Things To Do

50 Of The Best Things To Do In Christchurch At Least Once In Your Life

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Two people gaze up at a huge street artwork showing three red mouths on a blue background.

Ōtautahi Christchurch is an absolute gem of a city, there’s not a lot it doesn’t have. Beaches? Yes. Arts and culture? Absolutely. Outdoor excursions? You bet. A bunch more fun stuff? By the bucket load.

From stunning vistas, wild swims and outdoor adventures to urban safaris, dining at the best restaurants and sampling the best brews, get out there and explore it with Urban List's picks of 50 of the best things to do in Christchurch. 

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Things To Do In Christchurch You Should Have Done By Now 

Take A Tiki Tour 

Various Locations

A couple sits by the water at Akaroa, with a wharf and rolling hills in the background. Image credit: @hembergwilliam  | Instagram

Check out the bays of Banks Peninsula, starting at Lyttelton Harbour, heading around to Governors Bay and Little River, and ending up perfectly timed for lunch in Akaroa

Explore Christchurch’s New Urban Arteries  

Christchurch Central City

With laneways filled with names you already know and love, as well as the cutest local boutiques and merchants.

Immerse Yourself In History

Cardboard Cathedral | 234 Hereford Street, Christchurch Central City

An interior window at Christchurch's famed Cardboard CathedImage credit: ChristchurchNZ  | Supplied

Have a squiz at the Cardboard Cathedral while the traditional one gets a revamp.

Stop For A Break 

Various Locations

Scrummy sustenance is a must. With so many epic contemporary options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you’re spoilt for culinary choices. Oh, and would you look at that, we’ve even made a list of Christchurch’s best restaurants for you.

Experience The Heights 

Christchurch Gondola | 10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley, Christchurch

Go up the gondola and see the city from a different perspective.

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Sip On A Drink 

Various Locations

Thankfully Christchurch is blessed with some of the best bars in the country. From cocktails to craft brews, take your pick from our lineup of Christchurch’s best bars.

Hang 10 

Learn To Surf | Scarborough Beach, Sumner, Christchurch

Who needs Hawaii when you can learn to surf at Sumner’s Scarborough Beach?

Go Back In Time 

Various Locations

Ōtautahi is rich with history, so why not learn a little more about this big-little city by taking a wander around some heritage buildings, or visiting Fred and Myrtle’s paua shell house at the Canterbury Museum, or maybe checking out the newly opened Ravenscar House

Pick Up A Local Goodie 

Various Locations

A good market can really make a weekend. Take a wander around the best markets in Christchurch and find yourself some beautiful local delights.

Catch A Bargain

Various Locations

Hop between op-shops to find some unique and affordable new threads. Oh look, here's a list of the best op shops in Christchurch.

Calling All Explorers (And LOTR Fans)

Kura Tāwhiti/Castle Hill Conservation Area | Canterbury

Survey the geological wonder that is Kura Tāwhiti (or Castle Hill), just an hour’s drive out of Central Christchurch. The huge limestone rocks will have you in awe, and if you’re a Lord Of The Rings fan, you might recognize the location from a certain scene.

Delve Into The Theatre 

Isaac Theatre Royal | 145 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City

Enjoy a show at the opulent Isaac Theatre Royal. Whether you’re into ballet, comedy shows, plays, or classics like Pulp Fiction or Rocky Horror Picture Show, the Isaac is where it’s at.

Tick Off Your Bucket List

Black Cat Cruises | Akaroa Main Wharf, Akaroa, Christchurch

A person watches from the water while dolphins frolic nearby.Image credit: Black Cat Cruises  | Facebook

Start by swimming with dolphins by diving into the natural habitat of wild Hector’s dolphin.

Did We Mention Penguins And Fur Seals

Black Cat Cruises | Akaroa Main Wharf, Akaroa, Christchurch

Admire them from afar on a nature cruise around an extinct volcanic crater and in the stunning Akaroa Harbour.

Take A Trip 

Quail Island | Lyttleton Harbour, Christchurch

Ferry to the quaint Quail Island for a day’s escape from the city.

Hop-On-Hop-Off 

Christchurch Tram | 109 Worcester Street, Christchurch Central City

Take a tour of the city on the iconic Christchurch Tram. See the sights through the 17 stops along the way and learn a little something about the rebuild as you go.

Shop Around 

Riverside Market | 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central City

See what delights are on offer at the Riverside Market—easily one of the best additions to Ōtautahi’s urban eatery scene.

