Framed by the Southern Alps and refreshed by the sea breeze of the Pacific, Christchurch is a city where resilience meets raw beauty. Known as the “Garden City,” it’s a place of rebirth — where historic buildings stand beside cutting-edge architecture. Nature lovers, adventurers and culture-seekers all find their rhythm here. Whether you're drifting through tranquil gardens, hiking in alpine foothills or diving into Māori traditions, here are the best things to do in Christchurch.
1. Ride the Christchurch Gondola
For sweeping views over the city, Southern Alps and Lyttelton Harbour, hop aboard the Christchurch Gondola. This peaceful cable car ride climbs high into the Port Hills, delivering panoramic vistas of farmland, coast and snowcapped mountains. At the summit, explore scenic walking tracks or relax at the café with coffee and unforgettable views.
2. Visit the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Get up close with New Zealand’s most iconic animals at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, one of the top places to see the flightless kiwi in its natural environment. This immersive park showcases everything from native species like the kea and tuatara to heritage farm animals and exotic wildlife. It’s one of the most fun things to do in Christchurch for families and animal lovers alike.
3. Explore Māori Culture on the Avon River
Paddle a traditional Māori waka (canoe) along the peaceful Avon River while learning chants, phrases and ancestral customs from Ngāi Tahu guides. This one-of-a-kind cultural experience offers a new perspective on the city and its roots — combining tradition, storytelling and serene river views in the heart of downtown Christchurch.
4. Zipline Through the Port Hills
Craving a thrill? Head to Christchurch Adventure Park, home to New Zealand’s longest and highest zip-line course. Soar side-by-side with friends over red clay ridges, lush forests and deep valleys, all while taking in elevated views of the city below. It’s one of the top things to do in Christchurch for adventure seekers.
5. Discover the Antarctic Centre
Experience the icy extremes of the southernmost continent — without leaving the city — at the International Antarctic Centre. Brave a simulated blizzard, ride an all-terrain Hagglund vehicle and meet huskies and penguins up close. It’s science, storytelling and polar exploration all rolled into one unforgettable outing.
6. Wander Mona Vale Gardens & Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Embrace Christchurch’s botanical beauty with a visit to Mona Vale Gardens and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where manicured lawns, rose beds and heritage buildings meet peaceful riverside paths. Springtime brings a burst of color, but every season offers its own charm. Strolling these gardens is a gentle reminder of Christchurch’s nickname: the Garden City.
7. Taste Your Way Through Waipara Wine Country
A short drive from the city, Waipara Valley unfolds in a tapestry of vineyards and olive groves. Visit cellar doors to sample Pinot Noir and aromatic whites, and enjoy local fare paired with rolling countryside views. With more than 75 vineyards to choose from, it’s one of the best things to do in Christchurch for wine lovers.
8. Experience High Country Adventure & Jetboating
Get off the beaten path with a combo adventure that includes 4x4 off-roading in the Southern Alps and a heart-racing jetboat ride through the Waimakariri River Gorge. From mountain ridgelines to braided riverbeds, this journey delivers cinematic landscapes and pure adrenaline. You’ll finish with a hearty kiwi lunch and memories that last a lifetime.
9. Visit Lyttelton Harbour on a Discovery Cruise
Board a catamaran in nearby Lyttelton Harbour to explore volcanic landscapes, Māori history and the legacy of early settlers. Scan the water for Hector’s dolphins — the world’s smallest and rarest — while your skipper shares stories of Ripapa Island and the harbor’s evolution from Māori stronghold to colonial port town.
10. Step Into Middle-earth in the Canterbury High Country
If you’re a fan of cinematic fantasy, a visit to Canterbury’s film locations offers a real-world portal into Middle-earth. Journey through rolling hills, braided rivers and snow-capped peaks used as backdrops in one of the world’s most beloved movie trilogies. Even without the film connection, the landscapes are some of the most majestic in all of New Zealand.
What Are the Top Things To Do in Christchurch?
The top things to do in Christchurch include riding the gondola over the Port Hills, meeting kiwi birds at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, experiencing Māori culture on the Avon River, visiting the Antarctic Centre and wine tasting in Waipara Valley. Adventurers can also zipline over the hills, jetboat through mountain gorges and cruise Lyttelton Harbour. Christchurch blends natural beauty, cultural richness and thrilling excursions into one unforgettable destination.
Discover the Best of Christchurch With a Shore Excursion
Whether you're zipping over valleys, exploring icy simulations or relaxing with a glass of local Pinot, Christchurch shore excursions offer something for every kind of traveler. This South Island gem isn’t just a gateway to the Alps — it’s a destination rich in nature, heritage and heartfelt adventure.
