Christchurch History, Arts & Culture

We could tell you to go explore Christchurch's cultural side, but we don't have to. The city is alive with street art, galleries and a rich heritage, so come to the Garden City and see what you discover.

Don't even bother trying to define Christchurch's arts scene. You won't find the perfect word to sum up its eclectic genre-bashing art, mishmash of architecture and varied museums, theatres and galleries. Maori heritage is celebrated, as is the British influence on architecture. And there's something so powerfully...New Zealand...bringing it all together.

Funky street art, ancient buildings awaiting post-earthquake restorations, dazzling modern buildings and edge-of-your-seat theatrical productions just scratch the surface. Take a walk and just see what you can see or create an action-packed cultural itinerary that will drop you on the doorstep of the most impressive arts and culture in Christchurch. Here are some tips:

Image: ChristchurchNZ

Heritage

  • After the ancient Christchurch Cathedral was destroyed by earthquakes, Japanese architect Shigeru Ban created a transitional cardboard cathedral. Visit both for a poignant and powerful contrast.
  • When an elegant, 135-year-old Gothic building is filled with boutique shops and delightful food outlets you get the magnificent Arts Centre. Don't miss the stained-glass memorial window dedicated to World War I in the Great Hall.
  • Take a ride into the past on one of Christchurch's historic trams. Hop on, hop off, listen to the driver's commentary and see the sights in vintage style.

Image: ChristchurchNZ

Street Art & Restoration

  • Christchurch is upping its cool factor by decorating the city with intricate, enormous and downright jaw-dropping works of street art. You can't miss them.
  • The city's long heritage is celebrated in its street art, with everything from sport to nature, Maori culture, and powerful messages of post-earthquake strength and rebirth.
  • Grassroots, civic and private art projects are erupting as we speak. Wander on foot and discover wow-worthy sculptures, statues and installations.

Image: ChristchurchNZ

Theatres, Galleries and Museums

  • Watch classics, comedies or sing-along musicals in the century-old Isaac Theatre Royal, a rare Edwardian-style theatre.
  • Love art? Then don't miss the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, where you'll ferret out everything from classics to modern pieces.
  • Get enlightened at the 150-year-old Canterbury Museum, where the world's largest collections of Moa bones and Antarctic memorabilia have a home.

Created in partnership with ChristchurchNZ

Don't miss Christchurch's top attractions!

Christchurch spoils art lovers with its wonderful galleries, monuments, and museums.

Discover arctic cold, visit indigenous New Zealand and journey back to the age of the dinosaurs at this extensive museum.  

Browse exhibitions of works by artists from New Zealand and around the world displayed in the halls of a striking glass-fronted building.

Walk across this important stone bridge, which pays homage to the Christchurch residents that served in the two world wars.

Take a tram ride, go shopping and sit at a café with views of this picturesque pedestrianized street in Christchurch.

Marvel at this modern symbol of resilience, admire its innovative design or get in touch with your spiritual side in Christchurch’s unique house of worship.

Get up-close to a range of animals and spot the elusive kiwi bird at this area of tranquil forestland.

Christchurch activities

Cultural and historic flair line the streets of Christchurch. Join a tour to catch all the must-see sights.

$124

per adult

Christchurch Iconic Sightseeing Tour

By Christchurch Grand Tour
Recommended 100% by Travellers

Board a luxury coach for an interactive guided tour of Christchurch. See the best the city has to offer including 4 premium attractions—Punting on the Avon,

Duration: 6h

$68

per adult

Half-day Sightseeing Tour of Christchurch

By Canterbury Leisure Tours
Recommended 100% by Travellers

Explore museums, art centers, sprawling botanic gardens, and more on this comprehensive sightseeing tour of Christchurch. Starting in the heart of the city,

Duration: 3h

$125

per adult

Willowbank Tour and Maori Concert

By Canterbury Leisure Tours
Recommended 76% by Travellers

Try & spot the adorable kiwis and witness the powerful dances and songs of the Maori people on your tour of the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Spend your

