Christchurch: a first-timer's guide to the Garden City

Why visit Christchurch

Christchurch has a quieter pace than Auckland and a strong sense of renewal. The earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 took 185 lives and destroyed much of the city centre, and the rebuild has given it new public spaces, a revitalised riverside and creative projects. It is also the main international gateway to the South Island.

Gardens and the river

Hagley Park, one of the largest urban parks in New Zealand, frames the west of the centre. Inside it, the Christchurch Botanic Gardens are free to explore, with a rose garden, conservatories and old trees. Punting on the Avon, with a guide in Edwardian dress, is a gentle way to see the riverbanks. The Te Awa Ōtākaro riverside promenade links new parks, cafés and memorials.

The city centre

The Christchurch Art Gallery has a striking glass facade and strong New Zealand collections. The Cardboard Cathedral, designed by Shigeru Ban, served as the city's cathedral after the stone ChristChurch Cathedral in Cathedral Square was badly damaged; the old cathedral is being restored. New Regent Street, a short row of pastel Spanish mission style shops, is pretty and lively, and the heritage tram loops through the centre. Riverside Market is an indoor food hall of produce and eateries.

The Canterbury Museum is being redeveloped, so check its website for what is open. Quake City has told the story of the earthquakes in a moving and accessible way.

The Port Hills and Lyttelton

The Christchurch Gondola climbs the Port Hills for views over the city, the Southern Alps and Lyttelton Harbour. Lyttelton, the port town on the other side of the hills, has a lively Saturday market and good cafés. The coastal walk to Godley Head passes wartime gun emplacements above the harbour entrance.

Akaroa and Banks Peninsula

Akaroa, about ninety minutes away on Banks Peninsula, is a harbour village founded by French settlers. Boat trips look for Hector's dolphins, among the smallest and rarest dolphins in the world, and the drive over the hills is scenic.

Wildlife and families

The International Antarctic Centre near the airport is fun for families, with little blue penguins and an Antarctic storm room. Christchurch is a base for many Antarctic programmes. Orana Wildlife Park and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve let you see kiwi and other native birds.

Into the mountains

Christchurch is the start of some of the country's best journeys. The TranzAlpine train crosses the Southern Alps to Greymouth on the West Coast. Lake Tekapo, around three hours south west, has turquoise water and is part of a dark sky reserve. Beyond it, Aoraki Mount Cook National Park has the country's highest mountain and the easy Hooker Valley Track, one of New Zealand's most loved short walks.

Getting around

The centre is flat and easy to walk or cycle, and Metro buses cover the city and airport. For Akaroa, Tekapo and Mount Cook, many visitors join tours or travel by coach.

Planning tips

Two days covers the city, the gardens and the Port Hills, with a third for Akaroa. See places to visit for our picks and use the free trip planner to plan a route from Christchurch to Tekapo, Mount Cook and Queenstown.