A day out in Christchurch
Christchurch is in Canterbury, New Zealand. Hopalong knows 17 things to do and 8 places to eat here, plus day trips to Akaroa. Prices are approximate adult prices in NZ$.
Top things to do in Christchurch
Christchurch Gondola
NZ$40 · Port Hills · about 75 min
Views over the city, harbour and Southern Alps.
Quake City
NZ$20 · Central City · about 60 min
The story of the Canterbury earthquakes.
International Antarctic Centre
NZ$60 · Airport · about 150 min
Storm room, Hägglund rides and penguins.
Punting on the Avon
NZ$35 · Avon River · about 45 min
A gentle glide past the gardens with an Edwardian-dressed punter.
Christchurch Tramway
NZ$35 · Central City · about 60 min
Heritage tram loop with commentary; hop on and off.
Transitional (Cardboard) Cathedral
Free · Central City · about 30 min
Shigeru Ban's cathedral built after the quakes.
Bridle Path walk
Free · Port Hills · about 120 min
The pioneers' steep track over the Port Hills, with views to Lyttelton Harbour.
Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park
Free · Hagley Park · about 90 min
Gardens on the Avon loop inside a huge park.
Christchurch Art Gallery
Free · Central City · about 60 min
Te Puna o Waiwhetū. Free.
Riverside Market
Free · Central City · about 60 min
Indoor food market by the river.
Free things to do in Christchurch
- Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park (Hagley Park): Gardens on the Avon loop inside a huge park.
- Christchurch Art Gallery (Central City): Te Puna o Waiwhetū. Free.
- Riverside Market (Central City): Indoor food market by the river.
- Transitional (Cardboard) Cathedral (Central City): Shigeru Ban's cathedral built after the quakes.
- New Brighton pier and beach (New Brighton): Long pier and a seaside playground.
- Sumner beach and Cave Rock (Sumner): Seaside village and beach.
- Lyttelton Farmers Market (Lyttelton): Saturday market in the port town.
- Victoria Park, Port Hills (Port Hills): Hillside park with a rose garden and fern house above the city.
Where to eat
- Lunch at Riverside Market (Central City, around NZ$22): Stalls and eateries by the river.
- Dinner on The Terrace (Avon River, around NZ$55): Riverside bars and restaurants.
- Café on New Regent Street (Central City, around NZ$25): Pastel Spanish-mission street on the tram line.
- Grater Goods (Sydenham, around NZ$28): Café and bar in Sydenham.
- Tom's (Central City, around NZ$25): Central city café.
- Akin Cafe (Central City, around NZ$25): Central city café.
- Child Sister (Central City, around NZ$28): Korean-inspired café on Manchester Street.
- Grizzly (Central City, around NZ$25): Bagels and breakfast.
Step-free and pram-friendly ideas
- Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park · step-free · pram-friendly
- Christchurch Gondola · step-free · pram-friendly
- Christchurch Art Gallery · step-free · pram-friendly
- Riverside Market · step-free · pram-friendly
- International Antarctic Centre · step-free · pram-friendly
- Quake City · step-free
Access information can change. Check with the venue if access is essential.
Day trips from Christchurch
Akaroa
- Akaroa harbour and Hector's dolphin cruise (NZ$95): French-flavoured village and the world's smallest dolphins.
- Lunch in Akaroa (NZ$35): Waterfront cafés and fish and chips.
Typical weather in Christchurch
| Month | Low | High | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 12°C | 23°C | 7 |
| April | 7°C | 17°C | 8 |
| July | 2°C | 11°C | 8 |
| October | 7°C | 17°C | 8 |
Approximate long-term averages, not a forecast.