valued. We wish you God's Blessings. From St. Mary's in Durham, England.
We were visiting Christchurch and decided to have a look at the Cardboard Cathedral. It was a very intriguing building, something I'd never really seen before.
However, I do not appreciate hearing rude statements after speaking to the person in the lobby thats supposedly welcoming us. I would recommend keeping comments about other peoples working life to yourself. Once we left they continued to rudely joke about the topic to our faces. Just a little more thought should be made when talking to people, especially if you're the one welcoming people inside. 😒
It is the very unique, impressive and nice place to visit. It is also known as The cardboard Cathedral. It is designed by Japanese architect- Shigeru Ban used the Cardboard tubes, timber and steel. Volunteer lady, Margaret was very friendly and helpful. This is free entry and your are allowed to take photos inside. There is a gift shop inside the church. The only thing I would like to see is public car parking place onsite as currently there is no car parking spaces for visitors so you need to find the street parking nearby.
It is beautiful church made of cardboard by Japanese architect. Unique and strong.
Learned from the past and move to forward.
Great architecture, near town so if you are around the area it's worth a quick visit.
Note that not all parts of the building is made of cardboard! They use shipping containers and lots of steel.
This is one of the most amazing structures I have ever visited. Built in a period of between 10 and 18 months, it was erected to serve as a temporary site for the parishioners of Christchurch Cathedral, which was destroyed in the series of earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Huge cardboard tubes serve as major structural elements, but rather than being ugly, they are quite beautiful in the overall aesthetic design. It is a building that must be seen in person; photographs simply don’t do it justice.
Even though it was built to serve while the main cathedral is being rebuilt, this is a permanent structure that will continue serving the resilient people of Christchurch.
The Christchurch Transitional Cathedral is also known as the Cardboard Cathedral . It was built after the 2011 earthquake while the Christchurch Cathedral was greatly damaged . The cardboard church was designed by Japanese architect 坂茂 Shigeru Ban . Standing inside this transitional church, you can feel the peacefulness and thankfulness with a humble heart. I like the simple design , it gave you a bright and lively feeling . After seeing the reinstalment project at the Cathedral Square , you can find hope and love in this Cardboard Church .
No tickets are required. This is the church referred to as the 'cardboard cathedral'. You can see the walls and ceiling are made of cardboard along with many of the other furniture items. The building is unique because of the materials used to build it. It is a very interesting structure and worth a visit, even for those amongst us who are not religious. Lovely volunteers manage a delightful small shop at the front of the building.
This place is amazing! If you're architecture lover, then this cathedral must be on your list. The exterior look simple but the interior will amaze you.
Beautiful and serene, quietly moving too. Smaller than I expected but still had a real presence. Powerful story of community. Amazing that the stained glass of the original cathedral was captured to be replicated too
Attended for the installation of their new Dean. It is definitely a transitional building, designed for a short term life but still they have managed to create a building filled with light, space and a sense of family. The new Dean should do well here.
Temporary, transitional, Christchurch cathedral replacing the original one destroyed in the 2011 earthquake. Most-welcoming hosts.
A MUST visit when in the city.
Designed with environmental impact in mind, the cathedral has embraced every aspect of sustainability in its design. Faithful also recovered the cathedra / bishop’s chair and the pulpit from the wreckage of the former destroyed building.
We loved the new, stained glass windows.
Very beautiful Church, modern and respectful temple, amazing architecture
6. Christchurch Gondola
4.5
(3143)
Mountain cable car
Transportation
Iconic mountain cablecar offering panoramic views & a cafe & gift shop at the summit.
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What's not to like! Amazing views going all the way up in the Gondola. The souvenir shop is always good to browse through with great prices and friendly staff. Stunning views from the cafe at the top and the Christchurch Discovery tour downstairs is the best of the lot . 7 minutes of informative and we'll done entertainment. All this for $35! Well done Otautahi 👍
We spent a morning here, riding the gondola, enjoying the views from the observation deck, and having a quick lunch. There was a little ride you could do called Journey Through Time, telling a little of the history of Christchurch and Banks Peninsula. While it was interesting, we felt that the presentation did not discuss much of the Maori history, instead dwelling more significantly on the history of the European settlers who came 900-odd years later. It would have been nice to see a little more of the Maori history. There was also not adequately signed access for people with disabilities, and a lot of stairs in the absence of an elevator (if there was an elevator, we did not discover it). Other than these two things, it was a really great way to spend the morning and the views from the top are phenomenal. It's definitely worth a visit.
Amazing experience. Not for people who are scared of heights. Day wasn't perfect for me because of rain. Didn't capture the view. Good cafe at the summit. A souvenir shop as well.
Top tourist attraction.
Easy to use.
We went on a Thursday 3rd week in August. It was quiet, with easy parking, no queues, few people. Would imagine there would be a wait when there are tourist buses and during school holidays etc;
Stunning views.
Loved the sheep grazing on the steep hillside below the gondola.
Gondola was clean and tidy.
Cafe was clean and spacious with views all around.
Coffee long black and a latte were good.
Huge gift shop with something for everyone.
Didn't do the video, which was available.
Spectacular views over Christchurch and surrounds. It is very easy to get to from Central Christchurch using bus no. 8, which stops directly at the gondola ticket office. The Cafe and gift shop at the top are reasonably priced, and the cafe affords great views either towards christchurch or Lyttleton. Well worth a visit for solo travellers, couples, or families.
Fantastic! We got there at 9:50am off the Metro Bus from the Interchange, Saturday morning . Only 3 others there. It got busy within half hour. Beautiful day , Spectacular Views. Jo was fabulous in the souvenir gift shop. Such a lovely, friendly and very informative woman. Excellent customer service, Thanks! The Discover Ride was Awesome, very interesting. Definitely recommend going up. The views are astounding. All the Staff really were lovely and genuine, friendly : )
We liked it overall, the view is undoubtedly mind blowing, staffs members are nice and friendly, it wasn’t crowded when we were there which was nice. However we eventually missed the complementary discovery ride because we weren’t informed the whole site closes at 4:30 and the discovery ride closes at 4 until the last minute, I guess it’s mainly our own fault that we didn’t check the operation hours, we just didn’t expect it to close so early, but I feel we could use some better and earlier notifications, especially we just got up there at 3pm.
Great view with a cafe at the top with outdoors seating. There were sheep on the slopes grazing while we took the Gondola up. Plenty of free parking on site.
Do take note that the last ride down is at 1630hrs so cater for ample time for shopping at the souvenir shop, which had quite a number of good deals.
The ride up the hill with the gondola was really fun. Views are spectacular. Choosing a day with clear skies is important, even with a little cloud cover there is a chance of poor visibility.
Cafe at the top has decent food, a bit pricey and not a lot of options, but good for lunch.
My only critique is the smell in the gift shop, don't know if it was just the day we went there, but it smelt like urine.
Loved it n my kids especially enjoyed it. The weather was beautiful n calm as you can see the beautiful blue sky. These are the memories that will last forever. Overall the staff were amazing n it was a unforgettable n a fantastic experience.
A must do in Christchurch! Amazing views from the top. Lots of tracks/trails if you want to hike. If you like sheep, take a walk and you can mingle with many. Easy drive from CBD and free parking. Enjoy!
Nice view, but the gondola terminal and restaurant feels old and need something to make it more excited. You can see Christchurch from there, and if you get good weather, that's beautiful. But other than that, there's nothing else to do. Yes, you can get a cup of coffee and some snack on the restaurant.
