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Things to do in Christchurch in 2021

Discover the top activities you should add to your list when planning a trip to Christchurch.

Courtney Edwards
Courtney Edwards

Updated

Cable car with Canterbury Museum in the background, Christchurch, New Zealand

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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.

What's in this guide?

  1. Top things to do in Christchurch
  2. Fun things to do in Christchurch
  3. Things to do in Christchurch at night
  4. Things to do in Christchurch with kids
  5. Free things to do in Christchurch
  6. See the latest Christchurch activity and experience deals

Top things to do in Christchurch

1. Make your way to the best vantage point in 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.

2. Explore the city of the Christchurch Tram

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.

Fun things to do in Christchurch

3. See the very best of Christchurch with a city tour

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.

4. Get the best views of Christchurch from the sky

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.

Things to do in Christchurch at night

5. Book a dinner at the Tramway Restaurant

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.

6. Watch an entertaining and educational Maori performance

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.

Things to do in Christchurch with kids

7. Gather the family for an action-packed day full of fun

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.

8. Explore the wonders of Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre

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.

Free things to do in Christchurch

9. Visit the Canterbury Museum

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.

10. Stroll through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

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.

See the latest Christchurch activity and experience deals

RedBalloon NZRedBalloon NZ

Wine tours from $45 in New Zealand

Available for travel on select dates. Sample price is for a cheese factory tour in Oamaru. Destinations include Queenstown, Wellington and more. T&Cs apply.

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AAT KingsAAT Kings

Up to 2.5% off holiday bookings + Extra 10% off day tours

Available on select dates until 2021 across Australia and New Zealand when you purchase 2+ tours. T&Cs apply.

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TopdeckTopdeck

Up to 10% off multi-trips worldwide

Available for travel on select dates in December 2020 onward. Discount applies when booking three trips at once. Extra 5% off for bookings of four trips and more. Destinations include Balkan, Ireland, Britain, Thailand, Canada, Egypt, Japan, South Africa, Athens and more. T&Cs apply.

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Trip.comTrip.com

Up to 5% off tours and attractions tickets worldwide

Available in select cities in China, Japan, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Tokyo, South Korea, Macao, Dubai, Paris, Taipei and London.

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ViatorViator

Things to do in New Zealand from $9.46

Available on select dates in 2020 and 2021 in Auckland, Wellington, Dunedin, Wellington and more. Activities include day tours, flight experiences, transfers, bike hires, attraction passes and more. T&Cs apply.

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