Things to do in Christchurch

Top Things to Do in Christchurch

Things to Do in Christchurch


From quick jaunts to full-day outings.

Top Attractions in Christchurch

These rankings are informed by traveller reviews—we consider the quality, quantity, recency, consistency of reviews, and the number of page views over time.
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Tours, activities and experiences bookable on Tripadvisor, ranked using exclusive Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, popularity, user preferences, price, and bookings made through Tripadvisor.
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

What travellers are saying

  • Ben B
    Minneapolis, MN13 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Lovely green space with amazing examples of foliage from around the world. The Avon River runs along the edge of the gardens. The rose garden is spectacular and the New Zealand garden beautifully wild. I enjoyed a couple of nice walks there.
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TIm M
    7 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    This was fun and we liked the tram museum which was free. Then it’s a nice walk down through the botanical gardens - nice roses
    Written 8 December 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • ajsiromani
    Hyderabad, India155 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gondola ride to the summit was great. Very well organized and we were lucky that there was hardly any waiting time. Views from the summit were amazing.
    There is also a nice Gift shop and cafe at the summit.
    Only warning - be careful to chose a non windy day to go up.
    Written 18 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Artcoop
    Dunedin, New Zealand70 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful space and lovely art collections. There were a few exhibitions on that day, small but magical. It’s worth taking the hours to enjoy the space.
    Written 2 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • AJ
    Auckland, New Zealand290 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We learned so much about the amazing but devastating effects of earthquakes here.

    This exhibit is an eye opener to the catastrophic power of nature and the effects it can have on everyday people.

    Interactive and informative. This is well worth a visit when you’re in Christchurch.

    The staff at the front desk were also very helpful and answered some of our questions at the end too.

    Must visit.
    Written 6 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Greysmatter
    Canterbury, UK29 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We really enjoyed our visit to the International Antarctic Centre (IAC) and thought it was one of the best value for money things we did in New Zealand.

    The talk on the use of Husky dogs in the Antarctic by Scott was really interesting.
    The Haggalund ride over the obstacle course was fun (NB only for those over 1.2m tall and without back/neck injuries etc).
    The ice storm and 4D film also a bit of fun (and informative) as was the Ice hole Challenge.
    There is a small group of rescue blue penguins which can be viewed from above and from below water (through viewing glass).

    The IAC is literally accross the road from the airport and backed onto our airport hotel. It was a great way for us to spend 3 hours whilst killing time in the day for our evening flight. The main activities listed above are timed frequently during the day. There was a break though for the Huskies around lunchtime.

    You do not need to wear warm cothing to visit. They give you jackets with a hood and overshoes to experience the (c 5 minute?) Ice Storm but I would say long trousers would be better than shorts to avoid getting cold legs .
    Written 2 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Sandy W
    Vancouver, Canada1,383 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We spent several hours walking on the wooden and dirt paths slowly throughout the park. What a delight it was! There are birds everywhere. And not just sparrows. There are attractive and easy to read signs all over the place detailing the unique animal species that are located at Willowbank. There are pond areas and water areas everywhere.

    It was a delight to see the children feeding the eels as soon as you walk into the park after paying admission. We caught the latter part of the magic show and loved it. There is a small little-used lunch area with picnic tables behind the magic show, and adjoining the toilets.

    A great place for families. Easy to walk. Children love the smaller and larger animals, Especially the birds that are often roaming freely.

    You can purchase a bag of small food to feed the birds and also a different bag of larger food pellets to feed the larger animals such as the deer. Make sure to purchase these small white bags when you buy your admission as they are not available elsewhere in the park.

    And, yes, we were able to spot two kiwis in the darkened kiwi shelter. It was magical.

    Thank you, Willowbank, for a delightful day. Please give me a link if you find this review helpful. You can also look for reviews that I have written for Christchurch, Auckland and Wellington as well as Brisbane.
    Written 16 January 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • TWal1
    Canberra, Australia2,926 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    This is one of the largest parks in the world and is larger than London’s Hyde Park but smaller than New York’s Central Park. It hosts a variety of features from botanical gardens, public golf course, international cricket venue to open spaces for families and people who want to exercise.
    Each Saturday morning, it hosts the local parkrun and it is an excellent event. It is very inclusive and is open to everyone regardless of ability.
    Written 12 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Kelly
    Lyttelton, New Zealand3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We went with family in April 2023 and there was something for everyone to do. A must see for a wet day. Adults and children enjoyed the tour at the museum with the volunteers. We also particularly loved the flight simulator.
    Written 12 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • The celiac traveler
    Lund, Sweden80 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    It was on our to do list and it did not disappoint. Wee man had a blast, even as a soon to be three year old it was a lot of things in his size. He ran, climbed and laughed for hours
    Written 16 March 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • Michael C
    Derby, UK2,011 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Within an easy drive from Christchurch, this is a very beautiful area, especially as you approach Akaroa. The road winds across the hills in a series of zigzags with great view all around. Little River is a great place to stop along the way.
    Written 30 November 2023
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
  • evets1232016
    Sydney, Australia437 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    We did not view the house, just took a stroll though the lovely gardens around the house, had a look at the cottage, and did the walk through the predator-free bush area. It was a very relaxing and interesting hour we spent there.
    Written 26 February 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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