Awesome ride! It is not very long but it is very cool and you get a beautiful view of the city. They have a gift shop and a restaurant on top and both are quite nice. There is also some sort of mechanic ride, but the queue was too long for me. I would have liked it a bit more information on how to get to the trails around the top. Yet, overall a nice experience and something to do in beautiful Christchurch.
Amazing views, definitely a place to visit when the sky is clear. Great food and drinks available once you reach the top. And a free photo download, I wish we were able to choose the photo.
Beautiful, spectacular, and mesmerizing panoramic view at the summit of Christchurch Gondola!
Christchurch Gondola attraction is the highlight of Christchurch! Apart from the million-dollar view, the gondola ride itself was relaxing and enjoyable. There is also a cafe at the summit which serves good western food and of course, it comes with a priceless view!
Highly recommended to anyone and do not miss the opportunity to visit this scenic place!
Visited the gondola on a recent trip to Christchurch and was very pleasantly surprised! The views going up were epic. It wasn't too crowded the day we were there, so no long wait times. We also went on the Discovery Ride, which was interesting. If there is one negative, then to me, it would be the discovery ride. I think it needs a bit of an update. The views from the viewing platform were epic as we were there on a super clear day. Great Cafe at the top and a little gift / souvenir shop.
A great place for families with kids of all ages. Has one the best view in Christchurch and you do not have to sweat 😉 to get on top. The annual pass is much cheaper compared to one time entry and it also covers the tram in city center. Unlimited access to both Gondola and Tram for 12 months. Kids under 5 are free. They give the access card within 5 minutes after taking your details and photo. Highly recommended
Great spot indeed, worth a visit regardless of the weather. We felt the tracks could do with some work, they're ok for mountain goat types, but for those that struggle with balance and mobility be careful, especially when damp underfoot, rounded rocks on the path will be slippery.
The Christchurch Gondola offers breathtaking views of the city and surrounding landscapes. The smooth ride and informative commentary make it an enjoyable experience for tourists and locals alike. The panoramic vistas from the top, especially of the Southern Alps, are truly stunning.
Beautiful spot with 360° views. Seeing Christchurch from above gives a different sense of the city. To get there, we caught the number 8 bus from the bus interchange in the city. It cost $4 per person and was extremely fast, easy and convenient. Ask someone at the info desk at the interchange for details, but the bus basically runs every 15mins in both directions, and you just pay the bus driver for your ticket in cash. There is an ATM at the interchange if you need NZ currency. Nice way to spend a few hours
What a spectacular and magical spot - 20 min drive from the CBD. Highly HIGHLY recommend; you won't regret the trip for the incredible views! Staff here we're amazing and kind also. I happened to arrive at the same time as a bus full of cruise ship passengers, so there was quite a wait, but again it was well worth it!
Must do scenic experience, I spent around 3 hours at the beautiful summit station and exploring the walking track. The gondola is cool and there are nice views all around. You can easily take the bus from the city so it was simple to get there.
The panoramic views are stunningly beautiful and amazing.The gondola ride with girls was smooth and 10 minutes each way is so worth the ride.The top of the summit really truly sums up your whole experience with awesome views. Kids would also enjoy this because the historic discovery ride is so amazing to do as well.
Stunning views from 500m above Christchurch and Lyttleton! A sheer climb in the gondola up to a lovely little tourist shop and cafe serving tasty food and great coffee😋 all while looking out over the rugged, bare hills and chalky blue waters of Banks Peninsula and the Mountains on the horizon beyond the city!
A bit far from the central business district but accessible on the bus network (30 minutes or so, depending on traffic), the Christchurch Gondola is a cable car that climbs Mount Cavendish. From the top (445 meters / 1460 feet), you can see the Christchurch skyline as well as down into Lyttelton Harbor.
If your weather is mostly clear, don't miss this. If it's cloudy, I would suggest waiting it out. A gift shop and restaurant at the top has meals, snacks and ice cream.
They are strict about last call at 5:00 pm and if you're taking the bus, note that the bus might not come into the parking lot after 5:00 pm so you need to go to the stop on the street.
Must do experience in Christchurch. 10 mins up and back. Outstanding 360 degree views at the top. Good coffee at the cafe, and the food looked good and was reasonably priced
7. 185 White Chairs
4.5
(79)
Memorial park
Sights & Landmarks
8. Quake City
4.5
(1805)
Museum
Specialty Museums
Attraction recounting the 2010–2011 Canterbury earthquakes via personal stories & hands-on exhibits.
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Great Exhibition to visit. $20 per Adult and Kids are free. It's worth a visit to see or remember what happened during the Earthquake that rocked Christchurch. There is also a Lego area for the kids or adults to have a play with. Very educational for the kids and to show them what happened
Heartbreaking to hear these stories and losses. The spirit of humanity rebuilds Christchurch after the powerful earthquake moves the earth and shakes the souls. How did the authorities demarcate the destroyed areas again where the boundaries had gotten skewed, I still wonder. Twitter @digital10011001
Well equipped and presented, lots to do for children. A great place to learn about the history of quakes in the area and their effects. Very informative and friendly Team too.
Loved this museum, after staying at an Airbnb in Kaipoi and hearing the hosts stories about the earthquakes in Christchurch and their suggestion to visit this location to learn more I was sold. There is a cost to attend, about $20 per person.
In one area, a movie plays that shares the lived experiences of a number of survivors of the earthquake, with their direct experience being in the earthquake(s). Inspiring and gut wrenching at the same time, it is beautiful to hear their stories of human experience and survival.
Happen to be a free entry once a year during our short visit. It is touching to listen to the testimony of some of those who have gone through the unforgettable experience. It’s a place for us to ponder a little deeper about what life’s is all about.
Great experience! It costs $20 pp which is very reasonable for the museum experience, some things interactive and some video clips spread around. We learnt lots and would definitely recommend others check it out to learn about the local earthquakes, their impact on the community and what is being done moving forward. We spent just over an hour in there.
Quake city is a good museum to visit in Christchurch. It covers everything that happened during the earthquake. it was quite devastating and sad to see how everything happened in seconds and changed everything in city of Gardens.
Lady on desk was very cooperative and friendly. Overall we had good experience over there.
The staffs are very very nice. And the museum itself is informative as well. However, as a city that has got 2 big earthquakes recently, this museum seems to be too simple and too small, but $20 per adult price is too expensive for that. I think $10 would be much more reasonable. They have long footage of the interviews of people survive the earthquake, but only 1 short footage of when it's happening. I was actually expecting this to be the best earthquake museum, however it's far from my expectation. But it's still worth going as there are info I don't see in other museums.
A place to learn and know more about the earthquakes and emergency response to such situation.
Quake city is a place to be considered for those who are interested in knowing the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes which hits in the years 2010 and 2011. The entrance fee is quite expensive and the place is rather small.
There are interactive displays as well as lots of explanations and photos. BUT the real gold for me was watching the movie of real people detailing their experiences during the earthquake: what does a police officer do with six people locked up and water rising in the station basement? What do you do when you are 17 stories up and the side of the building with the stairs has sheared off? What if you are trapped in a pancaked building? Moving, gripping, and horrifying real life stories.
It got even better when those same people were interviewed again 10+ years later.
I thought this museum would be ho-hum but it was AWESOME.
