A Local’s Guide: Top things to do in Christchurch New Zealand

We count our lucky stars every day for the opportunity we had to spend two years living in Christchurch. Knowing we were going to be there for a limited time, we made sure to make the most of our time there. We discovered the local’s favorite hangouts, must-see tourist spots, and the best hidden gems.

Unfortunately, due to the earthquakes that devastated the city, Christchurch has become more of a jumping off point for the South Island and less of a tourist attraction.

I hope that this guide will shine a light on the beauty that still surrounds the area, and inspire you to discover all the amazing things to do in Christchurch.

Be sure to also check out our other New Zealand Guides for tips and recommendations!

16 Best Things to Do in Christchurch New Zealand

Table of Contents

• 1. Visit Hagley Park
• 2. Explore the Downtown CBD
• 3. Spend a day in Sumner
• 4. Explore Taylor’s Mistake
• 5. Play in the waves at New Brighton Beach
• 6. Play at Spencer Park
• 7. Feed the animals at Orana Wildlife Park
• 8. See Kiwi birds at Willowbank Wildlife Preserve
• 9. Stroll through the Riccarton Bush
• 10. Ride in a Hagglund at the International Antarctic Center
• 11. Pick your own berries at Blueberry Bliss
• 12. Take a Ferry to Quail Island
• 13. Step back in time at Ferrymead
• 14. Board an aircraft at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand
• 15. Fly a kite in the Port Hills
• 16. Play at one of the many parks

1. Visit Hagley Park

Hagley Park is a 165-acre park located in the heart of the city. The park is a favorite hang out among locals and tourists alike and is the perfect place to spend a warm sunny day.

There is so much to do in this sprawling urban park, here is a list of our recommendations.

Must-see attractions in Hagley Park:

Botanic Gardens: The Beautiful botanic gardens have the most incredible trees and native plants.

Make sure to visit the primrose circles. There are several walking trails, ponds and large grassy fields perfect for a spring picnic, and our favorite climbing trees!

Visitor Center: Visit the recently completed Visitor Center. Grab a bit to eat at the cafe while enjoying the outdoor patio.

It is located adjacent to the historic Cunningham Glass House. Unfortunately, the glass house was closed after the earthquakes, but you can still admire the architecture.

Canterbury Museum: Take advantage of the free entrance to the fantastic Canterbury Museum. Of course, donations are always gladly accepted.

The museum is filled with wonderful exhibits and a hands-on kids area ($2 entrance fee for the kids area). There is also a cafe with windows overlooking the botanic gardens. Order a “fluffy” for the kids, a New Zealand whipped milk special.

Be sure to stop at the iconic Peacock Fountain outside the museum to make a wish!

Playgrounds: Let your kids run around at the large playground. There are a variety of play structures catered to different ages. There is also a children’s splash pool and an ice cream vendor for warm summer days.

Walking trail: Enjoy the walking trail surrounding the entire park. The terrain changes as it follows along the river and through native forest.

It is the best place in the city to observe the change in seasons. My favorite is the cherry tree tunnel that blossoms in September.

Monuments: Two historic monuments worth visiting are the Bandsmen Memorial Rotunda and the World Peace Bell, which is one of only 21 in the world.

Punting on the Avon: A visit to Hagley Park is not complete without a stop at the Antigua Boat shed on the Avon River. Rent kayaks or hire a gondolier to experience “punting on the Avon River”.

Festivals: If you’re visiting in the summer months, be sure to take advantage of the many outdoor events, including the World Busker’s Festival and outdoor concerts.

2. Explore the Downtown CBD

Christchurch was given the nickname, “The Garden City”. However, the devastating earthquakes in 2010 and 2011 left the city in ruins.

Causing $40 billion NZD of damage, these catastrophic quakes resulted in the 5th largest insurance event in the world since 1953.

But if you know anything about Kiwi’s, you know that they are resilient. Slowly the city is coming back to life.

Colorful art installations flank the debris. And it’s not uncommon to see things like a disco ball and dance floor erected on an abandoned lot!

Large shipping containers have been brought in to create the “Container Mall” that houses local stores and cafes whose buildings were destroyed in the earthquake.

The new and innovative Cardboard Cathedral is temporarily replacing the damaged cathedral. It is built almost entirely of cardboard and is a unique architectural wonder.

Located next to the cardboard cathedral you’ll find the 185 Empty White Chair memorial.

Each chair represents a life lost in the earthquake. It is an emotional experience as you stop by and reflect on all the heartache and loss this city has experienced.

Tour the city on the historic Christchurch Tram. Enjoy the sights and learn the history as you travel through the streets with a knowledgeable guide.

