Attractions of ChristChurch

Located on the east coast of the South Island, Christchurch - just like the rest of New Zealand - is a city of contrasts.

It is a place where its residents continue to enjoy a healthy, active lifestyle amidst a natural environment world-renowned for its beauty. A growing cosmopolitan ambience also adds a touch of excitement without overt flashiness.

Everywhere there is an understated elegance that speaks of times gone by and promises a future where anything is possible.

Cathedral Square looking east to the Pacific Ocean.

Internationally famed ‘The Garden City’, Christchurch’s well-established expansive parks and public gardens owe much to the planning and foresight of the city’s founding fathers.

The centrally-located 161 hectare Hagley Park, the Botanic Gardens, the four leafy inner-city avenues, Victoria Square and spectacular gardens such as Mona Vale on the banks of the River Avon bear testimony to this legacy. It is a vision which is embraced and perpetuated today by proud residents right throughout the city.

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens covers 30 hectares (74 acres) in the heart of the city.
This view looks southeast towards the sea and the Port Hills.

The Floral and Romance Festival held in February each year is certainly one of the most popular festivals on the annual calendar...a time when the city is a blaze of colour.

In 1996, Christchurch was acknowledged as the outstanding garden city from 620 international entries and in 1997, was judged Overall Winner of Major Cities in the Nations in Bloom International Competition to become ‘Garden City of the World’!

Elegance and Heritage Around the City

Christchurch is an elegant, rather English-feeling city with a refined sense of fun. You’ll find plenty to do.

• Saunter through Hagley Park, then admire Christchurch Botanic Gardens
• Mona Vale Homestead has five hectares of gardens and fabulous views of the Avon River
• Take an historical tram ride around the city centre. Trundle through the tree lined streets, past buzzing streetside cafes
• Go punting on the Avon River. Sit back and relax in a punt as a boatman guides you past the sights of the central city
• Embark on a guided walk of Christchurch city and the heritage buildings
• Explore Canterbury Museum, including the Hall of Antarctic Discovery
• Inspect the collection at Christchurch Art Gallery, the largest art institution in the South Island, the Gallery is home to one of New Zealand’s most important public art collections
• Find the Arts Centre of Christchurch, one of New Zealand's most significant cultural attractions and a dynamic venue for arts, shopping and entertainment
• Don’t miss the Anglican and Catholic cathedrals