Parks and the outdoors in Christchurch

22 parks, gardens, beaches and walks in and around Christchurch.

Ranked with the travel guide's picks and well-known places first.

See
Arts Centre
Gothic Revival stonework of former University campus. This area was damaged during the 22 Feb 2011 earthquake. By late 2022 reconstruction work was mostly complete, with two buildings still to be restored. The beauty and historical significance of these building can be appreciated by viewing them from surrounding streets such as Worcester Blvd and Hereford St, or from the internal courtyard. Four art galleries, the Great Hall (and the courtyard outside) and Rutherford's Den (donation requested), an exhibition on physics, are open. If you want to stay, the Observatory Hotel has 33 upmarket rooms. There is also a cinema (Lumière Cinemas) located here showing art-house films. To access spaces not accessible to the public, join the 90 minutes guided walk tour from Wednesday to Sunday (summer hours: 11AM–12:30PM & 1-2:30PM, $30 per adult and $15 per child (12–18 years)).
Centre entry free
See
Bridge of Remembrance
A memorial to those lost in World War I and subsequent conflicts. A memorial arch was added to an existing bridge over the River Avon in 1923-24. The arch was damaged in the 2011 quake and reopened after repairs on Anzac Day 2016. The bridge is open all the time to walk across, but has been closed to vehicles since 1976.
See
Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial
Dedicated to those who died or were injured in the 22 February 2011 earthquake. It is beside the Avon River, immediately downstream from Montreal St and upstream from Rhododendron Island in the Avon.
Do
Christchurch Adventure Park
Very good mountain biking trails for advanced, intermediate and beginner bikers, and also zip-lines. Take the chairlift up then bike down. There are bike and gear rentals, lessons and skills clinics, and a cafe and bar. There are charges for the chairlift, rather than the biking as such – you can take the uphill trail for free.
See
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
30 hectares of exotic and indigenous plants and trees wrapped in a loop of the picturesque Avon River and linking to the 160-hectare Hagley Park. These put the "Garden" in the "Garden City", and the combined total with Hagley Park makes them the second largest inner city park in the world (after New York's Central Park). A new visitor centre and cafe opened in 2014.
Gates open 7AM until one hour before sunset, conservatories 10:15AM–4PM. Information centre open 10:15AM–4PM daily summer, 11AM-3PM winterFree
Do
Christchurch Gondola
Ride in an enclosed gondola car up to the summit of the Port Hills then view the Heritage Time Tunnel exhibit, take an outdoor nature walk, visit the cafe and shop. The trip takes 10 min but it is recommended to allow an hour all up. An hourly shuttle bus with the sign "Gondola" runs from 9:30AM-4PM in summer from Cathedral Square (beside Tram Stop 2). The shuttle bus costs $6 one way, and you can buy tickets in advance at Tram Stop 1 in Cathedral Junction (no dates on the ticket thus can be used anytime) or from the bus driver directly. Alternatively, you can take #8 public bus from Bus Interchange.
summer 10AM-5PM, winter 10AM-4PM, 26 Dec–31 Jan 9AM–6PMAdult $42, child (5-15 years) $22, family (2 adults and up to 3 children) $117, passenger & own mountain bike $30, or with mountain bike hire $70. Discount of 10% when booking online 7 days in advance. $5 discount when buying together with Tram one day pass
Eat
Dux Dine
Pescatarian restaurant with lovely garden seating, the pizzas are good value to share, and the salads are fantastic. Also serves their craft beers including alcoholic ginger beer. One half of the erstwhile Dux de Lux in Hereford St.
Mains $19 (pizza) – $35 (salmon)
See
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Ferrymead History Park
A recreated Edwardian township and museum with horse and carriage (daily), tram (weekends and school/public holidays) and train (first and third Sunday) rides. Not all attractions run at all times, due to the voluntary nature of the historical societies managing the park. Special events are often held and the park has been used to film the TV One reality show Colonial House. Admission price is based on whether trams/trains are operating or not, and include unlimited rides if available.
