Sights and landmarks in Christchurch

Sights and landmarks in Christchurch

1. See

   Air Force Museum

   Opened in 1987 before the closure of the Christchurch RNZAF base, this museum has full-size replicas of fighting planes and dramatizes the history of New Zealand's Air Force from World War I to Vietnam and beyond.

   Daily 10AM–5PM·Free

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. See

   Canterbury Museum

   Includes colonial, Māori and natural history sections, Antarctic exploration display, and visiting exhibitions. Closed until mid-2029 for rebuilding. A small selection of exhibits is on shown in the CoCA gallery at 66 Gloucester Street (daily 9AM-5PM), near the Art Gallery.

   free

6. See

   Cardboard Cathedral

   Transitional Cathedral

   Designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, well known for his use of cardboard elements in buildings. Completed in August 2013 to serve as the transitional Anglican cathedral since ChristChurch Cathedral was damaged in an earthquake in 2011. Unfortunately the original Christchurch Cathedral still has not finished its repair in 2025 so this Transitional Cathedral served and will serve a longer term for Christians in Christchurch. It is built on the site of St Johns church, which was demolished after being severely damaged in the 2011 quake.

7. See

   ChristChurch Cathedral

   The Gothic revival cathedral was consecrated in 1881 as the seat of the Christchurch Anglican diocese. Damaged in the 2011 Christchurch earthquakes, the cathedral sat largely untouched for years due to debate over what should be done with it. Removal of rubble commenced in late 2018 and rebuilding work is expected to take 10 years.

8. See

   Christchurch Art Gallery

   Spectacular $47-million facility opened in 2003, the largest in the South Island, with over 5000 items and visiting exhibitions. The gallery reopened in Dec 2015, after 5 years of being a Civil Defence Centre and then repairs. You can store your suitcase at the reception, so it is a nice place to go in the morning if you are leaving in the afternoon.

   Thu-Tue 10AM-5PM, Wed 10AM-9PM·Usually free

9. 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 winter·Free

10. 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 daily·Train & tram days, adult $30, student $25, child $15; tram, no train, days, adult $20, student $15, child $10

11. See

    International Antarctic Centre

    A world-class Antarctic experience with simulated polar weather, Hagglund All-Terrain Vehicle ride, penguins, extensive exhibits about Antarctic science missions, café and gift shop.

    1 Oct–30 Apr: daily 9AM–7PM; 1 May–30 Sep: daily 9AM–5:30PM·$55, $36 child. Unlimited Hagglund all day rides $20, Penguin Backstage Pass $20, $15 child

12. 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 4:30PM·Adult $34.50, child $9.50

13. See

    Quake City

    Coordinated by Canterbury Museum, it has exhibits about earthquakes in Christchurch, particularly the quakes of 2010–11.

    Daily 10AM–5PM·Adult $20; free for children under 16

14. 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.

15. See

    Site of Canterbury Television building

    The site of the CTV building, where 115 people died was planted as a memorial garden in 2018.

16. See

    St Michael and All Angels Church

    This wooden Anglican church dating from 1872 suffered only minor quake damage (it was closed for three months). It has an unusual separate bell tower.

    Services Sun 8AM, 10AM, 7PM; Mon-Fri 9AM; and for viewing at other times

17. See

    Statue of James Cook

    Commemorating the 3 journeys of Captain James Cook to New Zealand. The statue was unveiled in 1932 and was moved to its present location in 1989.

18. See

    Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities

    A collection of artefacts from Greek, Roman, Egyptian and Near Eastern cultures.

    Wed–Sun 11AM–3PM·Free (suggested donation of $5 per adult)

19. 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

20. See

    Yaldhurst Museum

    Mostly interesting for its collection of over 150 classic and vintage vehicles. Closed since Covid and it is estimated to reopen in 2025.

    daily 10AM–5PM (5–9PM by arrangement for groups of 10 or more)·$20 adult, $5 child

21. 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.

22. See

    Centre of Contemporary Art

    Toi Moroki, CoCA

    Contemporary Art by New Zealand artists.

    9am–5pm

23. See

    Mona Vale

    Mona Vale Garden Park

    Elizabethan-style riverside homestead with gardens.

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