Let’s explore Local Attractions around the Garden City!
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a Canterburian born and bred, you’ll discover plenty of things to do in Christchurch. From family activities to attractions for adventure seekers to romantic places for couples, Christchurch has options for every taste and interest
Arts & Culture
CANTERBURY MUSEUM
On display are taonga (treasures) which represent the breadth and depth of the Museum's collection ranging from taxidermied animals through to historic objects from the Antarctic, Mountfort, Early Settlers galleries and different exhibition.
CHRISTCHURCH ART GALLERY
The Christchurch Art Gallery is home one of the country’s largest art collections and hosts an extraordinary programme of local and international exhibitions. The gallery also has a strong reputation for commissioning new works that reflect the city and its people.
BOTANIC GARDENS
Founded over 150 years ago, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens are the green heart of the Garden City. No visit to our city is complete without exploring the historic Botanic Gardens. Highlights include New Zealand’s only World Peace Bell, the outdoor circular Rose Garden, and the Cuningham, Townend, and Garrick House, which showcase over 150 different plant varieties.
BOTANIC GARDENS TOUR
Sit back and take in the beauty of the various sections of the gardens as your driver navigates you around the 21-hectares on board an all-weather electric shuttle. The live commentary points out the seasonal highlights you’ll pass as you travel in comfort on a 40-minute hop-on hop-off tour with three stops, allowing you the opportunity to explore the gardens further.
ISAAC THEATRE ROYAL
The Isaac Theatre Royal is the spiritual heart of Canterbury’s arts scene; an iconic theatrical venue that has played host to spectacular shows and spellbound audiences for more than a century.
TE MATATIKI TOI ORA THE ARTS CENTRE
The Arts Centre is a landmark like no other in Aotearoa New Zealand. It is the largest collection of category 1 listed heritage buildings in the country and is dedicated to art, culture, creativity and education.
Markets
THE RICCARTON SUNDAY MARKET
Every Sunday 9am-2pm Rain or Shine, free parking. Over 200 stalls, ATM on-site, cash and Eftpos available. Come down and support your local farmers, artists and small business owners.
Location: 165 Racecourse Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
CHRISTCHURCH FARMERS MARKET
Every Saturday from 9am-1pm, free parking. Over 60 of Canterbury finest local producers & artisans. Cash and Eftpos available. Enjoy a fully locally grown and made lunch down on the banks of the Avon River.
NEW BRIGHTON SEASIDE MARKET
Every Saturday, New Brighton's pedestrian mall comes alive with color and creativity!
Head to the seaside to enjoy live entertainment, delicious food, fresh produce, arts, crafts, jewelry, and more. There's even a bouncy castle and free face-painting for the little ones!
Activities
SHEEP FARM TRIP WITH LUNCH AND WINERY DAY TOUR
On the Real New Zealand Farm Tours Day Trip, you’ll experience the charm of New Zealand’s countryside with a guided farm tour, showcasing the country’s rich agricultural heritage. Start your day with an interactive sheep-shearing demonstration and an opportunity to see sheepdogs in action as they round up the flock. Then, enjoy a delicious, locally sourced lunch, paired with exquisite New Zealand wines. You’ll learn about the farming lifestyle, regional produce, and the significance of agriculture in New Zealand. This scenic day trip is the perfect blend of culture, nature, and cuisine, offering a unique insight into rural life, combined with a relaxing and enjoyable atmosphere. It's an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in Kiwi farming traditions and fine wines.
MARGARET MAHY FAMILY PLAYGROUND
The Margaret Mahy Family Playground, in Christchurch city centre, is the largest of its kind in the southern hemisphere. Open 24/7 with free entry, it’s perfect for families to picnic, featuring seating, coin-operated BBQs, a water-play area, and a nearby fruit ice cream truck. Designed for all ages, it’s enjoyed by both kids and adults alike.
PUNTING ON THE AVON
Explore the tranquil side of Christchurch with a classic boating, or Punting, experience on the beautiful Avon River. A punter provides informative commentary as he or she guides you and your companions past the city centre and Christchurch Botanic Gardens in a narrow boat. You can upgrade your tour to include the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour, a Christchurch Gondola ride, or a Christchurch Tram's hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour of downtown.
CHRISTCHURCH TRAM
Perfect for all ages, a unique experience combining history and sightseeing on board the restored heritage trams to explore the central city.