Expected to spend 20 minutes in Quake City but it was well over an hour! So much information available and in easily digestible format including video and hands-on demonstrations.
Really interesting, informative & interactive displays. Need more time then you think there, so it's just as well they'll let you come back again for free if the museum closes while before you've finished looking around.
Small but interesting museum covering the two earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 which changed the direction of Christchurch. Highlights included the interactive exhibits and video interviews with residents who were there at the time. Would definitely recommend a visit to learn about this period in the city's history.
This is a good attraction to Christchurch city centre, takes about an hour to get round and costs $20, the information is stellar, the video diaries of survivors is just awe-inspiring the calm retelling tells of the horror and bewilderment of those caught up in the quake that left this beautiful city in ruins.
This story is not complete without showing how they are rebuilding this city and the technology advances to help minimize future building loss. Just outside though down Armagh street is a beautiful mural street art of poppies it could not be in a better place
Pricing very high for what it is. Some artifacts but very small museum.
It was crammed with clearly sick people. Your sign about covid is very very wrong. Covid is primarily spread in the air and makes no difference whether they are coughing. Such a joke.
Relics, artifacts and memorabilia that tell the story of the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes that struck Canterbury and Christchurch. Much about how the city was damaged and a tremendous amount that shows the response and heroism that occurred afterwards.
Lots of science and lots of video. The liquefaction demo was one of my favorite parts and it was interesting to see the spire from the Christchurch Cathedral.
Absolutely worth a stop.
A small Museum, but it is very interesting and inspiring to hear the stories of both earthquakes and to see the artefacts from the aftermath of both earthquakes. There are toilets midway though the designated route of the museum.
The museum should take 30 mins to 1.5 hours, depending on how much information you want to take in. They have a small gift shop at the end of the route/at the exit.
There is no parking for the museum, but there is plenty of paid parking lots across from the museum (we paid $4 for 1 hour). The museum is all on ground floor, so I guess It is wheelchair accessible - but maybe worth calling and asking them before going there. It is $20 for adults and $16 for concessions at the time of writing this.
We learned so much here today from the many exhibits and tv interviews and staff. The details and photos were truly powerful reminders of the events that affected so many people. We learned about the rescues , liquefaction and the engineering required to ensure new buildings are safe. Such a good experience in terms of educating visitors with demonstrations helping our understanding.
Great place to see and hear about accounts of major quakes in the city. There are many personal accounts showing on screens around the exhibition. There are also many information boards and a few hands-on areas to highlight what happens during quakes. Well worth a visit to gain a better understanding of the effects.
Interesting exhibition about 2 terrible events that happened in the city, however the way the exhibition is set up is very badly done. It's not designed for the mass it attracts, making it very crowded all the time. In addition, the floor of the exhibition is very small, with a lot of sound and video elements integrated, causing it to be distracting and with a lot of noise all around.
Somehow, someone thought it was a nice idea to include a 72 minute video, with only 12 seats in one hallway. So everyone is standing or skipping it, might be nice to offer a digital option here too.
They did offer when leaving however to come back any time later the day when seats might be available.
Quake City is an exceptionally insightful museum that truly drives home how fragile life can be. It's a place where visitors can come face to face with the reality of the 2011 earthquake through sometimes difficult-to-watch videos and exhibits. It's heavy stuff, but it's essential for understanding the impact of that tragic event.
Despite the admission fee of $20, which is unlike most other museums in the area that are free, it's a worthwhile visit. I believe that many would be willing to contribute more in the end, given the opportunity. The staff at Quake City are fantastic, and I hope they consider adding a little coffee corner – perfect for extended visits.
Keep up the great work, Quake City, in sharing the important history and lessons that need to be remembered.🏛️🌍 #QuakeCity #ChristchurchMuseum #HistoryLessons
9. Hagley Park North
4.7
(6154)
Park
Nature & Parks
Sprawling urban park with botanical gardens, a small lake, tennis & other sports courts & a museum.
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Spent almost three hours just wandering around the gardens and still saw less than half of it. Took so many photos - a plant lovers paradise. Tropical house the favourite but very warm on a warmish day. Autumn leaves everywhere - one of the best times to visit I think. Will try and do rest of gardens and maybe even a punt on the river before I have to head back home. An absolutely must visit, if just for a picnic in the grounds or a stroll through nature.
Lovely large park on the edge of the city that incorporates the botanical gardens, parts of the river and lots of space. Footpaths and bike tracks make it all accessible and there appears to be car parking in the park itself. Many things to see including colourful gardens, big old trees and grassy areas. Well worth checking out.
An amazing outdoor space with sports grounds, running tracks, kids play areas, a stream running through it and a few lakes. Well worth a visit and a walk especially during the golden hours
This is a pleasant park near the Botanical Gardens and worth a quick visit. There is a nice walkway along the river. It's good for walkwrs cycles and sports activities. There are also several nice cafes and restaurants nearby.
Hayley Park North offers something for everyone! Running and walking trails, golf course, tennis courts, Botanic Gardens with wide range to chose from any time of the day or year. Spring time is especially beautiful with all the cherry trees blossom. Summer time some concerts and events are held in park. If you have enough of nature you can take a break at some of the historic cafes or take a stroll to Canterbury museum.
Wonderful morning wandering through the Rose Garden and Heritage Rose Garden. Roses in full bloom and all so beautiful 🌸 well worth a visit!
Very beautiful and huge park. I love roses garden which has lots of rose varieties with so many colours and different shapes. Some of them even smell so fragrance.
My kids love the playground so bad. They can spend half-day playing around.
That's where the playground is. Quite fun boulder climbing and park is nearby with swimming pool, really good place to be on a nice sunny day. Toilets nearby- not the best but does the job, and cafes nearby coffee ice cream.
Stretching from the edge of town onto the city's centre, there are plenty of paths, seats, ponds, a beautiful stream, a golf course and even a cafe in the middle. Delightful gardens and lawns. Only issue is that there seems to always be work, so closed paths are everywhere.
Awesome open spaces,,sports fields,,friendly family gathering and picnics,,fitness/ excercise tracks,local events and so much more.A local GEM . Close to many other attractions ,such as Art centre,Museum,local restaurants and food stalls,,also Boating on the Avon .Botanical gardens,,one of the best in the world .so much to offer .
Great place to walk. Very cool park. Don't get lost in the botanical gardens after dark. Also watch out for the huge daffodils.
Very beautiful park with lots of activities to enjoy. It is amazing to see that Christchurh has been able to maintain such a great park with large botanical garden within it. This place is a must visit landmark when coming to Christchurch as it is located in the central area of the city. Bring food and drink while enjoying the walk through the park as the walkway is kilometers long and could be exhausting. There are plenty spaces to sit and relax, though.
This park is stunningly beautiful and is a worthwhile place to visit for a picnic with friends or families.With the kids awesome water fun park makes it a great place for families to relax and enjoy.
Cafe and museum is also a must to visit and enjoy the history of Hagley/botanical garden.Took my girls to also visit the rose garden which was so beautiful and the scent of the roses is deep and floral indeed.Just amazing and there is also a hop on shuttle ride that can take you around along with a tour guide due to the size of this amazing garden/park.Yes,you must buy a ticket for this please check their website for prices.
The greenhouse conservatory was closed so I could not visit due to renovations but I heard it is a must to visit when it's open.
Victoria Lake is wonderful! So many paths to walk and different areas to see. It also connects to the Botanical Gardens. Very nice place to walk around and spend a day or have a picnic.
