The city of Christchurch is both historic and important in New Zealand (Auckland is the largest). Christchurch has made a remarkable recovery from the devastating earthquakes that struck the city between 2010 and 2012. It’s a brand-new metropolis bursting at the seams with trendy watering holes, farmers’ markets, eateries, boutiques, and galleries.
The locals have put in a lot of effort to rebuild, and it shows in the strong sense of community that exists here. There’s so much to see and do that I can’t wait to come back. It’s a great spot to relax and recharge, and it also serves as an excellent home base from which to explore the rest of the area. While there isn’t much in the way of “things to do” in this city, the atmosphere is quite laid-back, so there’s no need to rush if you have the time.
The Five Best Attractions in Christchurch
A visit to the Canterbury Museum
Christchurch’s history is the focus of this museum, which has been open since 1867. Its permanent exhibits include a fantastic recreation of the city as it appeared in the Victorian era and other treasures from its vast collection of over 2.3 million objects. Complete stores and storefronts add to the sense of immersion. There is a permanent exhibit on World War I, a display about the moa (a native, now extinct, flightless bird), and a variety of temporary art displays. Donations are welcome but not required.
Visit the Gondola in Christchurch
Even though the gondola rides up Mount Vaendish only take 10 minutes, it provides spectacular panoramas of the city below. If you’d like to stop for a meal before or after taking in the sights, there’s a restaurant at the peak. Most people descend on foot (you can also walk up; it takes around 45 minutes). If you want to spend some time on the mountain, there are walking trails at the peak. The cost of a round-trip ticket is $35 NZD.
Explore Hagley Park on two wheels
This park, which was established in 1855 and covers an area of more than 162 hectares (400 acres), is the equivalent of Central Park in New York City. As a result of its size, it is ideal for exploring via bicycle. There are sports fields (cricket, golf, and netball), a playground, and plenty of green space to enjoy the outdoors. Both the peaceful Avon River and the city’s free-to-visit Botanic Gardens can be found in this area.
Port Hills Hike
South of Christchurch, you’ll find this range of hills. The peaks, which range in elevation from 200 to 500 meters (650 to 1,640 feet), are all that remain of a long-since dormant volcano. Visitors looking to get some exercise will find an abundance of trails to choose from. The Crater Rim track is a moderate walk that will take you most of a day to complete, but the rewards are breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding area (you can do smaller sections of it in just 1-2 hours). The Godley Head Coastal Walk is an easy trail option.
Try the local cuisine.
Christchurch is quickly becoming one of New Zealand’s top culinary destinations thanks to its thriving restaurant and bar scenes. Don’t miss the food trucks in Cathedral Square on Fridays and the craft beer at Dux Central. Visit Little High Eatery, a marketplace with nine restaurants serving a wide variety of cuisines (from ramen to wood-fired pizza).
Additional Christchurch Attractions
Trip to the International Antarctic Centre
The Antarctica Programs of New Zealand, the United States, and Italy have all called the AIC home since its founding in 1990. The Antarctic Attraction is a huge Antarctic exhibit, and a cafe located here as well. You can learn about the climate and wildlife of Antarctica, as well as have your picture taken in a realistic replica of the continent. The exhibit is meant for children, but even their adult visitors had a good time. The price for tickets is 49 New Zealand dollars.
Visit the Willowbank National Wildlife Refuge
More than 95 different kinds of birds and mammals and reptiles and amphibians and fish and reptiles and native New Zealand animals (including kiwis!) can be found in this wildlife park and nature reserve. Pony rides are available for the little ones, and older visitors can feed wild eels and lemurs. Similar to the Antarctic Center, this is a great place to bring the kids because they can learn about the animals and the park’s efforts to preserve them. The price of a ticket is $32.50 New Zealand dollars.
Cathedral Square can be explored
The Square serves as the city’s central meeting place. The Square has served as the town’s central gathering place for over 150 years, making it a favorite summertime destination for picnics and people-watching. Here you’ll find the Christchurch Cathedral and Neil Dawson’s metal sculpture Chalice, which stands at an impressive 18 meters (59 feet) in height in honor of Christchurch’s 150th anniversary.
Go to a celebration.
When it comes to New Zealand celebrations, Christchurch is where it’s at. The South Island Wine and Food Festival takes place in December, the Christchurch Lantern Festival takes place in February, and the Great Kiwi Beer Fest takes place in January, just to name a few. Other notable celebrations include the Holi Festival in Christchurch and the World Busker’s Festival in January, both of which feature dozens of performers over several weeks (held every February).
See the Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art
Don’t miss Christchurch’s CoCA if you’re interested in contemporary art; the non-profit gallery hosts new exhibitions every three months (you can check their website for up-to-date exhibitions). Though I don’t particularly enjoy it, this venue hosts some interesting and innovative shows by local and international artists. Entry is at no cost.