Catch A Glimpse Of Aotearoa's Most Beautiful Street 

New Regent Street | Christchurch Central City

New Regent Street boasts a great selection of boutiques, shops and eateries. Shop among the stunning pastel tones that will have you feeling like you're in La La land.

Things To Do In Christchurch For Couples

When it’s time to crank the heat, these ideas should be top of your list. And when you’re done with those, we've got a few more date ideas that (probably) won’t get you ghosted. 

A Day Abroad (And Aboard)

Punting On The Avon | 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central City

A girl in a hat is punted serenely down the river AvonImage credit: Christchurch Attractions  | Facebook

The next best thing to punting the canals of Venice is idling down the iconic Avon River that snakes throughout the inner city to the estuary in New Brighton. Leave the hard work to the punter or alternatively, plonk your own kayak into the river and glide downstream.

Venture Out A Little 

Ōpuke Thermal Pools And Spa | 35 Mount Hutt Station Road, Methven

It might be out of Christchurch, but definitely worth the trip, the Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa is the newest haven on the scene. Treat yourself to a day in the pools, followed by a treatment or two in the spa, and top it all off with a bite to eat in their restaurant.

Relax In Style 

Various Locations

Watch a movie at a boutique cinema, like Lumière or Alice Cinemas.

Soak Up The Morning Rays

He Puna Taimoana | 195 Marine Parade, New Brighton, Christchurch

Two people enjoy a sunrise soak at He Puna Taimoana.Image credit: He Puna Taimoana  | Facebook

Watch them coming up over the horizon of New Brighton Beach, while also soaking in the glorious hot pools at He Puna Taimoana. Magic.

Forget Dinner And A Movie 

Tramway Restuarant | 111 Worcester Street, Christchurch Central City

Step up your next date with a four-course meal in the iconic Tramway Restaurant.  

Loosen Up With A Picnic 

Various Locations

Pack some snacks, grab some mates and a blanket, and head out to a local park.

Enjoy Golden Hour

Victoria Park | Victoria Park Road, Cashmere, Christchurch

At the end of a busy day taking in all Ōtautahi has to offer, watch the sunset over the city from Victoria Park. You’ll be treated to panoramic views from the ocean right over the city to the Southern Alps—an absolutely breathtaking spot.

Things To Do In Christchurch For Families

From toddlers through to young adults, there's a whole heap of super sigma activities (don't ask) around Christchurch to keep the kids busy.

Call Yourself An Antarctic Explorer 

International Antarctic Centre | 38 Orchard Road, Christchurch

A child looks through the glass at penguins at the International Antarctic Centre. Image credit: International Antarctic Centre  | Facebook

Spend the day at the International Antarctic Centre. Experience a minus 8-degree Antarctic storm in the Storm Dome, take a spin in an all-terrain amphibious Hägglund vehicle and get friendly with the ever-so-cute Little Blue Penguins.

Indulge In A Sweet Treat 

Various Locations

An absolute favourite of the locals is the sweet treats served up at Rollickin Gelato. Made right here on Cashel Street, how could you resist a good scoop of creamy goodness? But don't stop at one, here are the best ice cream parlours in Christchurch.

Wander Through Wildlife 

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve | 60 Hussey Road, Northwood, Christchurch

The Willowbank Wildlife Reserve—home of Kune Kune pigs, capuchin monkeys, and the 100% kiwi viewing guarantee.  

And Even More Wildlife 

Orana Wildlife Park | 793 McLeans Island Road, Harewood, Christchurch

Or perhaps giraffes, meerkats, and water buffalo are more your jam, so head on over to Orana Wildlife Park to hang out with a different crowd.

Putt Putt 

Various Locations

Play a round of mini-golf at one of the many mini greens in Christchurch.

Release Your Inner Child

Margaret Mahy Playground | Armagh Street, Christchurch Central City

People enjoy the slide at Margaret Mahy Playground in Christchurch. Image credit: ChristchurchNZ  | Supplied

Ask any local and they’ll tell you that the Margaret Mahy Playground is just as much for big kids as it is for little ones. Flying fox race anyone?

Something To Get Your Heart Racing 

Christchurch Adventure Park | 50 McVicar Drive, Cracroft, Christchurch

Get that adrenaline going at the Christchurch Adventure Park—take your pick mountain biking, ziplining, or more easy-going walking trails and finish it all off with a snack at the café.

Things To Do In Christchurch For Free

Put that wallet away, reader; you won't be needing that. Because when it comes to free things to do, Christchurch is the city that just keeps giving.