Duration: 3h+

$82

per adult

Akaroa Shore Excursion: Christchurch City Sightseeing Tour

By Cruise Shore Trips
Recommended 52% by Travellers

Discover the sights of Christchurch and the Banks Peninsula with a scenic excursion that shows you the best of the South Island's largest city. You can get

Duration: 6h

$361

per adult

Full-Day Mount Cook National Park & Lake Tekapo Tour

By Canterbury Leisure Tours
Recommended 64% by Travellers

Fringed by snow grass plains, opalescent glacial lakes, and snow-capped peaks, Mount Cook rises 12,218 feet (3,724 m) over the South Island. Spend a day

Duration: 12h 30m

$135

per adult

Akaroa Cruise Excursion - City Sights & Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Tour

By Cruise Shore Trips
Recommended 50% by Travellers

Step ashore and meet your tour guide for a trip perfectly catered to your strict cruise schedule. Explore the countryside of Banks Peninsula where you see

Duration: 6h

$169

per adult

Akaroa Cruise Excursion - Christchurch Sightseeing & Jetboating

By Cruise Shore Trips
Recommended 50% by Travellers

Take a tour of central Christchurch's main landmarks, and then get on a jet boat and speed through the waters of the lower Waimakariri River. Along the way,

Duration: 6h

$21

per traveller

Combo Pass: Punting on the Avon & Botanic Gardens Tour

By Punting on the Avon River

Explore 2 treasures of Christchurch, the ambling Avon River and the diverse Botanic Gardens, with a combo pass that features tours of both landmarks. Board a

Duration: 8h

What you need to know about Christchurch

Know what's what in Christchurch with these top tips for visitors.
Weather
TEMPERATURE °C
AV. RAINFALL (MM)
18.3°C J 62
18.1°C F 53
16°C M 48
13.2°C A 65
10.4°C M 70
7.8°C J 78
7.4°C J 55
8.7°C A 75
10.2°C S 42
12.2°C O 68
14.6°C N 46
17.4°C D 50
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Getting Around

Let your own two feet take you between the main sights of the city centre. Gorgeous Hagley Park is only a 20-minute walk from Latimer Square. Punting along the Avon River is a quintessential Christchurch activity, as is riding the 19th-century trams. Make the most of the designated bike lanes, which travel out to beaches and into the countryside.

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Best time to Visit

Winter is cold and welcomes heavy snowfall and, with over a dozen ski areas in the region, this is a magical time to visit. Wildlife fans also adore the winter months for the chance to spot migrating whales on the Pacific coastline. Summer means long days that are ideal for hitting the beaches while spring is obviously the time to see why Christchurch got its nickname: the Garden City.

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What to Pack

Here's a few things we think you'll need when visiting Christchurch:

  • Comfy walking shoes: Hiking in the Banks Peninsula is a must, you'll want to keep your feet happy!
  • Bike: Not easy to pack but bring one if you want to explore all the trails in the surrounding area.
  • Red and black: ...clothes that is, so you can cheer with the locals at a Crusaders rugby match.
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How to get to Christchurch

Getting to Christchurch is oh-so easy with the tonnes of travel options we've got lined up.
Christchurch Car Hire

Christchurch Car Hire

See Christchurch's fantastic coastline in the comfort and convenience of a hire car. The sweeping beach and dunes of New Brighton are just 20 minutes from the city. Get away from the crowds and visit the quaint villages dotting the Banks Peninsula.

Reserve your car now
Christchurch Airport Transfers

Christchurch Airport Transfers

You could be out of the airport and in your Christchurch hotel within 30 minutes if you book a shuttle transfer. Arrange your shuttle before you arrive and you won't have to think at all! The Super Shuttle has a door-to-door service 24 hours a day.

View Airport Transfers
Main Airport Information

Main Airport Information

Christchurch International Airport is just 10km northwest of the city. Regular flights go to major cities in New Zealand, Australia and Asia. Local buses go from the airport to the Bus Interchange in central Christchurch, taxis are also available.

While you're in town...

Now let nature take the reigns on your Christchurch holiday!