Chch Attractions

This is the largest of all the South Island cities with a population in excess of 300,000. Situated at the confluence of the Heathcote and Avon rivers with a back-drop of the Port Hills, Christchurch is the hub of the South Island.

Visitors will immediately notice the very English style layout of the city, with its central Cathedral Square and parallel streets running east, west, north and south. With a great number of parks and the mature trees that are everywhere, the name, the Garden City, is very apt.

Winding its way through the city is the Avon River, gently making its way to the sea near Sumner beach. The river is a focal point for relaxation where you can enjoy an afternoon watching wildlife and the occasional canoeist or take a trip on the very English punts, enjoying champagne & strawberries and a picnic hamper. The river winds through the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, the green heart of the city.

Christchurch offers outdoor activities for all walks of life, including golf courses and driving ranges, tennis courts, wild life parks, walking tracks, cycle tracks, wind surfing, boating, beaches and much more.

On the other side of the Port Hills you will find the quaint port of Lyttelton, which is undergoing a rebirth as the home of good restaurants and boutique shopping. Take a wildlife cruise around Lyttelton Harbour and swim with the rare Hectors Dolphins.

Other Christchurch attractions include:

The Antarctic Centre, which is adjacent to the airport, where you can get a feel of the gruelling Antarctic conditions with its Indoor Snow & Ice experience and a thrilling outdoor Antarctic Hagglund Ride.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve the only place you're guaranteed close up encounters with the native kiwi bird, day and night.

During the winter there are great ski fields within 1-2 hours drive of the city. Porter Heights is just 90 kilometres from Christchurch airport, making it the closest ski area to Christchurch. Only slightly further away is Mount Hutt, which enjoys one of the longest ski seasons in the Southern Hemisphere.