From jet boating and skydiving to occurring a Lord of the Rings tour, right here’s our listing of the greatest issues to do in Christchurch, New Zealand!
Christchurch is likely one of the largest cities in New Zealand and one among its biggest vacationer locations.
It doesn’t matter what you’re in search of in a trip spot, you’ll find it right here. It’s an exceedingly various metropolis with stunning pure environment, a thriving artwork scene, and lots of thrilling issues to see and do.
Christchurch can also be a little bit of a thrill seeker’s paradise. The pure great thing about the Southern Alps and the Pacific Ocean lend itself effectively to adventurous actions.
The current earthquakes that struck town centre could have broken most of the buildings, however they didn’t injury the spirit of the Kiwis, who’ve rebuilt proudly.
Whereas many vacationers could choose to skip Christchurch for a few of the extra standard South Island locations akin to Queenstown, people who keep right here for a couple of days shortly fall in love with its energetic environment.
Our Checklist of the Finest Issues to Do in Christchurch
Yow will discover an entire vary of superior journey actions in Christchurch, from jet boating, bungee leaping, skydiving, and extra.
Nonetheless, town additionally affords many alternatives to easily calm down and luxuriate in your self. There are quite a few parks and waterfront paths alongside the Avon River.
You may wander round in its award-winning Christchurch Botanic Gardens or pay your respects on the Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial. New Regent Avenue is downtown has a lot of nice retailers and eating places.
Or you may get pleasure from a day along with your youngsters on the Worldwide Antarctic Centre.
These are only a few of the issues that Christchurch has to supply.
So let’s take a more in-depth take a look at a few of the adventures that await you on this marvellous metropolis.
1) Do a Strolling Tour with the Legends at Inexperienced Kiwi Excursions
One of the simplest ways to get to know a metropolis is to discover it with an area, and on the finish of 2019 a brand new firm has began up that provides implausible excursions for guests that ought to be absolutely the very first thing you do whenever you arrive.
Inexperienced Kiwi Excursions is a domestically owned and operated enterprise by Simon Bowie, an enthusiastic man from Christchurch.
Having spent a few years travelling round New Zealand as knowledgeable tour information, he has taken his expertise of giving vacationers the most effective expertise doable and introduced it to his hometown.
His new firm affords free strolling excursions (you select how a lot you’d prefer to tip on the finish) to all of Christchurch’s foremost points of interest.
You’ll try the outdated and new cathedrals, the 185 Chairs Memorial, Bridge of Remembrance, Canterbury Museum, and many extra hidden spots alongside the way in which.
Simon is hilarious, knowledgable and loves his metropolis, so that you’re in good fingers when exploring Christchurch. He additionally affords a craft beer tour and personal excursions.
We personally know Simon from doing a snowboarding tour round New Zealand the place he was our information, so we will vouch for his professionalism and fervour.
Inform him the fellows from NOMADasaurus despatched you whenever you join his Free Christchurch Strolling Tour!
2) Go Mountain climbing At Godley Head
There are lots of nice mountaineering trails in Christchurch, however none are fairly as spectacular because the one you’ll discover at Godley Head.
Not solely does it do an ideal job of showcasing New Zealand’s pure magnificence, nevertheless it additionally has loads of historical past behind it.
It as soon as served as a coastal protection throughout WW2, which will definitely be of curiosity to any historical past buffs on the market.
This path begins at Taylor Mistake Seashore close to Sumner Seashore, which is a wonderful attraction in itself.
Throughout your hike, you’re more likely to see some wildlife in the course of the hike, together with penguins, dolphins, and even whales within the Pacific Ocean.
That is an astounding path total and is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Christchurch.
READ MORE: Take a look at our new information on the greatest mountaineering in New Zealand!
3) Go Jet Boating
Consider it or not, the jet boat was really invented in New Zealand, and what higher place to expertise it than proper right here on the town!
