Things to see in Christchurch
Attractions
Quake City
Quake City is a unique multi-sensory exhibition about the 2010/11 Canterbury earthquakes, with an active liquefaction display as well as information about quakes and their aftermath. An extension of the Canterbury Museum, Quake City features the spire cross and the broken Rose Window from the Christchurch Cathedral. Combining tragedy, heroism, humour and tributes to volunteer groups such as the Student Volunteer Army, it even has photos of people's homemade toilets called "longdrops"! This is a must see for those who want some context to the city's reconstruction efforts.
Address: , 99 Cashel Street, Christchurch,Telephone: +64 3 365 8375.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1700.
Website: http://www.canterburymuseum.com/whats-on/quake-cityAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu
The main gallery building reopened at the end of 2015 after quake repairs to the foundations: amazingly not one pane of glass broke in this stunning building during the quakes. The gallery is the largest on New Zealand's South Island and houses some of the country's most impressive art collections, including international and early-career artists.
Address: , Corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, Christchurch,Telephone: +64 3 941 7300.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1700; Wed 1000-2100.
Website: http://www.christchurchartgallery.org.nzAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Christchurch Gondola
The Christchurch Gondola lifts you 500m (1,500ft) above sea level to the summit of the complex, nestled on the crater rim of a sunken volcano – one of two old volcanoes that formed the Banks Peninsula. Experience the Time Tunnel, a dramatic reconstruction of the history of the area, and watch as subterranean forces unleash molten magma to rip rocks apart. Enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour. A café and gift-shop are on site, and a regular local bus (Lyttelton route) is available to take guests from the city to the gondola.
Address: , 10 Bridle Path Road, Christchurch,Telephone: +64 3 384 0310.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1700.
Website: http://www.welcomeaboard.co.nzAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Christ Church Cathedral
Damaged by the 2011 quake and subsequently deconsecrated, the Anglican Cathedral is still pulling in visitors and photographers even though entry inside is prohibited. The transitional 'Cardboard Cathedral' is about three blocks north of the square and the city is still in debate about the fate of this 1800s Gothic building. The Anglican Church is currently considering the reconstruction of the building.
Address: , 234 Hereford Street, Christchurch,Telephone: +64 3 366 0046.
Opening times:
Closed.
Website: http://www.cardboardcathedral.org.nzAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Canterbury Museum
Housed in an exquisite Gothic building, this museum features stunning displays covering themes as varied as Maori culture, Antarctic exploration, Asian decorative arts, New Zealand birds, and transport. There is also an interactive natural history Discovery Centre, and a typical 19th century Christchurch Street. The museum also features a café that overlooks the gardens and a shop with New Zealand made goods.
Address: , Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch,Telephone: +64 3 366 5000.
Opening times:
Daily 0900-1730 (Oct-Mar); daily 0900-1700 (Apr-Sep).
Website: http://www.canterburymuseum.comAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Adrenalin Forest
Set 20 minutes north of the city, this park is an aerial obstacle course up to 17m (55ft) high, with five pathways of progressive difficulty. Negotiate 80 challenging activities along rope bridges, flying foxes, and Tarzan swings through the tree canopy. The activities are safe for all ages, and full harnesses and instruction is given.
Address: Spencer Park, 105A Heyders Road, Christchurch,Telephone: +64 3 329 8717.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1430 (1 Oct-19 Apr); Wed-Sun 1000-1400 (20 Apr-30 Sep).
Website: http://www.adrenalin-forest.co.nzAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: NoUNESCO: No
Botanic Gardens
Christchurch's Botanic Gardens were established in 1863 and cover 30 hectares (74 acres), the majority within the loop of the Avon River just minutes from the city centre. This award-winning garden has NZ's only Peace Bell (a temple bell from Japan that is a symbol of world peace) and undoubtedly is home to the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand. Permanent and temporary artworks are scattered throughout the gardens. As well as daily walking tours, an electric shuttle tour of the gardens is available from 10am to 4pm in summer and 11am to 3pm in winter.
Address: , Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch,Telephone: +64 3 941 8999.
Opening times:
Daily 0700-2100 (Nov-Feb); daily 0700-2030 (Mar & Oct); daily 0700-1830 (Apr-Sep).
Website: http://www.ccc.govt.nzAdmission Fees:
No
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Ferrymead Heritage Park features a 1900s (Edwardian) township, with exhibits including houses, a picture theatre, a school classroom and a church, as well as a jail, a railway station, a post office, a tobacconist and a general store. They also have a large array of largely personal collections that are often open for viewing, particularly on Sundays. Check the website for the days when the steam train and trams are running.
Address: Heathcote, 50 Ferrymead Park Drive, Christchurch,Telephone: +64 3 384 1970.
Opening times:
Daily 1000-1630.
Website: http://www.ferrymead.org.nzAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Willowbank is a great wildlife reserve featuring exotic animals such as wallabies, otters, ostriches, lemurs, gibbons and indigenous creatures alongside a variety of domestic animals (check out the weird-looking Kune Kune pig). They have an extensive selection of native wildlife, including the rare tuatara, and a large nocturnal kiwi house where visitors can see kiwis up close and not behind glass. The reserve also has a good restaurant and an evening Māori Cultural show.
Address: , 60 Hussey Road, Christchurch,Telephone: +64 3 359 6226.
Opening times:
Daily 0930-1900.
Website: http://www.willowbank.co.nzAdmission Fees:
Yes
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
International Antarctic Centre
Located right by Christchurch International Airport (follow the blue painted penguin feet trail to or from the arrival and departure lounges) the International Antarctic Centre features an indoor Snow & Ice Experience and an exciting Hagglund all-terrain vehicle ride, as well as a chance to visit a colony of Little Blue Penguins and a simulated 4D cruise. Multilingual audio guides are available.
Address: , 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch,Telephone: +64 3 357 0519.
Opening times:
Daily 0900 -1730.
Website: http://www.iceberg.co.nzAdmission Fees:
Yes.
Disabled Access: YesUNESCO: No
Tourist Offices
Christchurch iSite Visitor Centre
Address: , 28 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch,Telephone: +64 3 379 9629.
Opening times:
Daily 0830-1800.
Website: http://www.christchurchnz.com/contact-us/christchurch-i-site-visitor-centreTourist passes
The New Zealand Tourism Guide website (www.tourism.net.nz) offers a few options for attraction passes in Christchurch, including ski holiday packages, a gondola ride to the summit of the Port Hills, punting on the Avon, and a bus tour of Christchurch.
