Christchurch, New Zealand

Christchurch is often described as the most English of New Zealand’s cities. But for all its self-consciously inherited charm, it can hold its own as a thoroughly modern New Zealand city. Kiwi art has pride of place in the city’s gallery, the wildlife reserves teem with native animals, and the multitude of great cafes, restaurants and bars that fill the city center prove that Christchurch has a special charm. The highlights? A whale-watching trip to Kaikoura, Mount Cook, and the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

List of noteworthy Christchurch attractions and places to see in Christchurch, from the must-see tourist landmarks to the top local attractions:-

Arthur's Pass National Park

This superbly scenic national park is in Central Canterbury, rising out of the plains. A magnet for wintertime skiers and summertime hikers, Arthur’s Pass National Park is also a popular day trip from Christchurch.

Easy day walks fan out from the visitor information center, leading to vantage points affording panoramic views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks.

 Providing an instant snapshot of New Zealand's legendary natural beauty, a day trip to the park also reveals glimpses of extensive beech forests, rainforest, mountain passes and soaring peaks.

TranzAlpine Train

Praised as one of the most incredibly scenic train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine chugs its way from Christchurch to Greymouth, via Arthur's Pass, daily.

 

Making its way from one coast of New Zealand to the other, from the Pacific Ocean to the Tasman Sea, the train crosses the broad expanse of the Canterbury Plains to climb the Alps via a series of four viaducts and 19 tunnels known as the Staircase.

The train journey reveals a stunning sequence of valleys, mountains and Southern Alps, including river valleys covered in beech rainforests, sky-mirrored lakes and snowcapped peaks.

International Antarctic Centre

Experience everything you want to know about the icy continent of Antarctica at the International Antarctic Centre, from indoor ice storms to ATV rides and penguins.

 

 

Feeding time at the NZ Penguin encounter is hugely popular, as is the Penguin Backstage Pass tour for an up-close view of these cute creatures.

 

Go for a rough and ready ride on the Hagglund all-terrain vehicle, watch snow being made and throw snowballs, chill out in an ice cave and see the aquarium displays of Antarctic wildlife. Don’t worry about keeping warm: chillproof jackets and overshoes are provided.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Have a memorable hands-on meeting with New Zealand's unique animals at the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Mixing lighthearted entertainment with more serious conservation issues, there are Maori cultural performances in the evening and dinner packages combining a Taste NZ menu and guided tour.

Conservation is key at Willowbank, revealing the negative impact of settlement on New Zealand's wildlife and ecosystems, the lessons learned and the plans for the future.

Tamaki Heritage Village

Take a late-afternoon tour to a Maori cultural village outside Christchurch for a traditional hangi feast, cultural entertainment and some valuable insights into Maori history.

The dramatic and entertaining Lost in Our Own Land cultural show relates the Chronicles of Uitara, moving from 3,000 BC to the present. Hear tales of Maori legends and heroes, creation myths and encounters, tragedy and pride.

Akaroa Harbour

Meaning 'Long Harbor,' Akaroa is a port town with a decidedly French flavor, as descendants of the town's original French settlers still live here. Streets have French names, and French-inspired restaurants and cafés line the harbor.

The big draw here isn't the French ambiance however. Most people come to Akaroa to swim with dolphins, see seals, go snorkeling or take a penguin-viewing cruise on the harbor.

Christchurch Tramway

Hop aboard a vintage tram for a leisurely tour of central Christchurch. It’s the most relaxing, fun way to get your bearings and see the city's attractions and landmarks.

 The trams leave from Cathedral Square in downtown Christchurch. The route then crosses Worcester Bridge over the River Avon, loops past the Botanic Gardens and travels along past the shops of Armagh Street. All trams have an informative on-board commentary.

Mount Hutt

Mount Hutt is one of New Zealand's premier skiing destinations, tailored to suit beginners to advanced skiers and snowboarders and everyone in-between.

The snow is skiable for months and months here, from June to October, and all manner of equipment and instruction is available from the nearest town, Methven.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch is known as the garden city, an Anglophile settlement of well-tended gardens and tree-lined streets. Pride of place in this flower-loving town goes to the Botanic Gardens, attractively set within a loop of the winding Avon River.

The gardens are planted with thousands of exotic and indigenous plants, with particular note going to its lime tree walkways, inviting lawns and seasonal flowers such as magnolias, azaleas and roses.