Visit the most charming street in all of Christchurch, New Regent Street.

This heritage street is filled with colorful cafes and boutiques just bursting with character!

If you get a chance, I would highly recommend taking in a performance at the Isaac Theatre Royale.

The ornate architecture and exceptional acoustics make for an unforgettable experience.

3. Spend a day in Sumner

Sumner is a charming coastal suburb with outdoor cafes, ice cream vendors along the boardwalk, and a beautiful surf beach. It was our favorite weekend hang-out spot!

If you follow Scarborough Road up Scarborough Hill just southeast of Sumner Beach, you’ll find Nicholson Park.

This beautiful park is nestled on the hillside overlooking Sumner and the bay.

This hidden gem is the perfect picnic spot. With grassy hills, picnic tables, a children’s playground, walking tracks, and breathtaking views, it is a literal breath of fresh air.

We recommend taking the Flowers Track for amazing views.

The Scarborough track was closed due to the earthquake damage, I am not sure if it has reopened.

4. Explore Taylor’s Mistake

If you ask me where I think the most beautiful spot in Christchurch is, I’ll tell you it’s Taylor’s Mistake.

If you continue on Scarborough Road past Nicholson Park, it will turn into Taylor’s Mistake Road. Follow the road up over the hill and down to the other side where you’ll discover a picturesque cove.

The small sandy beach is surrounded by lush hillsides dotted with cottages and sheep.

Take in all or some of the Godley Head Loop Track that follows along the coastal rim of Godley Head. The spectacular views will leave you in awe.

The full loop takes about 3 hours to complete and will even pass by WWII remains.

We just like to walk for a little ways and find small side tracks to explore.

5. Play in the waves at New Brighton Beach

The seaside town of New Brighton is also a favorite beach hangout.

The long stretch of sandy beach means that even on a busy summer day you can still find a secluded spot to lay out your beach towels.

Walk along the pier to see the fishermen bringing in their catch and observe the surfers riding the waves below.

Pop into the New Brighton Public Library next to the pier and relax with a book or magazine while you take in the views from the large picture windows.

There are plenty of cafes and food vendors lining the street adjacent to the beach.

Your kids will also love the children’s splash pool and whale fountain, as well as the playground and “flying fox” (zip line) located at the north end of the beach. Adults will love it too!

If you’re visiting in the summer months, keep your eye out for the annual sand castle building contest.

And if you’re visiting in November you won’t want to miss the Guy Fawkes Day fireworks show!

6. Play at Spencer Park

There is definitely no shortage of parks and beaches in Christchurch! Another family favorite is Spencer Park.

The large grassy fields are perfect for picnics, tossing a ball around, or flying a kite.

The Adventure Playground has all the latest and greatest playground equipment.

My kids especially loved building streams and dams in the huge sand pit and using the pump to fill it with water.

A short walk will bring you to the beach, which is usually not very crowded.

You can also enjoy the walking trails in Bottle Lake Forest, just south of Spencer Park.

Or if you’re looking for a thrill, you can tackle the ropes course at Adrenaline Forest just north of the park.

7. Feed the animals at Orana Wildlife Park

Orana Wildlife Park is an awesome open-range zoo where you can view the animals up close in their natural habitats.

For a unique experience, you can even drive into the lion’s den and get up close and personal with these powerful creatures as they are fed from the truck.

You can also hand feed the giraffes, at no additional cost. We loved this zoo, the animals were active and well cared for and it made for a memorable visit.

8. See Kiwi birds at Willowbank Wildlife Preserve

If you want a chance to visit and help protect some of New Zealand’s endangered species, then add the Willowbank Wildlife Preserve to your list.

This wildlife park allows you to encounter animals native to New Zealand, such as the kiwi. As well as a variety of other small animals in their natural environments.

In fact, they will guarantee that you will see at least one kiwi bird during your visit.

My kids enjoyed the opportunity to interact with the animals as well as the hands-on activities.

The park is nestled in a quiet and beautiful setting, offering an enjoyable and educational experience.

There is also a cafe on site for a quick and delicious lunch.

9. Stroll through the Riccarton Bush

Located just off a busy road near downtown Christchurch, a stroll through the Riccarton Bush will make you feel as if you stepped back in time.

This forest is made of 600-year-old Kahikatea trees and is the only remnant of the Kahikatea floodplain forest that was established on this site over 3,000 years ago.

Take a 10-minute stroll along the path through the tranquil forest and you can experience what the landscape looked like in this exact location thousands of years ago.

The Riccarton House is also located on the grounds. Take a tour of this elegant Victorian homestead and enjoy a brunch of fresh local dishes at the cafe.

You can also take a peek inside the Dean’s Cottage, a colonial cottage built in 1843.

