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Christchurch, located in New Zealand, is known to be the largest city in the South Island and the second largest in New Zealand. This place is famous for its rich English heritage. With the Avon River at this place and lush green surroundings, it is popularly known as Garden City. Because of its rich natural diversity and heritage, there are many exciting things to do in Christchurch. These allow tourists to explore the beautiful nature and cultural charm with various adventurous and thrilling activities.
Top 10 Things To Do In Christchurch
Here are the best things to do in Christchurch for an amazing time to create unforgettable memories during your New Zealand trip:
1. Go On A Cycle Trial To Alps 2 Ocean
Photo: patrick janicek / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
The Alps 2 Ocean Cycle Trail is the longest cycle trail in New Zealand. It is divided into nine sections that differ in levels from easy to intermediate. The path of this trail is an easy terrain road that includes canals, cross-country tracks and off-road locations. It is one of the best experiences one can have in their lifetime while exploring the mountains. The total trail is 316 km. This trail offers a beautiful view of various mountains, lakes and rivers. This trail also changes from an altitude of 780 metres to below sea level. There are various services, like hiring bikers and shuttle services available. It is an amazing place to visit to explore the mountain ranges of Christchurch.
Location: Tasman River, Alps To Ocean Cycle Trail, Tekapo 7999, New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: April to May
Major Highlights: Beautiful view of mountains by cycle trails
2. Travel Through Southern Alps In TranzAlpine Railway
Photo: Kevin Prince / Wikimedia Commons
TranzAlpine is a passenger train that passes through Christchurch in New Zealand. The passage of this train in the South Island is known to be one of the world’s greatest train journeys because of its beautiful views throughout the trip. This journey is nearly 223 km long, which takes nearly 5 hours and passes through 16 tunnels elevated at 47 m. The train was originally introduced in 1987 to replace other express trains in Christchurch. This train runs every day from Christchurch to Greymouth.
Location: Scenic Train Christchurch, Greymouth, Troup Drive, Addington, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: October
Major Highlights: Beautiful scenery
3. Visit Waipara Wine Trail
Photo: Wildman NZ / Wikimedia Commons
The Waipara Wine Trail in Christchurch is a very unique experience to explore various wineries with a wine tour in the Waipara Valley. This place is located in the countryside of Christchurch. It takes nearly 5.5 hours to explore the entire wine trail. Here the guides take the visitors through three boutique vineyards surrounded by 15 different sample wines. There are also wine tasting experiences planned for the visitors. The transport, accommodation and music to have some amazing parties with friends and families are also taken care of by an amazing organisation in this place.
Location: Waipara Springs Winery and Restaurant 409 Omihi Road, Waipara 7483, New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: September to October
Major Highlights: Wine tasting activities
4. Ride In Gondola Over Avon River
Photo: Sdkb / Wikimedia Commons
Avon River, located in Christchurch, is a beautiful place to visit that is surrounded by mountains. The gondola ride activity available near the Avon River is a must-visit place to enjoy. It renders the amazing views of the snow-capped mountains and the alpine scenery located around Christchurch. This gondola cable car gives a 360-degree view of the entire area of Christ Church that passes through the Avon River. A time slot must be arranged in advance by contacting the activity provider for the ticket anytime during the opening hours.
Location: Christchurch Gondola, 10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch 8022, New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Major Highlights: View of the entire city
5. Visit Christchurch Art Gallery
Photo: Superchilum / Wikimedia Commons
Christchurch Art Gallery is a public art gallery that is located in Christchurch, New Zealand. This art gallery has its own collection along with international exhibitions and programs about New Zealand. This gallery was opened in 2003, which replaced the Robert McDougall Art Gallery in the same place. The Christchurch Art Gallery is an important part of the city, which is especially known for its amazing exterior and interior architecture. This article has a mixture of traditional and modern art forms with touching stories. It is a two-floor museum that takes about more than one hour to explore the entire place.
