Things To Do in Christchurch, New Zealand

This garden is home to the best collection of exotic and indigenous plants in New Zealand.

Orana Park

The largest wildlife reserve in New Zealand houses animals in their natural habitats with few barriers or fences, permitting visitors to see them up close and feed the gentler species.

Christchurch Gondola

This 945-meter ride will lift you about 1500 feet above sea level for a breathtaking view of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbor.

Canterbury Museum

Travel back in time through numerous exhibits of the Canterbury regions cultural and natural history.

Ferrymead Historic Park

The park is comprised of an Edwardian township, which includes buildings from a church and a police house to a bakery and a railway station, as well as an exhibition area.

Christchurch Cathedral

View the entire city from the platforms atop the neo-gothic cathedral that has survived many earthquakes.

Science Alive

Interactive models and exhibitions challenge visitors to solve problems, explore the properties of science and enjoy simulated rides and experiences. Learn about bugs and dinosaurs, motors, energy and atoms.

Christchurch Tramway

These beautiful restored tram cars and trailers date from 1879 to 1925 and follow a 2.5 kilometer route through the heart of the city, including historic city sights.

Marlborough Vineyards

The Marlborough district is New Zealand's sunniest region, and as a result the countryside around the town of Blenheim is the country's premier wine-making region.

Southern Encounter

This aquarium is a great a place in which to explore the diversity of New Zealand marine life.

Two hours will give you a good overview of flight simulators, the history hall, the restoration hangar, and displays of planes -- everything from Spitfires and Skyhawks to Tiger Moths.

Willowbank Wildlife Preserve

Willowbank is New Zealand's premier wildlife park, showcasing one of the most complete selections of native and nonindigenous wildlife in their natural environments. It has the country's largest collection of kiwis.

Canterbury House Vineyards

The winery has a fine restaurant, with an impressive outdoor-dining area. All wines are produced from estate-grown grapes, which were first planted in 1994.

Avon River

A unique part of the city, the Avon River sustains a diverse plant and animal life and is a source of many recreational activities.

Trents Estate Vineyard and Restaurant

You can taste a 1950s favorite, coffee and chicory, at this rustic restaurant housed in a 125-year-old brick building which was originally a chicory-drying kiln. Fine wine grown on the estate and good food are the hallmark of this charming site.

Canterbury Provincial Buildings

Built in 1858, Christchurch's wooden and stone, colonial Provincial Council Buildings housed the first European-styled government in Canterbury.

Rossendale Wines

Rossendale has an established tradition of good wine and good food. Wines available here including Riesling, Gewurztraminer, sauvignon blanc, merlot, and pinot noir.

Bank's Peninsula

The mountainous Banks Peninsula is a large volcanic outcrop, with the original craters now forming Lyttelton and Akaroa harbors.

International Antarctic Center

Experience real Antarctic weather conditions through advanced technology and interactive displays.

The Arts Centre

Christchurch's center for arts, crafts and entertainment.