This heritage site is located along the banks of the Avon River and is a beautiful place to spend an afternoon.

10. Ride in a Hagglund at the International Antarctic Center

Christchurch is one of the 5 gateway cities to Antarctica in the world. The International Antarctic Center will transport you to this world of snow and ice through their educational and interactive exhibits.

Bundle up and step into the Antarctic Storm Room where the temperature drops and the wind picks up as you experience what it would feel like to stand in an arctic storm.

Go on an amazing journey in the 4D theater, observe penguins at play and learn interesting facts about Antarctica and life on Scott Base.

The real highlight, though, is being able to take a ride in an authentic Hagglund.

Buckle up as this all-terrain amphibious Antarctic vehicle takes you on a bumpy ride through the outdoor adventure course!

Be sure to check Treat Me or Grab One for discounted tickets.

11. Pick your own berries at Blueberry Bliss

Nothing says summer like a fresh bowl of berries! What is even better is if you can pick those berries yourself.

We loved visiting Blueberry Bliss. Not only did we come home with pails of fresh blueberries, but we had such an enjoyable time picking the fruit as well.

The cost is per kilogram, but there is a discount if you bring your own bucket.

12. Take a Ferry to Quail Island

Take a short ferry ride from Lyttelton Harbour to the uninhabited Quail Island.

For such a small island, it sure has an interesting history!

It was first inhabited in 1850 by three Irish brothers who worked hard to build a cottage and start farming the land. Shortly after, two of the brothers were killed when their boat capsized.

The island was later turned into a quarantine station for European immigrants who were infected with contagious diseases during the long journey across the ocean.

The barracks were used for quarantine once again during the outbreak of the Spanish influenza at the end of WWI.

Later the island became home to a small leper colony who had been exiled. Of the 9 lepers that lived here, only one died on the island and his simple grave can still be seen on the hillside.

There was also one escapee who swam to Moepuku Point headland where he took a taxi towards Christchurch and was never seen again.

The cottages where the lepers lived have been destroyed, but some of the foundations and walls can be seen under the trees.

Quail Island made history once again as several Antarctic explorers used the island to train their sled dogs and ponies before embarking on their expeditions.

Captain Robert Falcon Scott quarantined his Siberian Huskies on the island while preparing for his ill-fated last expedition.

Today you can visit replicas of the dog kennels, leprosy patient’s huts, and the restored quarantine barracks as you take the gently rolling trail around the island.

On the western shore, you’ll also see a ship graveyard where the remains of 13 ships can be seen.

Quail Island really does have such a fascinating history. I would recommend researching all the stories before you go so that you can appreciate your visit even more.

13. Step back in time at Ferrymead

Ferrymead Heritage Park gives a nod to days gone by. Experience what life was like in the late 1800’s when Ferrymead was a bustling train depot.

Ferrymead Heritage Park has been restored to reflect an early 1900s township. Featuring a collection of restored cottages, a schoolhouse, a church, businesses, and stores.

There are wonderful displays and exhibits within the buildings, but the main attractions are the train and tram ride.

14. Board an aircraft at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand is a favorite for all ages! The museum is filled with engaging and educational exhibits, Air Force memorabilia and artifacts, and a variety of aircraft on display.

You can even climb into some of the planes. Entrance is free, but donations are always gladly accepted. This was one of our favorite rainy-day hangouts and is definitely worth a visit!

15. Fly a kite in the Port Hills

Victoria park is situated high in the port hills above Christchurch. The large grassy park is often breezy and is one of the best spots to fly kites.

Victoria Park also offers spectacular panoramic views of the city, the Canterbury plains, the Southern Alps and Pegasus Bay.

There is a playground structure and picnic tables as well as scenic walking and mountain bike trails.

16. Play at one of the many parks

One of the many things I love about Christchurch is that around almost every corner you’ll find a fun playground and grassy field to play in! Some of our favorite parks are:

• Jelly Park: This park has an aquatic center with an indoor and outdoor slide, 2 playgrounds, a skate park, walking trails, sports fields and a duck pond.
• Bishopdale Park: We called this the “elephant park” because of the elephant slide. This park has the best playground with a “flying fox” zipline, extra long slide and an obstacle course.
• Burnside Park: Features a playground, tennis courts, walking trails and sports fields
• The Groynes Conservation Park: This large conservation area has several playgrounds, plenty of walking trails and picnic areas, as well as a wide variety of wildlife and flourishing native vegetation.

Christchurch is a great jumping-off point for exploring the rest of the island. See our 10-Day South Island Itinerary for the perfect road trip!

I hope that this guide will help you discover the beauty of Christchurch and fall in love with this amazing city!

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