Things to do in Christchurch

This article is about things to do in Christchurch. Christchurch is among the largest cities in the south island of New Zealand. It is the third most populous urban area after Wellington and Auckland. It is located on the east coast of the country’s south island, settled on the Cantebury Plains. The ‘Avon River’ flows through the center of the city. Cycling roads, green stretch of Hagley Park and Christchurch Botanic Gardens are also the best fun things to do in Christchurch. Major earthquakes back to back gave a set back to the city but just for a while. The city is back with the enthusiasm and offers you a lot to explore and enjoy. Once you get there, you will be amazed to see the local’s enthusiasm, welcoming, and sensitive touch. So you plan, while we suggest you variety of fun things to do in Christchurch.

Best Things to do in Christchurch:

1.) Cathedral Square

Although this church is adversely affected by earthquake, but visiting this church is still one of the best things to do in Christchurch. Constructed in 1881, this beloved, iconic city has become symbolic of the fight between those who seek to protect the remaining of Christchurch’s heritage, the one who think practically, and those who thinks ideologically.

Other historical buildings around Cathedral Square were also badly affected, but this modern attraction, high metal sculpture, Chalice, left unaffected. It was raised in 2001 to celebrate the new millennium.

2.) Otago Rail Trail Classic

One of the most exciting things to do in Christchurch is experiencing this adventurous trip. In this tour, you can do cycling alongside a track that has been specially transformed for cyclist, joggers, mountain bikers and horse riders. Motor vehicles are strictly banned. The track chases, former Central Otago branch railway line from Middlemarch to Clyde. It passes through various towns along the way. This trip is more than just cycling. You can explore many small towns and discarded gold diggings as well as interacting with the locals. The adventure concludes with one of the world’s adventurous train trips in the fantastic “Taieri Gorge Railway” into Dunedin. This is one of the most recommended things to do in Christchurch.

3.) Botanic Gardens

You must include this place in your list of things to do in Christchurch. Touring through these wonderful riverside, hectares is really going to make your journey a memorable one. Trees and floral is a complete Christchurch experience. You will find it awesome at any time of the year. It’s even more impressive during spring when the azaleas, rhododendrons, daffodil, and woodland starts to blossom. There are also theme based gardens to explore, lawns to lie on. Going to the playground nearby in the area is one of the best fun things to do in Christchurch with kids.

4.) Southern Alps Trek

Trekking is one of the best things to do in Christchurch, that too on the southern alps. This spectacular tour includes climbing two peaks, exploring an isolated lake and valley system, Grandeur of Mount Aspiring and Aoraki Mount Cook from high on distant ridges. You will be going through the amazing helicopter ride which is one of the best fun things to do in Christchurch.

5.) Lord of the Rings – Journey to Edoras from Christchurch

This is also one of the most exciting things to do in Christchurch. This breathtaking journey will steal your heart away. Just indulge yourself in the world of the Lord of the Rings with this long hour journey to Mount Sunday (Edoras) from Christchurch. Travel around with your guide and steep into the breathtaking views from the peak of Edoras. Explore exclusive behind the scenes photographs of Edoras under erection. Take selfie with movie replicas like Gimli’s Axe, Aragorn’s sword, and the flag of Rohan. Enjoy a yummy lunch with some Champagne. Look yourself and learn how this serene mountain range was transformed into the mesmerizing Edoras, the capital city of the Rohan citizens.

6.) Kaikoura Whale Watch Tour and TranzCoastal Rail Journey

Get close to the nature by touring this “Kaikoura Whale Watching” tours from Christchurch. You need to travel by road, passing through the rolling hill country of North Canterbury. Enjoy the beauty of this rural greenery, where mountains meet the sea. Kaikoura is world-famous for the variety of marine mammals, especially the giant sperm whales and the flexible Dusky Dolphins.

7.) The Brewery

The Brewery, a necessary destination for beer-loving tourists, the ‘Cassels & Sons’. The brewery prepare its beer by using a wood-fired brew boiler, resulting in giant, bold beers. There are tasting trays available for the expert, choosy and the indecisive. Live bands perform most of the night and the food, especially wood-fired pizza is a must.

8.) AMI Stadium

Another fun thing to do in Christchurch is visiting AMI stadium. AMI Stadium at Lancaster Park got destroyed due to earthquake. The customary home of cricket and rugby union in Christchurch, the Canterbury Rugby Union shifted its home games in the Rugby League Park. The Crusaders play here from February end to July in the Super Rugby tournament, from July to September. Canterbury plays in New-Zealand’s home rugby championship. So you can watch any of the tournaments and can enjoy and cheer your favorite team.

9.) Court Theater

Christchurch’s original “Court Theater” held a significant position in the city’s Arts center but was later relocated to this warehouse after the earthquakes. The new area has much more space. It is an excellent venue to see famous international plays and talent of NZ playwrights.

10.) Westfield Riccarton

Shopping in Christchurch has now mostly moved to the city’s suburban malls. One of the most convenient shopping centers for visitors is this Westfield Riccarton Megamall, in the west of the city center. There are huge sections of home wear, fashion, and entertainment outlets. Plus, you can watch movies, here only, as it also has a cinema multiplex. Supermarket and many food outlets are worth to try.

11.) Star Mall

This beautiful maze of shops found in shipping containers was the first among the retail activities in the city after the disaster. There are many decent cafe’s and fine selection of stores. It’s a perfect place to shop, stroll or browse. For a unique experience, it’s one of the nice things to do in Christchurch.

12.) Tequila Mockingbird

If this appealing name is not sufficient to tempt you to enter this posh Latin bar-restaurant, then maybe the inventive decor, Caribbean-touch cocktails along with thumping late-night DJs will. Plus food here adds more feather to this place.

13.) New Regent Street

A herald to the contemporary mall, this pretty little Spanish style shop was regarded as country’s most beautiful street when it was accomplished in 1932. Fully restored after an earthquake, it’s once again a perfect place to shop, browse, stroll and explore the tiny galleries, cafe’s and gift shops.

14.) Addington Coffee Co-op

Addington is Christchurch’s prevalent and most lively cafe’s. It is also among the city’s best. A small counter selling cotton T-shirts jostle for attention with luscious cakes, pies along with the well-known house breakfasts. Pay a visit to the place for sure.

15.) Cornershop Bistro

This is one of the most amazing things to do in Christchurch. if you are looking for a decent and inexpensive restaurant, then this French-style Cornershop Bistro is what you need. Some of the traditional dishes like “Coq Au Vin” are well executed, which you can never forget in a relaxed beach side suburb.