Marvel At The Street Art 

Various Locations

A vibrant, Maori-inspired mural adorns a building in Christchurch. Image credit: ChristchurchNZ  | Website

Head to Christchurch’s up-and-coming street art scene curated by local artists in all kinds of nooks and crannies. You can scope out where to go with this handy map.

Bike, Walk, Run 

Various Locations

Whatever your pace, Christchurch has a track to suit. Take a look at our list of the best running tracks in The Chur to find your next outdoor excursion.

Time For A Dip 

Various Locations

From Cass Bay to Taylor’s Mistake, there’s enough beach for everyone and their dog.

Explore Nature 

Christchurch Botanic Gardens | Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City

Otautahi hasn’t been coined the Garden City for nothing—and the best place to see why is the Botanic Gardens. These grounds boast some of the most beautifully curated gardens and are the perfect place for a stroll in any season.

A Day In The Hothouse 

Christchurch Botanic Gardens | Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City

Deserving of its own point on our list is the magnificent conservatories tucked within the Botanic Gardens. These humid houses hold a collection of sub-tropical plants, cacti, NZ ferns, and a whole bunch of fragrant flowers.

Go For A Ride 

Various Locations

They say that Christchurch is a cyclist’s dream, so hop on your bike and see for yourself on these new links of cycleways. 

Head To The Water 

New Brighton Pier | Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch

Feel that refreshing sea breeze from atop the New Brighton Pier—another picture-perfect place to watch the sunrise.

Head To A Gallery 

Christchurch Art Gallery | 312 Montreal Street, Christchurch Central City

Set aside a couple of good hours to browse the exhibitions at Christchurch Art Gallery.

Wind Down With A Book 

Tūranga | 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central City

Sometimes all you need is to hit the pause for an hour or two, and Tūranga is the perfect place to do just that. This library with its expansive windows sits tall above the rest of the city, so while you peruse a book or a magazine you can get distracted by what’s going on on the ground below. Not to mention the front-row seats to the Cathedral’s rebuild.

Things To Do In Christchurch For Groups

The adage 'the more the merrier' is true of most things in life. That said, here are some of the best ideas for group hangs in Christchurch.

Try Something New 

Various Locations

Clues from a Taylor Swift-themed escape room at CodeBreakers. Image credit: Serve Social  | Instagram

Make like Houdini at one of these escape rooms dotted around the city (we recommend the Swiftie-themed one at CodeBreakers, which may or may not result in... bad blood).

Test Your Limits 

Adrenalin Forest | 110 Heyders Road, Spencerville, Christchurch

Brave Adrenalin Forest's high-wire obstacle courses to really see what you—and your mates—are made of. Start off easy at only two metres off the ground, then work your way up to test your nerves of steel by clambering around at 25 metres!

Have A Laugh 

The Court Theatre | 129 Gloucester Street, Christchurch Central City

Experience the genius that is NZ’s playwrights, actors, comedians, and jesters on stage at the The Court Theatre—especially the improvised comedy Scared Scriptless, an absolute classic crowd-pleaser.

Test Your Luck

Christchurch Casino | 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch Central City

Try the tables and have a little flutter at Christchurch Casino.

Bottoms Up 

Dux Dine | 28 Riccarton Road, Riccarton, Christchurch

Amp up your usual Sunday bite with a bottomless brunch—we recommend the bubbly brunch at Dux Dine.

Play A Quick Round 

Hagley Golf Club | Harper Avenue, Christchurch Central City

With 12 holes right in the city at Hagley Golf Club.

Get Creative 

Fragranzi | 28 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch Central City

Design your own signature scent in Fragranzi's perfume studio. Indulge in all of their starter fragrances before blending and naming your very own to take home. 

Music To My Ears 

Christchurch Botanic Gardens | Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City

There’s nothing like live music from homegrown artists mixed with the sound of cicadas and the company of friends and family on a warm Sunday afternoon—and it’s even better when it’s free. Summer Sundays in the Botanic Gardens make this happen. Every. Single.Week.

Feel Fancy With A Wine Tour 

Various Locations

Never goes amiss, especially when you're chauffeured between wineries on a private minibus!

Looking for more on Christchurch? Check out: 

Main image credit: ChristchurchNZ  | Supplied 

Urban List Best Of: has our highest stamp of approval—curated lists of the very best recommendations for you to eat, do, see, buy or book, carefully chosen by our Editors.

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