It’s one of the thrilling issues to do in Christchurch and one of the enjoyable methods to benefit from the stunning Waimakariri River.
You’ll be using down the river at breakneck pace whereas experiencing 360-degree spins and hairpin turns.
You’ve the choice of selecting a 30-minute journey or a sixty-minute journey.
The 30-minute tour affords a journey on the Waimakariri River whereas the 60-minute excursions present two further choices.
One takes you to the Waimakariri Gorge the place you may get pleasure from beautiful views of the Southern Alps.
The opposite takes you on a safari to the higher Waimakariri Gorge to locations that may’t be reached in another approach.
It’s a part of the tradition right here and the Christchurch sightseeing expertise isn’t full with out having a go on the jet boat!
The most effective operator for jet boating in Christchurch is Alpine Jet Thrills.
4) Go to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and New Regent Avenue
This is likely one of the most spectacular locations to go to in Christchurch metropolis.
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are over 150 years outdated and include 21 hectares. There are ten gardens in all, a lot of which include uncommon and unique plant species from everywhere in the world.
Their rose backyard specifically options 250 totally different sorts of roses.
Along with its huge assortment of crops, the Botanic Gardens additionally present implausible chook watching alternatives, particularly in the course of the spring.
There’s additionally a present store and a restaurant, and higher but, entry to the Botanic Gardens is totally free.
It’s positioned inside Hagley Park subsequent to the Avon River and is likely one of the really stunning Christchurch vacationer points of interest and a must-see for nature lovers.
Afterward, head over to the close by Canterbury Museum or stroll to New Regent Avenue for some meals and buying. Discover out about extra points of interest on the web site!
5) Go Skydiving
When you actually need an adrenaline rush, then that is what you have to do.
Going skydiving is on the bucket listing of many journey seekers, and New Zealand is likely one of the greatest locations to do it. The nation’s pure magnificence lends itself effectively to this exercise.
If you go skydiving in Christchurch, you’ll be leaping out of a airplane at a top of 12,000 toes.
Don’t fear, no earlier expertise is required. If you bounce, you’ll be tandem diving with an skilled teacher.
Due to this fact, your security is totally assured.
You may merely benefit from the rush of falling by means of the air whereas having fun with the beautiful surroundings beneath you.
When you’re at all times ready on your subsequent adrenaline repair, this is likely one of the unmissable Christchurch points of interest.
READ MORE: Take a look at this itinerary on your highway journey round New Zealand
6) Have a blast at Christchurch Journey Park
Christchurch Journey Park, nestled within the picturesque Port Hills of New Zealand’s South Island, is an epic place to go to if you wish to benefit from the outdoor.
With an array of thrilling actions, from mountain biking on world-class trails to ziplining by means of lush forests, the park affords one thing for everybody, no matter talent stage or age.
With its panoramic views of the Southern Alps and the Canterbury Plains, guests are handled to an immersive journey into New Zealand’s rugged terrain whereas indulging in heart-racing adventures.
Whether or not hovering by means of the treetops on a zipline or tackling the exhilarating downhill tracks on a mountain bike, Christchurch Journey Park guarantees an unforgettable escape into the nice outdoor.
7) Take a day journey to the Banks Peninsula
The Banks Peninsula, a pure wonderland on the japanese coast of New Zealand’s South Island, lies only a brief drive from Christchurch metropolis.
This charming area has so many dramatic landscapes, from the traditional volcanic craters that dot the skyline to the tranquil bays and rugged coastlines.
Wealthy in Māori and European historical past, Banks Peninsula affords guests a mix of cultural heritage and out of doors journey.
Guests can tackle the mountaineering trails, go to the secluded seashores for kayaking or swimming, or hand around in the quaint seaside villages.
8) Go to the Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial
Tragically, Christchurch skilled a devastating earthquake on February 22, 2011 that took the lives of 185 folks.
It additionally injured many others and left hundreds of individuals with out houses.
The Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial exists to pay respect to these whose lives have been impacted by this terrible tragedy.
That is the place to go if you want to honour their reminiscence.
The memorial incorporates a wall with the names of everybody who misplaced their lives within the earthquake. It additionally acknowledges those that have been severely injured.
Its 185 empty chairs exhibit is likely one of the most somber issues to see within the Canterbury Area.
This exhibit consists of 185 white, empty chairs to represent those that died within the quake.
9) Go Bungee Leaping
That is one other one of the thrilling issues to do in Christchurch.
Bungee Leaping has an extended historical past in New Zealand. They virtually pioneered this exercise which makes it the right place to strive it for your self.
Throughout your keep in Christchurch, you may go bungee leaping within the close by city of Hanmer Springs.
From there, you’ll take a 35-metre leap from the historic Ferry Bridge.
For an additional cost, you may as well buy photographs of the expertise so you may bear in mind this journey for the remainder of your life.
It’s a good way to get your adrenaline pumping if you happen to’re questioning what to do in Christchurch.
10) Go to The Worldwide Antarctic Centre
The Worldwide Antarctic Centre is likely one of the largest points of interest in Christchurch.
Its foremost perform is to permit folks to benefit from the wonders of Antarctica from the comforts of New Zealand.
It’s an ideal place to deliver your youngsters, and it’s loads of enjoyable for adults as effectively.
There are lots of issues to see and do whilst you’re right here. One among these is its indoor Antarctic Storm.
This can be a utterly secure expertise that takes place in an indoor polar room chilled to -5 levels Celsius.
You may also go on the Hagglund Experience which simulates the tough circumstances of using in an actual Hagglund.
You may even hang around with little blue penguins whilst you’re there!
11) Fly a Helicopter
Sure, you learn that proper.
Not solely can you’re taking a journey in a helicopter whilst you’re in Christchurch, you may as well strive your hand at flying one your self.
This can be a actually cool factor you may cross off your bucket listing and is a singular expertise you may solely have in Christchurch.
The flight lasts for thirty minutes.
Throughout this time, a skilled teacher will information you thru the steps of taking off, flying, and touchdown the helicopter within the Canterbury Plains.
If this sounds a little bit too intense for you, there are different excursions the place you may merely journey alongside as a passenger and admire the surroundings of Canterbury Plains.
As stunning as New Zealand is from the bottom, it’s much more breathtaking from the air.
To discover extra of the unbelievable nature outdoors of Christchurch, don’t neglect to learn our New Zealand Journey Information.
12) See the Brockworth Avenue Artwork Gallery
Artwork lovers are positive to understand this. Christchurch is a metropolis that’s well-known for its road artwork.
In every single place you go, you’re positive to seek out outdated buildings with sensible murals painted on their sides. A lot of this was made after the earthquakes in an try and uplift the spirits of its residents.
The truth is, you’ll find a whole gallery of those on Brockworth Avenue. This may be discovered within the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton.
On this road, you’ll discover a big selection of murals painted on the edges of brick partitions.
The artwork you’ll discover right here ranges from humorous to surreal and is a must-see for anybody who loves artwork.
Artwork lovers also needs to try the Christchurch Artwork Gallery. It’s proper subsequent to the gorgeous Hagley Park and Avon River and is stuffed with up to date artwork and native occasions. Between the road artwork and the Christchurch Artwork Gallery, you’re spoiled for selection right here.
13) Go On A Lord Of The Rings Tour
When you’ve ever wished to discover Center-Earth for actual, that is your probability.
It’s a widely known proven fact that the Lord of the Rings motion pictures have been filmed within the stunning nation of New Zealand.
When you’re in Christchurch, you may go to a number of of the primary areas that have been used for the film.
A few of the key areas you may go to embody the settings for the Shire, Edoras, Helms Deep, and the Gardens of Isengard.
You’ll additionally get to study extra about how these superb areas have been delivered to life within the motion pictures.
