Top places to visit

Christchurch offers family activities across wildlife, science, transport and outdoor recreation. The International Antarctic Centre has immersive Antarctic experiences, penguins and Hägglund rides, while the Christchurch Gondola travels by cable car to the Port Hills summit rather than along the Avon River.

Opened in 2003, the Arts Gallery is a dominant NZ$ 47 building that has set standards for all others in the South Island. Eluding an aesthetic charm, the exterior complements the various high quality art displays inside that range from early European work to the contemporary video work done by New Zealanders. The gallery holds some of the best and larger than life paintings of New Zealand’s renowned artists and has a lot to hold the viewers attention with colors, textures and bold strokes.

This most prominent landmark of Christchurch was completed in 1904 into a dominating grey stone building with a magnificent clock tower. The cathedral holds great historic significance for the city which is visible in its intricate architecture and the creative art work done inside its wall. Tourists find the cathedral a site of major attraction and most of them attend the daily services arranged here. Because of this importance the area around the building is called the Cathedral Square and serves as a starting point for many tours. Location: Cathedral Square Phone: +64 3 366 0046

A gothic stone building, Arts gallery is a show ground for a number of subjects operational in Christchurch such as the crafts market, the produce market and daily exhibitions from over 40 artists in various outlets. The center is famous for quality handicrafts, leather and wood goods and a visit to Ernest Rutherford's den is rated high on the interesting things to do in the Arts Center. Admission is free for all.

With the planting of an English oak tree in 1863, this Botanic Garden was given shape in New Zealand. Today it holds one of the most exotic and rare collection of plant species from within the country as well as abroad. Just the thought of 30 hectare of greenery circled by the Avon River is pleasing and one wants spend a good amount of time exploring this place full of the country’s botanic history. The highlights of the garden are the 120 years old trees that represent one of the sacred horticultural sites of the world. Together with the Hagley Park, New Zealand holds the key to the world second largest inner city park that is one of the most visited as well.

A thorough exploration of the Canterbury Museum is a must. With elaborate sections dedicated to the displays of Maori, Antarctic, Colonial and Natural history sections, the museum is an attraction to kids as well as adults and offers very interesting material to look at from vintage cars to historic personalities to the entire iced world of the Antarctic. Timing: Winter times: 9am to 5pm & Summer times: 9am to 5 30pm. Location: Rolleston Avenue Phone: 03/366-5000

Formerly known as the Aquarium of Discovery, the Southern Encounter Aquarium is a walk through of tanks of aquarium with rare fishes and sea creatures. Documentaries and films are aired for viewers to educate them about sea and bird life. The attraction offers various things to do including watching feeding time at the aquarium, see fly-tying demonstrations, getting your hands wet in touch tank and observation of nocturnal brown kiwis.

Get a feeling of the native New Zealand forestry in the Riccarton Bush, probably the last of the remains of the Canterbury forests. Take a walk along the lush green shrubs and tall trees and enjoy the quite serene beauty of the place one fine day along the circular track that will take you around the mini forest. Located adjacent to the forest is the Dean’s Cottage that is the oldest built house in Christchurch (1843) and is for historic purposes only.

Experience the Antarctic way of life in Christchurch at the International Antarctic center. Fulfill your dream of getting on a snow mobile and racing across snow land here at the center which is fully acclimatized to the polar weather conditions. Inside you will find penguins, leopard seals, snow caves and a depiction of how life is at the Antarctic. The 4D cinema will take you on a thrilling icy adventure of one of its kind. The Antarctic Hagglund Ride is a new addition which gives a 15minutes tour of the place and is very famous with children.

Alfred Thornhill Cooper and Marion Cooper are to be credited for this amazing collection of vintage cars in the Yaldhurst Museum. Opened on 26th December 1968, the museum has a collection 400 cars ranging from passenger to school buses to the rare models that had not more than 5 units manufactured! If you are an automobile fanatic, the Yaldhurst Museum will be your favorite attraction in all of Christchurch. Currently it is run by Grant Cooper, great grandson of the founder and is established in an 1876 colonial homestead.

