Destination - Christchurch, NZ

Explore

the Garden city

christchurch

established

the iconic all-black uniform with the silver fern became permanently established in christchurch

marine

home to hector's dolphins - smallest and rarest marine dolphins on Earth

home

one of only five official gateway cities to Antarctica in the world

official

new zealands oldest established city

nature

The city holds over 740 public parks

14°C

Average Temp

sept

getting to know christchurch

Escape to the garden city

Christchurch is the ultimate gateway to New Zealand’s spectacular South Island. Positioned perfectly on the east coast where the rolling Canterbury Plains meet the dramatic volcanic valleys of the Banks Peninsula.

Officially crowned “The Garden City,” it boasts one of the highest ratios of urban green space in the world, anchored by the massive, 165-hectare Hagley Park where you can glide down the Avon River on a traditional flat-bottomed punt surrounded by ancient forest trees.

Beyond its greenery the city holds a sacred place in sporting folklore as the historic cradle of rugby history; the world-famous New Zealand All Blacks played their first-ever international home test match right here in 1904. A legendary clash that permanently established the fearsome, iconic all-black uniform and silver fern on the global stage.

Today, Christchurch seamlessly blends this rich heritage with a vibrant energy. Inviting you to explore gourmet food stalls at the bustling Riverside Market, soak in beachfront hot pools at New Brighton or surf world-class swells at the hidden volcanic inlet of Taylors Mistake. It is the perfect destination for epic alpine road trips and polar adventures that will leave you absolutely desperate to visit.

Useful information

Christchurch | 100% Pure New Zealand

christchurch

Things to do

christchurch botanical gardens

Escape into a 21-hectare paradise of massive exotic trees, hidden conservatories and roaring colour. Tucked into the city centre, this urban sanctuary lets you wander through secret rose gardens and prehistoric forest trails completely free. It is the ultimate spot to slow down and breathe.

Punting on the avon river

Sink into velvet cushions and glide down a mirror-flat river as an expert punter in traditional Edwardian attire poles you past weeping willows and hidden city gardens. It is quiet, incredibly romantic and feels like stepping directly into a classic postcard. You cannot miss this iconic ride.

International Antarctic Centre

Brace yourself for the ultimate polar adventure right next to the airport. Face an indoor ice storm, blast through extreme terrain on an amphibious monster truck and hang out with rescued little blue penguins. It is a high-octane, hands-on rush that brings the edge of the world to life.

vintage christchurch tram

Climb aboard a beautifully restored, century-old streetcar for the ultimate inner-city safari. This hop-on, hop-off loop lets you rumble past striking architecture, vibrant street art and buzzing eateries like New Regent Street. It is the coolest, most nostalgic way to explore the CBD.

christchurch gondola

Fly to the top of the volcanic Port Hills for jaw-dropping, 360-degree views that will take your breath away. Peer out over the vast Pacific Ocean, dramatic harbours and the snow-capped Southern Alps all at once. Up here, you feel like you are standing on top of the world.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

The public transport system in Greater Christchurch, managed by Metro Christchurch, provides an efficient, interconnected and highly accessible network across Christchurch, Selwyn, and Waimakariri. Operating out of a centralised Bus Interchange in the CBD. The system is designed to seamlessly move commuters, visitors and event-goers through a combination of urban bus routes and scenic ferry connections.

For information visit Home | Metro Christchurch

COACH TRANSFERS

If you’re planning to travel beyond Christchurch, Intercity New Zealand offers coach services to various regional and rural destinations. You can choose between a direct journey transfer or a hop-on hop-off ticket. For more information visit New Zealand’s #1 National Bus Network | InterCity® .