Browse the stalls at the Lyttelton Farmers Market
Whether you need to do some serious grocery shopping or you just want to experience a real local market, you should stop by. Seasonal fruits and vegetables, bread, cheese, honey, eggs, relishes, and so much more can be found at the market. People-watching and live performances are always enjoyable. The market is conveniently located on the outskirts of town, a short drive or bus ride away. On Saturdays, between 10 AM and 1 PM, doors open. Get there before the crowds do.
Stop by the Art Gallery of Canterbury
The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu (also known simply as the Christchurch Art Gallery) houses some of the finest works of art in New Zealand. Landscapes, portraits, and contemporary works of art predominate. Check the website to see what exhibits are currently running before you go. The museum’s daily 11 am and 2 pm guided tours are complimentary, as is general admission (which lasts around an hour). If you want to take your time and see everything, figure on spending a few hours there.
View Christ Church University
Christ’s College, a private institution, was established in 1850. You should go on their tour if you have any interest in history or architecture. There are several historic structures on campus from which one can gain valuable insight into the evolution of the city. If you’re interested in learning about the region’s history in great depth (if you’re not, I’d recommend skipping this), you shouldn’t miss a tour here. Tours take place on weekdays at 10 am and 2 pm and cost 10 NZD per person. Tours typically run for 80 minutes. Take note: postponed until COVID-19 is resolved.
Stop by Quake City
This one-of-a-kind museum and its interactive exhibits were designed by the Canterbury Museum to share people’s experiences during and after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011. Between the two, there were 185 fatalities and nearly 2,000 injuries. Extensive background on the area’s history of earthquakes, including first-hand accounts of the devastation and the heroic rescue efforts by first responders, is provided. Entry costs 20 New Zealand dollars.
Get your beach on at Sumner and Scarborough!
During the summer, many city dwellers head to this beach, which is conveniently located on the outskirts of town. Nearby, in a quaint village, you can take surfing lessons and dine at any number of delightful restaurants. Both beaches can be reached with minimal effort thanks to the promenade that runs parallel to the shore (they are just 1km from each other). It’s a cheap and simple way to spend a few hours away from the city, as the area is accessible by public bus.
Relax on a scenic train ride.
Christchurch was the starting point for New Zealand’s first railway, and today the city is home to not one but two scenic trains. Traveling between Christchurch and Greymouth on the West Coast of the South Island, the TranzAlpine train winds through mountain towns and verdant forests. The train ride takes 5 hours and costs between $179 and NZD 219 one way. From Christchurch to Picton, you can take the 5.5-hour, 169-New-Zealand-dollar Pacific Coastal train that follows the coast (currently suspended due to COVID-19).
Cost Estimates for a Christchurch Backpacking Trip
You can visit free museums and go hiking on a budget of 65 New Zealand dollars per day if you stay in a hostel dorm, prepare all of your meals, and use public transportation. You can expect to spend an extra $10-$20 NZD per day on alcoholic beverages.
A comfortable trip to New Zealand can be had for around NZ$160 per day if you use Airbnb, eat out frequently, drink a few drinks at the bar, use Uber occasionally, and splurge on a few experiences like taking the gondola or going to Quake City.
With a “luxury” budget of 325 NZD or more per day, you can do as many paid activities as you like, stay in a hotel, eat out at nice restaurants multiple times per day, drink alcohol at least once per day, and rent a car for day trips. But this is just the beginning of luxury; the sky’s the limit!
How to Visit Christchurch on a Budget
Christchurch, like the rest of New Zealand, is not a cheap holiday spot. The costs of going out to eat, buying alcohol, and staying overnight (even in a cheap hostel) can quickly add up. Nonetheless, there is still a chance! Some suggestions for saving cash in Christchurch:
Purchase a MetroCard if you intend to use public transportation frequently during your stay in Christchurch. These reusable cards cost 10 NZD, but reduce bus fares by nearly 50%, which adds up if you plan to use public transportation frequently during your stay. Don’t rely on eating out in Christchurch if you want to save money. If you want to save money, cook your meals. It’s not flashy, but it’ll end up saving you a lot of money.
Couchsurfing is a great way to experience life as a local would. You can stay in a nice place for free and have a friendly local show you around. Don’t travel during the summer when demand is highest and prices are highest. If you’re trying to save money, you should avoid visiting during the busiest times of the year.
Stop by a bar during happy hour to save money. If you’re going to be imbibing, you should definitely check them out. Some city hostels will let you stay for free in exchange for a few hours of cleaning and making beds each day. If you’re looking for work, check out Worldpackers.com.