One of the most breathtaking parks I've ever been to. It looks stunning on every season and is well taken care of. Vast area of luscious greenery, with possibility of having lots of fun activities . There are trails, golf grounds, area for rugby, cricket matches and even playgrounds on the lot. Must visit place in Christchurch. You'll always have a winderful time there, no matter the season.
Spring is here, can see lots of flowers blooming in the botanical garden. We are lucky enough to see daffodils 🌼 it looks amazing, there is daffodil woodland which is like a fairy tails. Really enjoyed the time here. have not been to all the places in this garden though. Still need to explore more. There is a beautiful rose garden in the middle of the botanical garden but this is not the season for the roses. Able to see only in its blooming season. Always enjoy the walking in this garden and looks perfectly different every time I visit.
Hadley Park in Christchurch is an absolute gem! This central park is a serene oasis with a remarkable array of trees, especially those planted in parallel rows—truly impressive!
It’s a favorite spot for locals, and you’ll often find people walking their dogs, adding to the delightful atmosphere. The park offers a tranquil escape in the heart of Christchurch.
For nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful stroll, Hadley Park is a must-visit. Highly recommend for its beautiful greenery and relaxing ambiance! 👍
Hagley Park has got to be one of NZ's best places to visit. Astoundingly beautiful on a sunny spring day, lots of colours all around. Vast acres to walk about, have coffee and just sit around.
Beautiful place to relax or go for a run. Very refreshing.
10. Banks Peninsula
4.5
(36)
Peninsula
Sights & Landmarks
Rolling green 440-sq.-mi. volcanic promontory, popular for tramping & dolphin watching.
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I have been to the Banks Peninsula several times, from day trips to nights. The best experience I have ever had is sleeping in the car and waking up on the bay in the morning to see the scenery.
Great gravel road with great scenery.
completely agree with dr marryatt on this one le bon
I just like this place and I like to drive through the beautiful scenery. We ended up in Akaroa, which is one of our favorite places. Stop by the river and take a look at this lovely town.
Beautiful and lovely stunning scenery.
This place is too beautiful. Please don't visit. It will put you off all other places.
Stunning view everywhere. This is an amazing peninsula and not far away from Christchurch. If you want to stop your car and take photos please be aware of the traffic. The road is not flat. I drove my car from Chuistchurch to the small town Akaroa in the early morning and enjoyed the view of Sunrise. It is really beautiful and peaceful. I believe you will love the drive. Cheers
Good view, but submit road is arrow, not easy to drive. Be prepared to drive very slow, sometimes you can do only about 30k/h.
Beautiful hiking trails, wildlife, green fields , the cliffs. I enjoyed hiking this area. New Zealand is my favorite country to visit, wish I could move there.
11. Orana Wildlife Park
4.4
(4002)
Zoo
Outdoor Activities
Open-range zoo with species such as giraffes, gorillas, lions, white rhinos & the native kiwi bird.
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Pretty cool experience to hand-feed giraffes. Don't go when it's too hot because there is limited shade and some of the animals will be asleep in the shaded part of their enclosures. The feedings and talks are a great way to see the animals and learn more about them.
Had a great time at Orana Park, lots to see and easily managed about 4 hours there. Staff were friendly and easy to talk to. Did notice some rubbish (plastic, cardboard etc) in a few of the exhibits and some areas weren't overly accessible with a pram but all in all we thoroughly enjoyed it
Staff were so kind and friendly. Also very imformative. Was easy to get around the park, good facilities. Staff in the cafe were not as friendly but made a decent coffee thank you. Highlight was watching Tiger feed and feeding a giraffe. Thanks heaps for an awesome day. Thankfully weather was great too :)
The park is very nice, it seems they take care a lot of the animals, the animals look healthy,they have some interesting animals, I really enjoyed see them. The feeding activity is pretty nice. I was so happy to see kiwi and more animals from New Zeland. The can improve two things, the first is was about the transportation, it is too difficult for tourists come back to city or airport. The staff can get a taxi, but It is too expensive. So check your transportation before you go. The park should put more water/beverages stations, it is needed with the walking and sun.
Great park, amazing animals, nice family day out. Got to see a kiwi for the first time. Great place to have lunch as well. Only unavoidable down side is that you must be prepared to walk a lot ... the park is obviously huge to give the animals enough space. There are however shuttles you can catch if you get tired.
Would've like to have given a 5.. but there were a couple of things that bothered me. I think it's a nice park, because some of the fields are way back it's hard to see some of the animals from afar, especially take good pics of them, I guess the good thing about that is it means more space for the animals to move around in. Guess you need a good proper professional camera. Also lots of fence between you and the lions hard to take good photos without getting fence in the way. It's a big park, alot of walking and it does make it hard for those who are not good at walking and although there are shuttles you still need to walk a bit to see some of the animals up close and visit other enclosures that aren't close to the shuttle stops. The shuttle is nice. Possibly needs one more section on busy days as really didn't want to wait another 30mins to get from one stop to the next because no one else wanted to hop off. In the end on another round I was offered a seat up the front so that was nice. I saw a bit of rubbish around in the grounds and quite a bit of over grown grass or rubble... the gorillas are amazing, and feeding the Giraffe is cool. I didn't get to see all the animals because of all the walking. And I don't think the wheel chair would be good for those paths.. lots of gravel and slopes unless it was an electric wheel chair. But I did see what I majorly wanted to go see.. the Gorillas.. because I've never seen them before.. just majestic.. hope to get the money to visit again to see other parts of the zoo. And see more feeding times. The staff are nice.. the hot chips in Cafe weren't cooked properly and the Chai tasted weird I didn't even drink half of it..
Overall it's good eh..
Fantastic wildlife park, what a great experience!
I recommend following the feeding schedule of the animals to get the most out of your visit and to pretty much guarantee seeing the animals up close. Also suggest getting there by 10.30.
Feeding the giraffe was a highlight.
Cafe food was very good.
Loved the place. Lots of happy and active animals. All the staff were very nice and all had smiles on their faces. The lion encounter is well worth it too.
Nice size place and didn't have to try and rush around to try and see everything, we got to take our time and still got to see all the animals. The natural looking enclosures are also great.
Absolutely loved everything! Took the family for a whole days adventure at Orana park. First time seeing most of the animals which was very exciting for us. Our kids loved feeding the Giraffes and seeing the monkeys and wee farm animals. Highly recommended to anyone planning to visit in future!
Best place in Christchurch to visit wildlife and nature. We had the family pass and the price was not too bad for a standard family. The place is well organised and you can feed the animals following the day plan. You can also arrange birthday parties and kids will have a blast. There is a shuttle that goes every 30 minutes. Highly recommended to enjoy the weekend or a great family day.
Absolutely love the gorillas, this is the big ticket item here as can't see them anywhere else in NZ. Giraffe feeding highly recommend too.
The park however would really benefit from a massive cash injection as clearly suffering right now on the cosmetic front.
Some displays were hard to tell if they were no longer in use with no animals, or just overgrown grass hiding sleeping animals?.
More 'rustic' than pristine zoo, and had to think of it as a donation rather than value for money
What a great wildlife park! Lots to see including the baby giraffe. Great for the whole family. We walked the entire park, on a hot day definitely need sunscreen/hats although there were shady places to stop reasonably often.