This can be a distinctive expertise you can solely have in New Zealand and is one thing each Lord of the Rings fan ought to see for themselves.
READ MORE: Heading elsewhere in New Zealand? Take a look at our listing of the greatest issues to do in Wanaka!
14) Take A Christchurch Gondola Experience
The Christchurch Gondola is likely one of the metropolis’s hottest points of interest. On this approach, you may admire town from above in a gondola.
The gondola is 1000 meters lengthy and takes you to the summit of Mount Cavendish.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll be greeted with unbelievable views of Christchurch and the Southern Alps.
When you attain the summit, you may seize a chunk to eat on the Purple Rock Cafe or search for souvenirs at Store on the Prime.
The gondola can also be a good way to achieve a few of Christchurch’s greatest mountaineering trails.
Or you may merely journey the gondola again right down to town.
As talked about earlier than, you haven’t really seen town till you’ve seen it from above – making this a Christchurch must-see.
15) Swim With the Dolphins
That is your alternative to have an up-close encounter with these superb creatures.
On this tour, you’ll be taken to the gorgeous Akaroa Harbor the place you may swim alongside Hector’s dolphins.
This specific dolphin species is likely one of the smallest on the planet, and that is the one place the place you’ll find them.
You may also count on to see different wildlife akin to penguins and seals whilst you’re there.
The dolphins themselves are extremely pleasant and playful.
You’re assured to have a enjoyable, unforgettable expertise throughout your time with them.
On prime of this, you’ll additionally see many different landmarks in your approach to Akaroa Harbor akin to Governor’s Bay and Lake Ellesmere.
16) Go Rafting
If you’re in Christchurch, you could have the chance to go rafting down the Rangitata River.
That is an especially enjoyable expertise and is certain to enchantment to all of the thrill-seekers on the market.
The rapids on this river go all the way in which as much as Grade 5, which is great for skilled rafters who’re in search of a problem.
For many who desire a extra tranquil rafting expertise, you may make a journey on the Rangitata River’s decrease gorge as a substitute.
This a part of the river options Grade 2 rapids and is suitable for households with kids.
Regardless of which one you select, a riverside barbecue can be ready for you on the finish of your journey.
17) Verify Out the World Buskers Competition
That is one other approach to get pleasure from Christchurch’s extra inventive aspect.
The World Buskers Competition is an annual occasion that takes place each January throughout New Zealand’s summer time.
This occasion options a whole bunch of road performers with acts in many alternative genres.
It’s the one place the place you may see this many road performers in a single place, and the vary of leisure on show is kind of astounding.
There’s music, comedy, dancing, juggling, vaudeville, and far more.
To not point out acts that utterly transcend description.
The pageant is thought for its loopy, off the wall performances, and attracts a whole bunch of hundreds of individuals yearly.
It’s undoubtedly not like another pageant you’ve ever been to.
18) Get pleasure from The Ko Tane Maori Expertise
That is what you need to do if you happen to’d prefer to study extra about Christchurch’s historical past and tradition.
The Ko Tane Maori Expertise takes you to an interactive duplicate of an outdated, Maori village.
Throughout this time, you’ll study extra concerning the instruments the Maoris used, the video games they performed, and the strategies they used to prepare dinner their meals.
You’ll additionally see a 45-minute efficiency that features dancing, songs, video games, and weapon shows. All of this ends with a four-course dinner that options conventional hangi delicacies.
It’s an enchanting take a look at how an indigenous group of individuals as soon as lived their lives.
When you like to find out about different cultures, then that is one thing you merely can’t afford to overlook.
These are only a few of the thrilling and superior issues to do in Christchurch. As you may see, it’s an incredible metropolis that provides many alternative sorts of adventures.
Whether or not you’re in search of motion, creativity, or unbelievable pure magnificence, you’ll find it right here.
Begin reserving your journey now, and also you’ll be making new recollections very quickly.
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