Location: Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, 312 Montreal Street,Christchurch 8013
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Major Highlights: Exploring various art forms
6. Explore The Orana Wildlife Park
Photo: Greg Hewgill / Wikimedia Commons
The Orana Wildlife Park is an amazing place to visit in New Zealand, situated on the outskirts of Christchurch. This is an open rain zoo that is located in an area of 80 hectares that opened in 1976. Tourists visit this park to explore various endangered native and exotic wildlife. This park educates visitors, especially children, about environmental and conservation issues, and supports research related to endangered animals. This park is home to more than 30 varieties of animals. There are also various exhibitions and breeding programs organised by the zoo to encourage people.
Location: Orana Wildlife Park, 793 McLeans Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch 8051, New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: March to September
Major Highlights: Feeding and exploring wildlife
7. Visit The Cardboard Cathedral
Photo: Tony Hisgett / Wikimedia Commons
The Cardboard Cathedral, also known as the Transitional Cathedral, is located in Christchurch, New Zealand. This cathedral is a replacement of the Christchurch Cathedral, which was damaged during the earthquake. This cathedral is known for its amazing architecture that was designed by the Japanese architect Shigeru Ban. This cathedral got its name because it is built with the help of cardboard. Along with its amazing exterior design in a triangular shape, in the interior of the church, there is a rose window that has many triangular pieces of stained glass. This building has a capacity of seating arrangement for nearly 700 people.
Location: Cardboard Cathedral, 234 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: December to February
Major Highlights: Amazing architecture
8. Take A Tour In International Antarctic Centre
Photo: Superchilum / Wikimedia Commons
The International Antarctic Center locator in Christchurch, New Zealand, is a popular tourist attraction and a public science discovery centre. This centre is located on the campus where there are many New Zealand, US and Italian Antarctic programs happening. This campus has Antarctic exhibits, a cafe and a bar. There was also an Antarctic snow storm room, an audiovisual display set up for the visitors to meet up with husky dogs and experience rides in Hagglunds. This centre also set up a space for taking in needy penguins from the wild, where there is also a little blue penguin exhibit.
Location: International Antarctic Centre, Corner Roy Place and, Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8052, New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Major Highlights: Educational programs and audio visual experiences
9. Visit Canterbury Museum
Photo: Szilas / Wikimedia Commons
The Canterbury Museum, in the centre of the City of Christchurch, New Zealand, was established in 1867. It was in the coal collections of Julius Von Haast. The architecture of this building is constructed in a gothic style. Additional buildings have been constructed in the later years, adding to the blocks. This museum has a collection of taxidermied animals, historic objects and various other collections from the Antarctic Montfort and early settlers. There are also other exhibition galleries with various educational facilities and programs conducted for age groups.
Location: Canterbury Museum, 66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013, New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: May to September
Major Highlights: Collection of historical items
10. Explore The Hagley Park North
Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ / Wikimedia Commons
Hagley Park, located in Christchurch, New Zealand, is the largest urban open space in the city that was created in 1855. This park is known for its beautiful scenery of trees and broad open spaces. This entire area is surrounded by the Avon River and roads. In the northern part of the park, there is a natural trail to the Avon River, which is a very beautifully designed path. This is an amazing place to visit, take a quiet walk or cycle with family and friends. You can also visit this place alone to enjoy some relaxing time in nature.
Location: Hagley Park North 14 Riccarton Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8011, New Zealand
Best Time To Visit: September to November
Major Highlights: Stunning views of the nature
Christchurch, located in New Zealand, is a beautiful place to visit that is surrounded by various flora and fauna. There are many things to do in Christchurch to explore the natural surroundings, wildlife and various scenic backgrounds. It allows you to have an amazing experience in the city to create some unforgettable memories with family and friends. To know more about this place and for further information for planning your trip, visit TripXL.
Cover Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ / Wikimedia Commons