Lovely Zoo. Nicely spaced out and quite a few animals close up. Cafe coffee maker was a little too busy as Sat in school holidays but overall a relaxed experience with a teen.
The animals seem healthy and have plenty of space. The park is huge, maintenance must take a lot of work so it's understandable. I hope the silverback is well, he seemed lonely the day we visited. Maybe because the other one was asleep. I'm not sure how they ended up here.
The park has a wonderful open layout, much more natural than other zoo's. The animals in general were active in these nice environments, which is great to see. Gorilla's that were moving, monkeys swinging around and lion's happy enough to come close to feed. Very helpful staff, Highly recommended
Beautiful place to spend half a day. It is a big zize zoo in natural habitat. There is a lot of walking to do if you want a close-up look at animals. The shuttle is nice, but you can't see much from it. Will be nice if the stops are longer to allow you to jump off, see the animals for 5-10min, then jump on and go to the next stop. During the visit, it was impossible to spot some animals like the tiger or some big apes because the building door was locked or they were hiding somewhere. It will be nice to be possible to see them. Otherwise, it's a great encounter, and if the weather is good, it will be a great day.
Its a huge zoo, great experience! Though it was hot at 26° today and was a long queue, it moves fast and feeding the giraffes is fun and exciting.. The lions are healthy, the gorillas are aloof and adorable, lol.. Plenty of parking and picnic tables. The toilets need frequent check as it was dirty on peak summer season.
Holy cow, my kids (and myself) absolutely loved this place. Lions and tigers and keas, OH MY! Seriously though it was great. We got there at around 2:30 on Sunday Dec 31 and had the place to ourselves it felt like. We fed the giraffes. Saw the kiwi. Had a blast. Obviously you didn’t come all the way to New Zealand for a zoo. However, we did this on our last day and thought it was wonderful.
Beautiful place to look for wonderful animals and birds.
This is the only safari based zoo in NZ. You get to see lions, tigers, giraffe, gorilla and more.
Nice Cafe and souvenir shop.
Free parking at the premises. Family pass for 2 adults and 3 children for $91 is a good deal.
What amazing experience! There was so much to see and do, I enjoyed seeing the Tiger, Meerkats, Otter's and the Giraffes..of course the rest of the animals but didn't finished the whole park as the kids were getting tired and grumpy hhaha but overall amazing experience! :D job well done !!!
Such a great place to enjoy a day out with the kids. We celebrated a 3rd birthday here and so much fun doing so. Recommended hiring or taking a buggy if you have young toddlers. There is a shuttle that goes around every 30 mins too if someone has difficulties walking long distance. Quite a walk around the place so don't rush it.
Great Wildlife Centre with a really impressive variety of animals. The enclosures all look pretty good and the animals are healthy. I like the fact they offer an adoption box system to help contribute to the long term welfare of the animals and the upkeep of the grounds etc.
Even though it was very busy when we visited it didn't feel crowded at all, and it's very cool that they offer a little hop on hop off cart that drives around the whole park for those who don't want to walk far.
Would happily visit again.
12. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
4.7
(4465)
Wildlife park
Outdoor Activities
Native New Zealand wildlife such as kiwis, along with a restaurant & guided tours.
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Wow. We spent the whole day here. The place really is top notch. Animals are clearly will looked after. They look shiney and healthy. Only one kiwi was active but it was worthwhile. Most people walk out before their eyes adjust. If you have patience, it will be the best experience as long as one of them is awake. We will come back again.
A fantastic day out for all ages. So many gorgeous animals, many you can pat and feed. So nice getting up close and personal with the animals. Very tidy and well kept park. Feeding the Eels was a highlight. A must visit for anyone living in or visiting Christchurch.
Came here wanting to see the Kiwi birds (which we did) but ended up loving the other wildlife that there is to see. A MUST visit when coming to Christchurch. Highly recommend purchasing a bag of food to give to the various animals for a more close and personal experience. Just amazing.
This place turned out to be much better than anticipated. My adult daughter wanted to see Kiwi’s and this place delivered. I really enjoyed the eels and all of the animals wandering around. It was a calm peaceful day during our 2 month vacation. A+
It was such a fun place to visit! The animals are beautiful and while taking care of. The staff seems very knowledgeable and caring for their fur babies.Great Zoo & Great Experience! The habitats were of good sizes for the animals, they looked healthy and the place was clean. Excellent place for kids and family. Very friendly staff, very well maintained animals. You get real close interaction with the animals, much better than at regular zoos. Really cool place. Such a nice and relaxing setting to walk around with the kids and enjoy the animals so up close and hands on! We had a wonderful time! ♥️
We got an annual pass and go regularly with our 2 year old. Easy to spend 1-2 hours here. Great way to get kids used to animals with plenty of opportunities to feed and observe them. They are constantly improving and upgrading various areas as well which is great.
incredible for the admission cost. for most people, by far the easiest way to see a live Kiwi. be warned, the Kea are very friendly! the farm animals in particular are all very docile and cute. felt a bit sad seeing the parrots though. some of the exhibits are clearly way too small, even for a zoo or "wildlife reserve". in any case, well worth the time and money to come here for an hour or two.
Amazing place. Allow plenty of time to walk around. Really impressed by the quality of the exhibits and structures. Very well kept. Lots of different types of animals to view and feed. Beautiful cafe to relax and warm up in by the fire. Top 10 members get 10% off entry too.
This place is amazing!
We did the capybara feeding and it was so nice. All the animals there seem well taken care of, even the ones that follow you string down the paths. Highly recommend getting a couple bags of food. All the birds aviaries were great, the kea parrots were especially cheeky and chewed at my camera strap while sitting on my shoulder. Super close and beautiful :)
Great place for at least 2 or 3 hours entertainment! Buy some cheap food there if you'd like to feed the birds or animals. Wait for at least 5-10 minutes for your eyes to adjust in the dark Kiwi room. We were lucky to watch a kiwi searching for food right below us for over 10 minutes. The Kea enclosure is also an awesome experience along with the Wallaby enclosure!
Love the park where you can interact with different animals in close proximity (I had ducklings chasing after me which was real fun!). I went on a relatively quiet weekday and the walk in the park itself was relaxing. I was also impressed at how they tried to incorporate NZ history in their decor. Not my first time seeing real kiwis, but I liked how we could see them up close (without glass barriers) in the kiwi house. If you have time, do try the optional experiences (of course, book ahead of time - their website is easy to navigate and they reply to emails quickly too). I managed to book for the capybara encounter and it was definitely the highlight of my whole trip to New Zealand! The lady guiding us knows her stuff and was awesome with the capys (and their goose friend Bambi). I also enjoyed a banana milkshake at the park cafe served by the friendly staff working there.
After visiting 3 different spaces in NZ I finally came face to face with a Kea
This wildlife park is a pleasure to walk around, it is beautifully set out and never obtrusive, it's almost as if you're meant to be there.
You can buy food for the animals and hand feed them, which is customary for most wildlife parks, the animals are used to this which results in them approaching you, and sometimes following you around!
Some animals are a little excitable when trying to score food from you, with amusing results (looking at you, goat who tried to climb the fence) or seem to pop up out of nowhere
I absolutely recommend a visit if you're in the Christchurch area.
