Attractions in Christchurch

Christchurch Art Gallery - Te Puna O Waiwhetu
The South Island's largest and newest art gallery is home to over 5000 works of art, including a permanent collection of contemporary and historic works as well as touring exhibitions from across the world. As well as three levels indoors, the gallery also features an outdoor sculpture garden.

Cathedral Square
The hub of Christchurch's compact city centre is Cathedral Square; home to the Gothic Victorian Christchurch Cathedral, the striking modern art of 'the chalice', and a market selling everything from bone carvings to possum fashions. Also look out for The Wizard, a colorful Christchurch resident who makes an entertaining appearance most days.

Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House
Head to the aquarium for a chance to watch the daily eel and shark feeds, and take a tour through the Kiwi House, where an artificial night means you'll be able to see the nocturnal Kiwi's foraging for food throughout the day.
Address: Cathedral Square
Phone: (03) 359 7109

International Antarctic Centre
Get a taste of Antarctic life by taking a trip through the centre's 'polar room', with real snow, ice and Antarctic storms! The centre also features exhibitions, adventure rides and the brand new Penguin Encounter viewing area.
Address: Orchard Road (next to Christchurch Airport)
Phone: (03) 353 7798 or 0508 736 4846 (within New Zealand only)

Historic Arts Centre
The Gothic revival buildings of the arts centre are home to dozens of studios and galleries where you can watch artists produce their work, and often join in art workshops yourself. The centre is also a venue for cinemas, shops, cafés, restaurants and cultural events.
Address: Worcester Boulevard
Phone: (03) 366 0989

Christchurch Gondola
For the best views of Christchurch and Lyttleton Harbour take a ride in one of the four-person gondolas and rise 500m above sea level up to the crater of an extinct volcano.

Punting on the Avon River
Sit back and relax on plump velvet cushions as your Edwardian punter propels you along the Avon River. The journey offers a unique way to see the city's historic buildings and Botanic Gardens.
Address: Antigua Boat Sheds, 2 Cambridge Terrace
Opening hours: 1 May-31 September: 10am-4pm, 1 October-31
April: 9am-6pm
Phone: (03) 366 0337

Christchurch Wildlife Cruise
Take a two-hour cruise in nearby Lyttleton Harbour to discover the rich history of the township and the opportunity to see dolphins, penguins and other marine wildlife in their natural habitat.
Address: Norwich Quay, Lyttleton (free shuttle bus from
Cathedral Square)
Phone: (03) 328 9078

Christchurch Tramway
Christchurch's historic trams are an ideal way to explore the city centre; the route takes in sights such as Cathedral Square, the Botanic Garden, Canterbury Museum and the main shopping areas.
Address: 7 Tramway Lane
Phone: (03) 366 7830

Ko Tâne
Enjoy an authentic Maori experience, where you'll be greeted with a traditional powhiri (greeting), treated to a cultural performance and where you'll be able to explore the living village and wildlife reserve.
Address: Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, 60 Hussey Road
Phone: (03) 359 6226