Orana Wildlife Park is an open-range wildlife park on McLeans Island Road near Christchurch. Animal habitats, presentations and walking routes form the visitor experience across its extensive grounds. Its official visitor information lists the address as 793 McLeans Island Road, Harewood.

The most extensive collection of kiwi birds is found at the Willowbank reserve in Christchurch. On a much smaller scale than the Onara, the Williowbank breeds most of the local animal population of the country especially kiwis. Extended tours for kiwi life and breeding are arranged for tourists who are allowed to play, feed and pet the birds as well. Multiple school programs and skits are also arranged to depict the cultural practices of the Maori tribe.

Christchurch Gondola is a cable-car attraction rising from Heathcote Valley to a summit station in the Port Hills. The ride and summit viewpoints look across Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour and Canterbury. It is distinct from punting on the Avon River.

Diamond Harbour is a settlement on Lyttelton Harbour, accessible by road or by passenger ferry from Lyttelton. Black Cat Cruises operates the ferry across the harbour, with tickets purchased aboard. The waterfront and surrounding paths provide a quieter outing from Christchurch.

Ferrymead Heritage Park preserves aspects of New Zealand’s transport and community history at the site associated with the country’s first public railway. Its heritage buildings and collections are supported by specialist societies. Train rides operate on designated railway running days, rather than automatically with every admission.

The Air Force Museum of New Zealand is at the historic RNZAF base in Wigram. Aircraft, exhibitions and personal stories trace the country’s military aviation history in war and peace. Entry is free for New Zealanders and residents; international adults pay admission, while international children enter free. Guided tours have separate charges.

Mona Vale is a riverside heritage garden in Fendalton, Christchurch, with lawns, a rose garden, a fernery and historic buildings. The council lists access from Mona Vale Avenue or Fendalton Road, with parking through the Mona Vale Avenue entrance. Gate closing times change seasonally.

Jellie Park Recreation and Sport Centre is a council aquatic and fitness facility in Burnside, with swimming pools, hydroslides and exercise services. The council’s current notice states that the main centre is closed for scheduled maintenance, with some fitness services temporarily relocated. General pool access should not be assumed during this closure.

It is difficult to explore the whole city in a one-day trip because it has many beautiful natural sights. Nevertheless, the Irhal.com team has tried to plan a one-day tour through which you can visit Christchurch’s most important tourist sites: The tour: Wake early, no later than 9.00 am, and explore the inner city, which contains its finest attractions and some restaurants close together. Globe Café is a preferred breakfast choice, serving fresh bread and delicious meals. It is near attractions, after which you can take the tram for hop-on hop-off tours. The tram stop is in the city centre; obtain more information about fares and departure times from the I office Telephone: 03/379-9629, fax: 03/377-2424. You can get on and off the tram anywhere, visiting the sights you choose and stopping for refreshments. Take a break by boarding the tram again to visit the stunning botanic gardens, extending over several hectares of green land with exotic and rare plants, and visit Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House to learn about New Zealand’s oceans and forests. If you choose the tram for an extensive city tour, your first stop should be Christchurch Cathedral to explore its stone building and intricate architecture. Nearby are the Arts Centre and Art Gallery displaying many beautiful paintings and crafts made throughout history. Most tourists shop at the Arts Centre, which has many souvenir shops, traditional clothing stores and postcards. Then visit Canterbury Museum to learn about city life and how it developed from early Maori times into what it is today. Next take a break for a snack at Honeypot Café, serving delicious meals such as pizza and sandwiches, and walk around Riccarton Bush to relax in the city’s gardens. Then spend the rest of the day shopping and collecting souvenirs to take home. Although most shopping centres are in New Zealand’s suburbs, there are famous shops on Victoria, High Street and Columbia Street, selling goods ranging from jewellery and unusual clothing to furniture and antiques. Browse these stores and buy what you want. When your eventful day is over, have dinner at Flying Burrito Brothers, which serves classic spiced food with a varied drinks menu.