Lovely weather. $3 per bag of food. There are buckets of food too. Pathways pretty wide, watch out for the occasional tree root. Monkeys, capybara, goats, horses, otters, macaws. 32.5 for adults and 12.5 children. Not too bad a day today
Had a great day out with my wife and 11 month old. The park is split up into 3 sections exotic animals, farm animals and animals native to new Zealand. The park had a very natural feel to it with lovely walk ways with duck ponds and birds throughout meaning you never felt like you weren't near something to look at. Even managed to stop for a lovely coffee watching the deer.
You can buy food to feed some of the animals but we didn't as our child was a bit small. Saying that she still loved to get close to the farm animals and stroke the goats/sheep.
First time for myself and two under 4yo. Was enough to keep them engaged through the entire park. The pathways are great and easy to move through even with a buggy. Great time, thank you :-)
It’s a good place, staff are nice. We saw kiwi. Feeding is a little more expensive than farm. We had a pleasant afternoon.
Lovely place to bring young children. Lots of animals to feed and see. Place was nicely decorated and has a rustic feel. There are benches and tables for picnic in the middle of the reserve. Reserve just feels a little small and cramped. All else is good.
This was an amazing zoo / wildlife reserve lots of animals to get close to you are able to even feed some of the farm animals for an extra $4! Favorite bit when staying in Christchurch would recommend!
I absolutely love this place. I visit every time I'm in Christchurch. It's definitely something to do if you're planning on being here the whole day. The shortest visit I've had here was 4hrs.
I've done both the Capybara and Lemur encounter. Both were amazing. Highly recommend.
Great experience to explore with your kids. There are many different kinds of animals which can be found in this zoo. They can be watched from close distance, and even you can buy food to feed them. There are 3 different types of food you can buy at the front desk, for eels, small animals, and big animals. All of them love food.
It is a nocturnal house inside where you can find kiwis. It's slightly dark, and you need to keep silent, but interestingly, you can find kiwis by your naked eyes; there are just right in front.
There is a cafe inside with nice food you can order for adults and kids. Additionally, the car park is also quite spacy.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is lovely. You walk through the park and don't really feel like in a zoo. It is all very interactive and you get to see the animals very close bye. Or even closer if you decide to buy food for them. For us the highlight was clearly the lemur encounter! It was absolutely super cute and a wonderful memory.
Really nice, interesting wildlife reserve and nicely laid out in a great location. There is a pathway for people to walk on and signs all around the reserve showing the way to different kinds of animals.
As kiwis are rare, they are in a very specific place where you can see some live kiwis.
It is a great place for families and kids to enjoy and on occasions you can feed some animals.
The reserve has many kinds of endangered animals and species and it is a really amazing and wonderful sight. Photos and videos are very popular and there are also guided tours and some programs organised for kids, but you will have to check the website for information.
Prices for entry are quite affordable for singles or families with kids. I would recommend a visit to this wildlife reserve. You don’t have to book in advance.
Stunning place with lots to see and do. We have lived in NZ a few years and I have never been before as it's quite a large cost for a family day out, that being said you can see all the animals are well cared for and I love all the trees and the beautiful walk through the reserve. Very special seeing the kiwi so close that was the highlight for me.
Now that I have been I think I will definitely be back as it is a very special place and well worth it for all the beauty it offers. However it would be nice to have special prices every now and then so that it's a bit more of an affordable day out. We brought our own food and drinks to save on that aspect.
The eel feeding was something unique and something I'm sure we will talk about again :)
The staff were super friendly and facilities well looked after.
Thank you for a beautiful day out in nature, surrounded by trees and enchanted by birdsong.
The animals are so cute! I spent around 3 hours here with my partner and it was great to walk through all the paths and find more animals, the farmyard animals are very gentle with feeding & the geese surprisingly don't go crazy!
They have extras that I will go back to do at some point, but for now, it was definitely a great day out just walking around.
Our family had a great time. So many different types of animals, lots of different ways to interact. The kiwi experience was amazing, we saw several less than a foot or two away.
a great combination of native and non-native wildlife plus a farmyard petting zoo, a perfect outing for the whole family. the kiwi house and wood pigeon area offer the closest encounters of anywhere I've ever been, and walking amongst the keas in their habitat was also a highlight. the whole area is set amongst lush forest and bush, which attracts various other visitors, so a good opportunity for birdwatching
13. Cardboard Cathedral
4.4
(1624)
Cathedral
Sights & Landmarks
Interim cathedral, constructed from cardboard to replace a church damaged in a 2011 earthquake.
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Ok, just go see... Amazing architecture if you consider the time it too,,, the material used and now the look... Free to go in and covid safe.... The neighbourhood does not look like much... Still lot of empty lots for rebuild...
This building was erected quickly after the earthquake to allow worship to continue for congregations whose buildings were damaged. Locally known as the cardboard church. I attended a C of E service.
It has become a tourist attraction in its own right.
A must see if you’re in town. A piece of architectural genius. Read about the construction and design of this building to understand why it’s so interesting. Run by volunteers who are happy to explain how this project was created. There is also a small souvenir shop right at the entrance.
Amazing design made of cardboards, when you are in Christchurch try to visit this unique place.
A beautiful building constructed using paper (+steel) and is earthquake resistant. This was after the 2011 Christchurch earthquake. Worth a visit 🙂
I recently visited the Cardboard Cathedral in Christchurch, and it left a profound impression on me. As someone who isn't particularly religious, I was drawn in by the incredible ambiance of this unique place.
The cathedral's construction from cardboard, influenced by Japanese architecture, is a true testament to human ingenuity. To meet building regulations, plywood columns are cleverly hidden within the cardboard cylinders.
This cathedral's history is a symbol of resilience, having risen from the aftermath of a devastating earthquake. Its design, with varying heights from 16 meters at the entrance to 30 meters at the far end, is a captivating architectural achievement.
Adjacent to the cathedral, the Monument of the CTV tower stands on the very ground where the tower once was. A serene garden surrounds it, and you can still glimpse some of the ground fundamentals amidst the beautiful greenery.
A visit to the Cardboard Cathedral is a unique and moving experience, highlighting the strength and creativity of Christchurch in the face of adversity. 🏗️🌏 #CardboardCathedral #ChristchurchHistory #Resilience #CTVTowerMemorial
Great welcome from the volunteers and a lovely service from the Priest and members of St. Luke's. We just turned up as tourists ( Eucharist at 12.05 each day) and left feeling valued. We wish you God's Blessings. From St. Mary's in Durham, England.
We were visiting Christchurch and decided to have a look at the Cardboard Cathedral. It was a very intriguing building, something I'd never really seen before.
However, I do not appreciate hearing rude statements after speaking to the person in the lobby thats supposedly welcoming us. I would recommend keeping comments about other peoples working life to yourself. Once we left they continued to rudely joke about the topic to our faces. Just a little more thought should be made when talking to people, especially if you're the one welcoming people inside. 😒
It is the very unique, impressive and nice place to visit. It is also known as The cardboard Cathedral. It is designed by Japanese architect- Shigeru Ban used the Cardboard tubes, timber and steel. Volunteer lady, Margaret was very friendly and helpful. This is free entry and your are allowed to take photos inside. There is a gift shop inside the church. The only thing I would like to see is public car parking place onsite as currently there is no car parking spaces for visitors so you need to find the street parking nearby.
It is beautiful church made of cardboard by Japanese architect. Unique and strong.
Learned from the past and move to forward.
Great architecture, near town so if you are around the area it's worth a quick visit.
Note that not all parts of the building is made of cardboard! They use shipping containers and lots of steel.