CHRISTCHURCH CASINO
30 Victoria Street, Christchurch, 81401 - Phone: 03 365 9999
Christchurch’s premier entertainment destination. Experience the latest in gaming technology on 500+ gaming machines and 36 table games, as well as plenty of dining options in the four restaurant and three bars.
THE PALMS SHOPPING CENTRE
The Palms, located in Shirley, Christchurch, is just a 5-10 minute walk / 750 m from the Garden Hotel. It offers a variety of attractions, including Readings Cinema, major retailers like Farmers and Countdown, over 100 specialty stores, diverse dining options, banks, a foreign exchange, and an NZ Post office—making it a great shopping destination.
CHRISTCHURCH GONDOLA
An unmissable Christchurch experience, the Christchurch Gondola offers stunning 360-degree views of the city, Lyttelton Harbour and beyond from the summit station situated atop the Port Hills. See the snow-capped Southern Alps, sprawling Canterbury Plains and the sparkling waters of Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean.
INTERNATIONAL ANTARCTIC CENTRE
Chill out in an Antarctic storm, ride an Antarctic Hägglund and see Little Blue Penguins.
Hours: 9am - 4:30pm
WILLOWBANK WILDLIFE RESERVE
Just 15 minutes drive from the Garden Hotel & Restaurant, get close to the wildlife and see Kiwi in a natural environment. As well as the other native birds: Kea, Tuatara and more. Willowbank is surrounded by native bush, flora and fauna. It is also well-known to be one of the homes of New Zealand’s best displays of native species!
ORANA WILDLIFE PARK
A day visit to Orana Wildlife Park will definitely give you and your family a memorable experience. It is New Zealand's only Open Range Zoo and exclusively home to brother Gorillas. The Park is set on 80 hectares of land and is a sanctuary to over 1000 animals. You can find out the feeding and presentation times from the Park’s Daily Animal Presentation Schedule to ensure you are there to see your favourites.
HE PUNA TAIMOANA HOT POOLS
Newly built in 2020, He Puna Taimoana is Canterbury’s newest hot pools complex. Relax and unwind in six sea-salt water hot/cool pools with temperatures ranging from 14-40°c. Including multiple sauna’s and steam rooms.
CHRISTCHURCH ADVENTURE PARK
Located in Christchurch’s Port Hills, Adventure Park is an ideal outing for the whole family. It offers a variety of experiences, including a four-stage dual zipline soaring above the forest, lift-accessed mountain bike trails, free walking trails, a café, and a chairlift with stunning views. Adventure Park caters to all ages and levels of thrill-seekers.
ADRENALIN FOREST CHRISTCHURCH
Have you imagined your visit to Christchurch could be full of challenging adventures?
Fly, jump, swing and scream in through the treetops. Test your limits and conquer your fears. And the best, the whole family can join the adventure! How high and how far will you go?
ALPINE JET THRILLS
If you are a thrill seeker, Alpine Jet Thrills is a must do when you visit Christchurch. Canterbury’s Leading JetBoat and New Zealand’s ONLY AirBoat Experience. Just 20 minutes drive from the Garden Hotel & Restaurant, see the beauty of Waimakariri River from different perspective. Alpine Jet Thrills is more than a ride, it's an experience.
CHRISTCHURCH ASTRO TOURS
Explore the dark skies just 30 minutes from Christchurch with the personal astronomy and stargazing tours. Perfect for small groups or families, these tours take place at our Dark Sky base in Lincoln, showcasing the wonders of our amazing night sky.
Akaroa
AKAROA DOLPHINS
Akaroa Dolphins is a family-run business dedicated to providing an authentic, personal, and luxurious harbor nature cruise, with a strong focus on enriching the environment and the community. Their cruises offer the opportunity to visit the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, the adorable and playful Hector's dolphins, while showcasing highlights such as the highest cliff in Banks Peninsula, the famous 'Elephant Head,' and Cathedral Cave. These experiences are designed to create lasting and amazing memories.
PŌHATU PENGUINS
Pōhatu Penguins is a family-run business with a long-standing history of protecting the Kororā (Little Penguin) in Pōhatu Bay on the family farm. They offer unique adventure and wildlife tours, guiding you to explore the largest Australasian little penguin colony on the mainland of New Zealand, embark on a sea-kayak tour in the Marine Reserve, take a spectacular 4WD scenic tour, or even spend a night in the midst of a penguin colony.