Christchurch Attractions - Tourist & Nearby Attractions
Christchurch is the largest of all South Island cities, with a population in excess of 380,000. Located at the confluence of the Avon and Heathcote rivers with a back-drop of the Port Hills, Christchurch is the business and leisure hub of the South Island. Visitors will immediately notice the very English-style city layout with its central square and parallel streets running north, south, east and west. With many parks and mature trees, the name The Garden City is very apt.
Winding its way through the city is the Avon River which makes its way to the sea near Sumner Beach. The Avon River is a focal point for relaxation where you can enjoy an afternoon watching the various wildlife and the occasional canoeist, or take a trip on very English punts, enjoying champagne and strawberries and a picnic hamper.
In Cathedral Square, you will find buskers and street stalls, or you can listen to our eccentric and famous "Wizard of Christchurch" speak. You may also enjoy the architecture of Christchurch's central cathedral. The city also boasts a fully restored electric tram. The loop that you take passes many of the sights and is well worth the time to travel back to the pace of yesteryear. Relax at the Arts Centre and enjoy the variety of stalls and galleries.
Surrounding the city there is a multitude of activities for all walks of life including golf courses and driving ranges, tennis courts, wildlife parks, walking tracks, cycle tracks, wind surfing, boating and much more. During the winter there are great ski fields within 1-2 hours drive, and the sea and river fishing is abundant.
Tram Christchurch
A unique way to view the heart of Christchurch City in the South Island of New Zealand. Ride through the city centre in our delightful restored vintage trams, while your tram driver gives an informative commentary. You can leave the tram at any one of the 11 stops, rejoining it later.
Tickets last for two consecutive days, so you’ll have plenty of time to explore Cathedral Square or the Arts Centre, Art Gallery and Canterbury Museum, picnic in the Botanic Gardens or in Victoria Square, where you can watch the Edwardian punts floating down the Avon River. Visit the Tram Station at Cathedral Junction in New Regent Street, a restored art deco pedestrian mall. Stop in for souvenirs and take a stroll around the shops and cafés.
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens showcase some of the flora of New Zealand and other parts of the world.
Founded in 1863 with the planting of an English oak tree, the Gardens now feature one of the finest collections of exotic and native plants found in New Zealand.
Towering majestic trees - many over 120 years old - dominate the Gardens, forming a striking backdrop to the extensive themed plant collections and sweeping lawns.