This is one of the most amazing structures I have ever visited. Built in a period of between 10 and 18 months, it was erected to serve as a temporary site for the parishioners of Christchurch Cathedral, which was destroyed in the series of earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Huge cardboard tubes serve as major structural elements, but rather than being ugly, they are quite beautiful in the overall aesthetic design. It is a building that must be seen in person; photographs simply don’t do it justice.
Even though it was built to serve while the main cathedral is being rebuilt, this is a permanent structure that will continue serving the resilient people of Christchurch.
The Christchurch Transitional Cathedral is also known as the Cardboard Cathedral . It was built after the 2011 earthquake while the Christchurch Cathedral was greatly damaged . The cardboard church was designed by Japanese architect 坂茂 Shigeru Ban . Standing inside this transitional church, you can feel the peacefulness and thankfulness with a humble heart. I like the simple design , it gave you a bright and lively feeling . After seeing the reinstalment project at the Cathedral Square , you can find hope and love in this Cardboard Church .
No tickets are required. This is the church referred to as the 'cardboard cathedral'. You can see the walls and ceiling are made of cardboard along with many of the other furniture items. The building is unique because of the materials used to build it. It is a very interesting structure and worth a visit, even for those amongst us who are not religious. Lovely volunteers manage a delightful small shop at the front of the building.
This place is amazing! If you're architecture lover, then this cathedral must be on your list. The exterior look simple but the interior will amaze you.
Beautiful and serene, quietly moving too. Smaller than I expected but still had a real presence. Powerful story of community. Amazing that the stained glass of the original cathedral was captured to be replicated too
Attended for the installation of their new Dean. It is definitely a transitional building, designed for a short term life but still they have managed to create a building filled with light, space and a sense of family. The new Dean should do well here.
Temporary, transitional, Christchurch cathedral replacing the original one destroyed in the 2011 earthquake. Most-welcoming hosts.
A MUST visit when in the city.
Designed with environmental impact in mind, the cathedral has embraced every aspect of sustainability in its design. Faithful also recovered the cathedra / bishop’s chair and the pulpit from the wreckage of the former destroyed building.
We loved the new, stained glass windows.
Very beautiful Church, modern and respectful temple, amazing architecture
14. The Margaret Mahy Family Playground
4.8
(5886)
Playground
Nature & Parks
Adventure park with slides & climbing towers built as part of the post-2011 earthquake recovery.
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This place is amazing!!🤩 there are lots of games to play. Perfect location for children and even adults! I met some friendly local children who keep showing me around haha lovely 🥰🥰
This is the best playground I've ever seen, been, experienced so far.
Even though popular and pretty crowded, so much spaces to play, and all the equipment are safety concerned so very safe to play.
There are good toilet facilities and some food trucks, as well as BBQ facilities and carparking spaces.
The Margaret Mahy Family Playground in Christchurch is a delightful haven for families. The play equipment is not only high-performance but also impeccably clean, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for kids. A must-visit for Christchurch residents with children or for visitors looking for a top-notch family-friendly destination.
An amazing play area for the kids right in the heart of city of Christchurch. There are a mix of areas for the kids, water play which is great especially on the hot day we were there, sand pits for the smaller kids with diggers, and then the general play area that is just massive with beets to climb and slides to tear down! Kids loved this spot!
Free parking available, drinkable water fountain is also available. There's enough space and safety precaution for every child to play with. Good place to hangout with friends and family too.
Quite a lot of free parking, and such a super cool playground! Heaps to do, though you may have to wait in queue since it's super busy. Not the best for toddlers, I definitely wouldn't take my 1-yo at a busy time, but he had a lot of fun when there weren't many other people there.
Excellent park to take the kids to, good play equipment and many things to keep them amused. Great location next to the Avon River right in the city, lots of parking, clean toilet facilities, sheltered bbq area and a water feature section to keep them cool. Highly recommend
One of the best city family playgrounds in Christchurch.
Pros: 1. Massive park
2. So many activities for kids
3. For adults too
4. Plenty of free parking
5. Toilets are clean
Cons:
1. But windy
Perfect playground for kids! Any age from 2 and upwards! There is a sand area as a water play area, this place is epic! My kids loved the large slide and the zip line. They could spend here all day. Plenty of sitting area around the playground but lacks shading. Coffee, ice cream and food trucks around the playgrounds
Best playground I have seen in New Zealand. It's like a free amusement park. The big slides are fun for kids but also for toddlers accompanied by their guardian or even as an adult its just fun. There is ample parking for 180 minutes. Toilets available. Also drinks and snacks on the area
The BEST family playground ❤️ in Christchurch...amazing to see some many children having fun with others
This is a great park for kids, there is plenty of parking, plenty of space to move around. The playground equipment caters for all ages & abilities. There is also some water activities that is great for warmer weather. The park is very close to the centre of Christchurch (& the tram) if you want to visit the shops as well.
If you need to burn some energy off the kids, take them here !
It's a beautiful park that has almost everything that kids will enjoy of all ages (2+ years & above) and parents to sit and enjoy the stream close by. There is a BBQ station and picnic tables available too. Has decent number of parking spaces too. Splash pad is a very good activity during summer too.
15. Air Force Museum of New Zealand
4.7
(1918)
History museum
Museums
Exhibits on the country's military aviation history along with aircraft, tours & a flight simulator.
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Did a training day here. Rob & the team were fabulous and venue was so well equipped with state of the art Zoom facilities.
The coffees and food were excellent and Heroma service was delightful.
Highly recommend the venue for your next event
Lovely place! Very informative and plenty of things to see. I really recommend going on a tour as you will be able to visit tour-only sites! Our guide, Chris, was really nice and helpful. We spent about 2-3 hours here, that’s including the tour. The museum also has a mosquito jet simulation that you can try on.
Today was an exhibition day at museum .. lots of peoples were there. We got a chances to saw live jets flying over , There were Lots of activities for the kids as well . A good place for a family visits . Enough car parking space and there is also cafe☕️ ✅
Airforce Museum of NZ was a great experience, free entry & hours of entertainment. We paid to participate in the 'Treasure Hunt', my hubby didn't quite complete his (too busy looking at the planes) but my son loved the challenge (3 to choose from). We paid $2 each & took a tour - got to hear some history but also saw some behind the scenes exhibits & restoration. Such a great morning. Cafe available also.
Amazing FREE museum located not far from the centre of the city. If you're restricted to public transport then buses are available from the centre that stop almost directly outside.
There's an exhibition showing off the stories of those that participated in the air force throughout history and the origins of it.
There's hangars full of varied planes and even a couple you can venture inside to see how they look.
Would say it's an easy 2 - 3 hour experience depending on how in-depth you want to go through it. The staff were very helpful at the front desk showing us all the different areas and going through the museum was an easy enough experience.
great place to visit, whenever you visit Christchurch, it is free but we gave donation as it is well-maintained for it to continue. good for family day and fun for the kids
A MUST go if you visit Christchurch!What a great museum with very friendly staff and full of historic stuff around Air Force and the great wars! A lot of airplanes very well preserved! Also they provide a guided tour with staff who can tell much more details and stories about the events between NZ and the wars around the globe. SURPRISINGLY is free entry but I did and strongly recommend a donation to keep all the place working good and well as its running nowadays.
I visited here on the day that should hold an air show, but it was canceled due to the bad weather, which was such a shame.