10AM–4:30PM dailyTrain & tram days, adult $30, student $25, child $15; tram, no train, days, adult $20, student $15, child $10
See
Orana Wildlife Park
New Zealand's largest wildlife sanctuary and conservation project featuring endangered animals from around the world. The park's design minimises fences and cages in favour of natural boundaries and habitats. Lion Encounter (limited 20 tickets per day, participants must be above 1.4 metres in height).
Daily 10AM-5PM, last entrance 4:30PMAdult $34.50, child $9.50
Do
Punting on the Avon
Punts depart from Antigua Boatsheds (see above). Glide down the river in Cambridge University style with a uniformed boatsman. An additional route departure at Worcester Bridge is available in summer. There is a $5 discount when buying together with Tram one day pass.
Summer 9AM-5PM, winter 9:30AM-4PMAdult $42, child $30 (5–15 years), family $129 (2 adults and up to 3 children), 30% off for Tram & Gondola Annual Pass holders
See
Riccarton Bush
Dean's Bush
The last remaining forest remnant on the Canterbury plains is in Christchurch city. If your time is limited in NZ, this is a great way to experience an example of the country's native forests. The circular track passes under tall kahikatea trees, and there is a diversity of small trees, shrubs, climbers and ferns. Christchurch's oldest house, Dean's Cottage (built 1843), is adjacent. Five minutes drive from central city and easily accessible by bus.
Do
Sign of Walkway
From Sign of the Takahe on Dyers Pass Rd. to Sign of the Kiwi through Victoria Park, and then along the Summit Rd. to Sign of the Bellbird. You will pass various "Sign of the..." places which were built during the Depression as rest stops.
See
Site of Canterbury Television building
The site of the CTV building, where 115 people died was planted as a memorial garden in 2018.
Do
Summit Road
Drive it or bike it or take a bus then walk it. The road (and the Crater Rim Walkway) traverses the crest of the Port Hills, which separate Christchurch from Lyttelton Harbour. Breathtaking views over Christchurch, the Southern Alps, Pegasus Bay, Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula – often all from the same vantage point. Lots of sheep on the walkways, some of which traverse working farms. It is not possible to drive along all of Summit Rd because part is closed due to earthquake damage. The route passes through countryside that was badly burned by the Port Hill fires in Feb 2017.
See
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
A smaller park than Orana, with a focus on New Zealand species including kiwi in a natural environment. The site also houses Ko Tāne replica Maori village which offers cultural performances and hangi dinners.
Daily 10AM-10PM, kiwi viewing from 11AM$16, $8 child
See Not mapped
185 Empty Chairs
Was an art work and memorial to the 185 people who died in the 22 February 2011 earthquake. The chairs were on the site of the demolished St Paul's Church, across the road from the site of the most casualties, the Canterbury Television building, where 115 people died. The chairs were removed in April 2023 and have been dispersed around the city; most are in private gardens, but a few may be visible.
Do Not mapped
Awaroa-Godley Head Loop Track
Godley Head Walkway
Starting from Taylors Mistake car park, this loop takes about 3 hours. Along the way you can observe various seabirds, penguins, or even dolphins, seals, and whales if you are lucky.
Do Not mapped
Bridle Path Walk
Take #28 bus to Heathcote, then walk to Lyttelton. This steep walk takes about 1.5 hours one way. An alternative option is taking the Gondola up to Mt Cavendish and walk down.
Eat Not mapped
Pascatore and 50 Bistro
Two restaurants in this upmarket hotel. Great views of Hagley Park from Pescatore.
Pascatore: mains $44, degustation menu $129; 50 Bistro: mains $27–39
Do
Garden City Helicopters
Scenic flights from 20 min to 3 hours.
From $199
See
Mona Vale
Mona Vale Garden Park
Elizabethan-style riverside homestead with gardens.
Do Not mapped
Electric Avenue
Music festival running in February in Hagley Park.

Listings from the Wikivoyage guide to Christchurch (CC BY-SA 4.0).