What to do in Christchurch

Come and enjoy swimming with some of the world’s smallest, friendliest and rarest dolphins – Hector’s dolphins!

Here you can cruise around an extinct volcano crater and experience the majestic scenery and stunning wildlife on daily harbour cruises.

You have two wildlife parks to choose from in Christchurch.  Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo and specializes in providing unique animal encounters in an open range setting – to get you up close and personal with the wonderful animals!

Whale Watch is New Zealand’s only vessel based whale watching company offering an exciting up-close encounter with the world’s largest toothed predator the Giant Sperm Whale in their natural environment.

Diverse and captivating examples of New Zealand’s military history.

Immerse yourself in Kiwi Culture.

Diamond Harbour remains one of the sunniest and unspoilt destinations on Banks Peninsula and is great for a day trip!

Hop aboard a classic 1960’s London Double Decker buses for a fun and informative tour of Christchurch.

For those who like the outdoors- this park has something for everyone!

One of the finest collections of exotic and native plants in New Zealand. A breath of fresh air!

The world’s only Cathedral made mostly of cardboard! Proof of Christchurch’s skill and inventiveness.

Ferrymead Heritage Park Features an early 1900’s (Edwardian) township and once a months, they have their old steam train running – a great way to spend a day!

Halswell Quarry is a unique 60.4-hectare park, with an unusual combination of recreational walks, historic sites and botanical collections.

All the Christchurch beaches are easily reached by public transport with buses that leave from outside The Old Countryhouse.

Taylor’s Mistake Beach has one of the most beautiful and dramatic coastlines in the Canterbury area.
Sumner beach is one of the best places to visit in Christchurch. A very good place to relax and watch the surfers play, or learn to surf.

At New Brighton Beach you can walk and walk and walk, its about 9 kms long and if you need a rest, just find a cosy sand dune.

Victoria Park is one of a kind in Christchurch that’s for sure. The views make you feel on top of the world!

Barnett Park in Redcliffs is a farmland walk and takes you up to the Caves. If you are lucky, you can see the Para gliders sail down into the park.

River Avon

Take the famous Night-time Observatory Tours at one of two dedicated locations in the heart of the Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve and marvel at the incredible starry skies!

Each of the 18 holes incorporates a different theme and offers different skill challenges and fun. Come and enjoy the ultimate mini golf experience!

Lots of machine and table games, food and drink, bars, music and of course, a great party atmosphere!

A fantastic mall made entirely out of shipping containers that continues to sprout new and quirky businesses to keep things interesting!

On Saturdays, visit Lyttelton Farmers Market, Opawa Farmers Market, Mt Pleasant Farmers Market or Riccarton House Famers Market, where stallholders with fresh fruit and vegetables, free range eggs, bread, meat, fish, cheese, juices, herbs and plants sell at the market every week.

On Sundays each week Riccarton Market is worth a visit with its over 300 vendors that are selling everything from fresh fruits and vegetables to second hand goods, furniture, clothing, art, plants and trees as well as food and beverages! You name it – the market has it! This is a treasure grove to find your last minute presents.