There were so many cool air force stuffs from the gear they carry to actual fighter helicopters and jets with their engine showed.
There was also a vintage cars demonstration that day, they are so beautiful and classic with wooden body and wire rims.
I recently visited The Airforce Museum in Christchurch, and it's a hidden gem that's well worth the trip, despite being a bit outside the city due to its location on an old airforce base. The best part? It's absolutely free! The amount of information and the things you can see and touch are nothing short of incredible. It's a fantastic activity for children, and they have a wide array of exhibits.
I decided to take the $2NZ tour, and it was an absolute bargain. The tour allowed us to explore the inside of a plane, visit the workshop, and even go behind the black curtain where more planes are undergoing maintenance. It's fascinating to learn that they receive plane donations from the Airforce but have limited space. So please donate generously.
I highly recommend taking the tour; it's well-deserved praise. My tour guide, John, was fantastic, and it's evident that all the volunteers are passionate airplane enthusiasts with connections to the airforce. Even if you're not familiar with all the aircraft, you should still pay a visit to learn more about the history of the First and Second World War flights. A must-visit for history and aviation enthusiasts!
New Zealand has a rich, storied military history and the Air Force Museum of New Zealand does a great job of showcasing the history from early days to now.
The museum sits on the edge of a former World War 2 airfield that is still marked as military property. Inside the exhibits include lots of well maintained historic aircraft with many well done exhibits that tell stories not only of aircraft but of the men (and dogs) of the country's air forces.
Well worth a visit.
This is a fantastic and free museum! There are lots of things to read, do, and interact with! Fun for kids and grown-ups. We took our 1 year old and she enjoyed it a lot. There is a cafe on site too for coffee/food before or after. It was such a fun trip for the family. Thank you! There is plenty of parking and toilets nearby. We will be back for sure.
Really nice museum. My husband really enjoyed it. It was interesting for me too. The entry is for free, but there are some donation boxes where you can donate. We spent one and half hour in there.
It's a great place for kids if you need some thing to do on a rainy 🌧 day, as with many good things in Christchurch this is also free to enter 😊
A wonderful display of some amazing aircraft, some great stories and excellent exhibits. Great for the kids and the whole family really. The hanger is only one part of the museum, there is also a-lot of photography, a memorial, games and a area which shows off uniforms, medals and weaponry. Donation for entry.
Wonderful museum for absolutely free! The air force museum is packed with amazing exhibits, interactive activities, digital games, information plaques, planes and cockpits you can sit in, and more.
This is a great place to bring kids, and adults of all ages. You will leanr a lot of about the long and interesting history of great kiwi heroes.
The planes are also very gorgeous and well kept.
Wonderful museum with lots to see and learn about. So many amazing aircraft on display! I loved reading the personal stories of the people in aviation in New Zealand.
A great visit for a great museum.
Thank's for the aircraft presentation quality and the very interresting artefact choice.
The personnel were very sympatic with us.
And the possibility to snack and drink before living the museum have been appreciate
Perfect place to take a little walker, my little dude loved seeing all the planes and loved how big and open it is. He was woahing everywhere. Love how it has lots of information. And the little gift shop and little planes foe kids to go on.
We will be back many times I'm sure
Easy parking. Change table usable and high chairs available too which makes life easy
Took the bus out from central Christchurch. Easy to get to. Good clear exhibits with a wide selection of RNZAF planes on show. Clear easy to read interpretation boards. Helpful staff. Cafe offered good selection.
Awesome collection of aircrafts from the past spanning over multiple hangers. Great history behind every aircraft and its pilots. Free entry to the public, however a donation is welcome. Great little café to grab a light meal and a coffee while wondering around.
Great place. Do the tour only $5pp. Very knowledgeable guide Ray. Will be back to finish looking around as so much to look at. Highly recommend. Amazing planes etc on display and very well presented.
Wonderful and educational place to take kids and family. They have a good collection of vintage aircrafts that used to be part of New Zealand Airforce fleet. The museum is clean and beautiful, with huge parking space for visitors. It's completely FREE, which is nice, but we can book a group tour for $5. Plenty of activities for young kids, and there is a cafe if food and drinks are needed after the visit.
Watch my video on YouTube about this museum:
https://youtu.be/j05lG2WTDZQ
If you are an aircraft enthusiast this is a must see/do, it's free entry but the guided tour is $5 00 but is definitely worth it as the volunteers are super friendly and knowledgeable so much New Zealand history all under one roof A+++
We had a wonderful experience. We arrived early and managed to get through all the exhibitions before it started to get busy. So much to see and learn about. The cafe had a variety of delicious food for one very exhausted 8yr old plane enthusiasts to choose from afterwards. Staff were amazing and we enjoyed looking through the gift shop.
Excellent place to discover and learn the aviation history of birthplace of New Zealand Airforce.
Free entry and free parking.
Guided tours are available for $2 per person and under 12 go free.
Also recommend playing simulation game for $8, mosquito war.
This museum is exceptional !
The entrance is free, the simulation cost 8$
A lot of things to read, learn, explore !
Very interactive, there is a prisoner/escape simulation and so many stories from soldiers.
No vegan option to eat in their coffee shop
What an amazing place to visit its free and the staff were amazing. So much knowledge at the air force museum. Great place to take the kids they had a blast learning about the air force history and looking over the beautifully keep aircraft. I will absolutely be back to have another look at the aircraft and go on a tour.
16. Avon River / Ōtakaro
4.4
(37)
River
Nature & Parks
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Quite a nice, winding river, with lots of sidewalks to go for a quiet morning walk. It's also the place where many of the city's events are held.
One of the neat aspects of time spent in the town centre of Christchurch is the Avon River, which beautifully winds its way through the city. This is an attractive waterway with clear water, often times lined with willows.
I enjoyed seeing trout near a couple bridges as well as kayakers and boaters enjoying the Avon, at Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Garden. There is a nice seating area along the River near Oxford Terrace and the Bridge of Remembrance and an interesting 'Stay' sculpture in the river nearby as well. These are interesting to see along the Avon as well.
Wandering along the river in the central part of the city was delightful. The river looks beautifully clean, there are birds around, and gorgeous trees. The riverside landscaping has been done very well indeed -- I assume much of it done since the earthquake hit. It's a lovely place for a stroll or to just sit and relax.
Beautiful and rich in historical significance, the Avon River has its own heritage in Central Christchurch. Its banks can be seen covered in lush gardens and boats aline its waters.
Brilliant Avon river, great for kayaking & rowing
With a length of 14 kilometres (8.7 miles), the Avon River meanders right through Christchurch, and out into the Pacific Ocean via the Avon Heathcote Estuary. Also known by the Māori name Ōtākaro, meaning ‘the place of a game’, the river was given its English name in honour of the Scottish Avon. River punting is one of the key attractions the Avon is renowned for.
The trees are lovely, the ducks look yummy, and across the road are plenty of fruit trees that you are welcome to forage from, apples, peaches, plums and nectarines. But, don't leave anything in plain view in your car.
The Avon can be lovely and is home to many native species, such as Longfin Eels, however is suffers from significant pollution due to agricultural runoff and urban threats such as bacteria from dogs and heavy metals used in construction. With the proper care it could return to health over the course of the next generation.
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What's the weather like in Christchurch?
It depends on when you visit! We've compiled data from NASA on what the weather is like in Christchurch for each month of the year: see the links below for more information.
- Weather in Christchurch in January
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