Take advantage of nature
It doesn’t cost a thing. There are many free outdoor activities, hiking trails, and beaches in the city and its surrounding area. While the cost of adventure activities may put a damper on your trip, there are many trails and walks to keep you busy without breaking the bank. The tap water in Christchurch is safe to drink, so pack a reusable water bottle to save money and cut down on wasteful single-use plastic bottles. You can trust that the water you drink from your LifeStraw bottle is always pure and safe because it has a built-in filter.
The Best Time to Visit Christchurch
Christchurch sits on the South Island’s eastern shore. The weather is mild all year round, with cool winters and warm springs. The winter months of December through February constitute the city’s “summer,” when most tourists flock there. It’s a busy time because many New Zealanders take vacations then as well. In the summer, the average high in Christchurch is 22 degrees Celsius (72 degrees Fahrenheit). Even though it’s warm, the sea breeze usually prevents it from becoming unbearable.
If you want to avoid the crowds and visit in the fall, March through May is a good time to go. The average temperature is a pleasant 13 degrees Celsius (55 degrees Fahrenheit) these days.
June through August is winter. Because of seasonal discounts, this is the best time to travel economically. Daytime highs average 7 degrees Celsius (45 degrees Fahrenheit), with overnight lows dipping to zero degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). Throughout the winter, frost is typical, and snowfall can be anticipated on a handful of occasions. Traveling during the shoulder seasons is a great way to save money and avoid the crowds of the high season. However, if you prefer warmer temperatures and more activity, summer is the best time to go.
Tips for Personal Security in Christchurch
Christchurch, like the rest of New Zealand, is a very secure tourist destination. Even though the crime rate is low, the weekend nightlife can get rowdy (alcohol-fueled incidences are not uncommon). Don’t accept drinks from strangers and keep an eye on your belongings, just as you would in any other public place.
Even though earthquakes like the one that devastated the city in 2011 are uncommon, they do occur. In case of an emergency during your visit, you should be aware of the standard operating procedures. Downloading a local weather app (like MetService NZ Weather) can provide peace of mind by keeping you abreast of any unusual weather or impending natural disasters. If you’re worried about getting lost, it’s a good idea to download an offline map of the city.
The Red Cross’s Hazard App is another option worth exploring. It will send out alerts and notifications in the event of a disaster and is loaded with useful information and suggestions for dealing with them. Women traveling alone can feel safe here, but should still take the usual safety measures (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.).
Best restaurants in Christchurch
In Christchurch, the most important thing to have its the charm. The South Island beauty is New Zealand at its most laid-back, which is a pretty impressive accomplishment in and of itself, and the city’s culinary scene is quickly becoming one of the best in the country. The best restaurants in Christchurch are those that excel in a variety of areas, including the application of cutting-edge modern techniques, up-to-date Italian cuisine, and traditional American home cooking. In Christchurch, there are a lot of amazing things to do, and one of the things that are definitely at the top of the list is eating until you are too full to move. After you’ve had your fill of the charming city’s attractions, settle down for a lunch that will live long in the memory.
Inati
Dinner at Inati should not be rushed. Relax, reserve the chef’s table, and ask him to break down everything on the “Trust us” menu in detail. Simon Levy has cooked at some of London’s finest restaurants, including Claridge’s and The Ivy, and was previously the head chef at Gordon Ramsay’s The Warrington. Degustation dishes might include ‘Duck Trumpets,’ which are a smooth, full-flavored cheese, or bresaola, pickled cherries, and pumpkin seed crumble.
Luxury-level pricing
The Birdwood
Exactly what is it? An up-to-date Italian restaurant that welcomes families, serving dishes like delicious wood-fired pizza and homemade pasta (try the ravioli and tortellini). The Birdwood is a daytime café that transforms into an evening pizzeria and pasta bar. Both are handcrafted to exacting Italian standards, and there’s a great variety of independent beer and wine to pair with them. The courgette fries are a must-have addition to your side order.
Mid-range cost
Gatherings
Unlike most eateries, Gatherings only offers one tasting menu, and it features only items from the Canterbury area. It would be an understatement to say that chef Alex Davies isn’t deeply concerned with the provenance of his ingredients. After gaining experience on an organic farm in Swant tonoa, he opened this no-frills eatery to show customers how much fantastic food is being produced in the area and how it can be transformed into something magical in the right hands.
Mid-range cost
Fifth Avenue
Specifically to sample the avant-garde dishes that Samson Stewart has dreamed up as head chef (from Hello Sunday). The Himalayan salt block cured fish, seaweed butter, and broccoli doughnuts come to mind. There is a lively vibe on 5th Street as well. It’s located in a converted warehouse and is decorated to the nines in dark blues, blacks, and gold accents. Soft banquettes and smaller tables are available. It’s perfect for a night out with friends or a date.
