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 OB真人视讯's picks of 50 of the best things to do in Christchurch.
Let's Kick It Off With A Drink
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.
Take A Tiki Tour
Check out the bays of Banks Peninsula, starting at , heading around to Governors Bay and Little River, and ending up perfectly timed for lunch in .
Marvel At The Street Art
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
Immerse Yourself In History
Image credit: ChristchurchNZ
Have a squiz at the while the traditional one gets a revamp.
Call Yourself An Antarctic Explorer
Spend the day at the 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.
You might also like
Explore Christchurch’s New Urban Arteries
With filled with names you already know and love, as well as the cutest local boutiques and merchants.
Stop For A Break
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.
Bike, Walk, Run
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.
Relax In Style
Watch a movie at a boutique cinema, like or Cinemas.
Time For A Dip
From Cass Bay to Taylor’s mistake, there’s enough for everyone and their dog.
A Day Abroad
Image 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 or plonk into the river and glide downstream.
Explore Nature
Otautahi hasn’t been coined the Garden City for nothing—and the best place to see why is the . These grounds boast some of the most beautifully curated gardens and are the perfect place for a stroll in any season.
Experience The Heights
Go up the and see the city from a different perspective.
A Day In The Hothouse
Deserving of its own point on our list is the magnificent 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.
Indulge In A Sweet Treat
An absolute favourite of the locals is the sweet treats served up at 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.
Go For A Ride
They say that Christchurch is a cyclist’s dream, so hop on your bike and see for yourself on these new
Try Something New
Make like Houdini at one of these escape rooms dotted around the city.
Soak Up The Morning Rays
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 Magic.
Wander Through Wildlife
The —home of Kune Kune pigs, capuchin monkeys, and the 100% kiwi viewing guarantee.
And Even More Wildlife
Or perhaps giraffes, meerkats, and water buffalo are more your jam, so head on over to to hang out with a different crowd.
Hang 10
Who needs Hawaii when you can at Sumner’s Scarborough Beach?
Test Your Limits
Brave '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!
Putt Putt
Play a round of mini-golf at one of the many mini greens in Christchurch.
Venture Out A Little
It might be out of Christchurch, but definitely worth the trip, the 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.
Have A Laugh
Experience the genius that is NZ’s playwrights, actors, comedians, and jesters on stage at the —especially the improvised comedy Scared Scriptless, an absolute classic crowd-pleaser.
Test Your Luck
Try the tables and have a little flutter at .
Go Back In Time
Ōtautahi is rich with history, so why not learn a little more about this big-little city by taking a wander around some or visiting at the Canterbury Museum, or maybe checking out the newly opened
Bottoms Up
Amp up your usual Sunday bite with a bottomless brunch—we recommend the bubbly brunch at
Play A Quick Round
With 12 holes right in the city at
Pick Up A Local Goodie
A good market can really make a weekend. Take a wander around the best markets in Christchurch and find yourself some beautiful local delights.
Release Your Inner Child
Image credit: ChristchurchNZ / Supplied
Ask any local and they’ll tell you that the is just as much for big kids as it is for little ones. Flying fox race anyone?
Forget Dinner And A Movie
Step up your next date with a four-course meal in the iconic
Get Creative
Design your own signature scent in 's perfume studio. Indulge in all of their starter fragrances before blending and naming your very own to take home.
Music To My Ears
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. in the Botanic Gardens make this happen. Every. Single.Week.
Catch A Bargain
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.
Feel Fancy With A Wine Tour
Never goes amiss, especially when you're on a private minibus!
Head To The Water
Feel that refreshing sea breeze from atop the New Brighton Pier—another picture-perfect place to watch the sunrise.
Calling All Explorers
Survey the geological wonder that is (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.
Head To A Gallery
Set aside a couple of good hours to browse the exhibitions at
Delve Into The Theatre
Enjoy a show at the opulent . 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
Image credit: Black Cat Cruises / Facebook
Start by by diving into the natural habitat of wild Hector’s dolphins…
Did We Mention Penguins And Fur Seals
Admire them from afar on a around an extinct volcanic crater and in the stunning Akaroa Harbour.
Something To Get Your Heart Racing
Get that adrenaline going at the —take your pick mountain biking, ziplining, or more easy-going walking trails and finish it all off with a snack at the café.
Take A Trip
Ferry to the quaint for a day’s escape from the city.
Loosen Up With A Picnic
Pack some snacks, grab some mates and a blanket, and head out to the park.
Hop-On-Hop-Off
Take a tour of the city on the iconic . See the sights through the 17 stops along the way and learn a little something about the rebuild as you go.
Wind Down With A Book
Sometimes all you need is to hit the pause for an hour or two, and 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.
Shop Around
See what delights are on offer at the —easily one of the best additions to Ōtautahi’s urban eatery scene.
Catch A Glimpse Of Aotearoa's Most Beautiful 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.
Enjoy Golden Hour
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.
Looking for more on Christchurch? Check out:
Main image credit: ChristchurchNZ
OB真人视讯 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.
OB真人视讯 editors independently select and write about stuff we love and think you'll like too. OB真人视讯 has affiliate partnerships, and if you purchase something through the links in this article, we will earn a commission from those partners. To find out more about who we work with and why read our editorial policy here.