
Get exclusive travel offers and guides
Straight to your inbox
We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Christchurch is the South Island's largest city and has plenty of activities to keep you busy during your visit. With a mix of landmarks, attractions and nature waiting to be explored, we've put together our top recommendations so you can see the very best of Christchurch.
A visit to Christchurch is not complete without taking the journey up to the peak of Port Hills on the Christchurch Gondola. Take in 360-degree views of Christchurch, Lake Ellesmere and the Canterbury Plains, all offering the perfect photo opportunity. Before you make your way back down, experience Christchurch throughout time on the Time Tunnel ride you'll find located in the main building.
If it's your first time visiting Christchurch, getting a day pass for the vintage Christchurch Tram is a great way to move around the city. You can get on and off as many times as you like, which is ideal if visiting attractions like the Cathedral Square, Canterbury Museum and the Botanic Gardens is on your to-do list.
Whether you're short on time and want to see all of the major sights or you'd like a local to show you around, a guided tour is a great way to see the very best of Christchurch.
If you're looking for a unique adventure in Christchurch, don't look past a helicopter ride that will have you soaring above the city to see views you won't be able to find from any other vantage points. Best of all, you'll be the one in control of the helicopter, with a professional helicopter instructor right by your side.
For a dining experience unlike any other in Christchurch, hop on board the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant for a four-course dining experience. This restaurant on wheels will take you around the city centre so you can take in the sights, including the Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Avon River.
Discover more about Maori culture with a night tour to visit the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve and enjoy a traditional Maori performance with song, dance and the haka.
Christchurch Adventure Park is a playground for nature lovers and adrenaline junkies. With plenty of activities to choose from, including mountain biking, zip-lining and taking a chairlift to soak in views of Christchurch, this is the ultimate activity for a family day out.
A little slice of Antarctica can be found at the International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch. Kids and adults alike will be fascinated by the interactive displays and exhibitions showcasing the wildlife and ecosystems of Antarctica. During your visit, be sure to visit the Husky Zone, the Snow Dome and pay a visit to the Little Blue Penguins.
Make your way to the Canterbury Museum to discover Christchurch's past with natural and human artefact collections on display. If you have kids in tow, head to level 3 to visit Discovery, the natural history centre for children where they can dig for fossils and discover fascinating facts about insects. Entry for the museum is free, but we recommend making your way there via the Hop on Hop off bus service.
A visit to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens comes highly recommended by locals and tourists. It's located in the heart of the city, so you can take a stroll through the gardens as you go from A to B or set up a picnic along the river. Be sure to check out the native flora and tropical greenhouse during your visit.
Go out for brunch, hit the beach, cruise the waterways and more. Here's what to get up to on Boxing Day in Melbourne.
With so many activities and experiences on offer to keep you busy while visiting Rotorua, we've narrowed down our top 10.
We have some of the best places to visit in New Zealand for natural landscapes, beauty, cities full of fun and food, adrenaline-pumping activities and more.
Discover all the places you won’t want to miss when you visit the Sunshine State.
Tips for a trip to Townsville, from scenic helicopter rides to animal sanctuary visits and more.
Read our at-a-glance guide to making the most of your time in Croatia.
Tips for visiting Argentina, from tango classes to trips to Iguazu Falls.
All the must-see sights and experiences in the German capital city of Berlin, plus your event guide for the year.
Top restaurants and experience ideas to plan the perfect Valentine’s Day for you and your special someone.
Tokyo is filled with culture, beauty, nature and world-class dining. With so much to choose from, here’s a list of the best things to do when visiting the city.