Discover Ōtautahi Christchurch
This is Ōtautahi Christchurch, a revitalised city in the heart of Aotearoa New Zealand’s South Island.
This is a city in perfect balance; home to a diverse natural playground, wide open spaces, modern architecture and heritage buildings. Here in Ōtautahi Christchurch, we want you to have it all. The opportunities, the growth, the big moments, the small joys.
Tram in front of the Arts Centre 
Street Art in Christchurch
Below is a selection of activities that are family friendly, sustainable and low cost or free.
Cathedral Square, Christchurch City Centre
Highlights
- LEGO play zone (plastic but shared)
- Events include Storytime (10.30am-11am Sundays), chess (2-4pm Sundays), audio tours, sensory hour, afterschool activity zone, creative sessions, writing groups, art exhibitions, and more
- Auahatanga Creative Space (3D printing, badge making, craft, heat press, sewing, laser-cutting), weekly drop-in sessions or book a workshop
- Discovery Wall (interactive digital representation of Christchurch and its history):
Margaret Mahy Family Playground
Armagh Street, Christchurch City Centre
Highlights: Waterplay park, playground, food and coffee vendors on-site most days
Christchurch Art Gallery
Corner Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street, Christchurch City Centre
Open 7 days, 10am – 5pm (Wednesday until 9pm)
Visit the home of one of New Zealand’s most important public art collection. Free entry
The Arts Centre
Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch City Centre
The Arts Centre of Christchurch is a collection of stunning restored heritage buildings in the heard of Christchurch. It is a hub for arts, culture, education. Head along to their weekly market on Sunday, try some local produce, see a concert or movie, get creative or just enjoy the architecture.
Rolleston Ave, Christchurch City Centre
Highlights: Café and large playground, Seasonal Treasure Hunt, Caterpillar and walking tours
After the earthquake, the council let street artists loose on the city to help bring back a little community art and culture. Much of it remains, including new works and some art on sections of ruined buildings (e.g. stairs to nowhere) kept as poignant reminders of how much people lost. Street Art map
An oral histories project collecting community stories and making them available through audio guides.
Free self-guided story walks (following a story map and listening to audio along the way): Earthquake Stories, Lyttelton Stories, 1981 Springbok Tour
Book a guided tour at $20/person for groups up to 20.
More geo-located audio stories available through a Council map
Hire a bike or join a guided bike tour
287 Durham Street North, Christchurch City Centre
Chill is located across the Avon River from Te Pae. Hire one of their bikes to explore the city ($35 for 90min) or join one of their guided tours. Chill also hires out
214 Manchester Street, Christchurch City Centre
Busy pump track for kids of all ages (scooters, bikes, skateboards)
Christchurch Hop-on-Hop-off Tram
Multiple departure points around the Central City including Cathedral Square
Adults $35, children under 15 free
Christchurch Punting on the Avon
Two departure locations: Worcester Bridge (close to Te Pae) or Antigua Boatsheds where you can also hire kayaks and have a refreshment at the café.
Adults $40, children $20
Christchurch Attractions have Tram, Punting and Gondola packages available.
City Walking Tracks
Map: https://smartview.ccc.govt.nz/data/walking-tracks
Christchurch Farmers Market at Riccarton House and Bush
16 Kahu Rd Christchurch
9am-1pm every Saturday
Visit the 1865 Historic Homestead and enjoy live music, local produce and food stalls. Explore Puringamatou native bush (protected, with walking tracks)
The residential red zone (post-earthquakes) has been turned into a collection of large walking parks and wetlands. Food foraging is common here due to the many fruit and nut trees (once in peoples' back gardens)
London Street, Lyttelton
Saturdays 10am-1pm
Catch the Metro Bus there and explore our vibrant port suburb
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
60 Hussey Road, Northwood
Open 7 days 9.30am – 5pm
Adults $34.50, Children 5-15yrs $13, Children under 5 free.
Visit a wide range of New Zealand wildlife including Kiwis in their natural habitat. Onsite café and picnic areas and ability to feed some of the animals. Bus 107 will get you there or catch the shuttle from Cathedral Square for $15 (under 5 free).
International Antarctic Centre
38 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport
Adults $69, Children 5 – 15yrs $45, Children under 5 free.
Embark on a journey through Antarctica without leaving Christchurch. Experience snow and ice, a storm, learn about life in modern day Antarctica and Scott Base, and hang out with Little Blue Penguins. Catch bus number 8 or 29 (short walk) or catch the shuttle from Cathedral Square for $15 (under 5 free).
Organised tours
If you are extending your stay in Ōtautahi Christchurch then you may wish to explore the Canterbury region on a guided tour.
Leisure Tours have a number of day drips available to book. Options include trips to Akaroa, Kaikoura, Wairarapa and some more local attractions.
Multi-day tours are also available for those wanting to venture further.
Visit the Leisure Tours website for more information.
Sustainable shopping
229 Kilmore Street, Christchurch Central
8.30am to 6.30pm Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm Saturday
Biogro certified organic wholefoods store + vegetarian and specialising in gluten free products.
Riverside Market, 96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch City Central
Collective of local producers and artisans (e.g. olive oil, nuts, spices, chocolate)
Producers of goods take turns managing the store and running tastings
Ground Floor, The Crossing, 4/166 Cashel Street
Responsible beekeepers with a sustainability policy.
Run tastings instore and tell their unique founding story (so we won't spoil it for you!)
191 Blenheim Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
Mostly 2nd-hand household items but potentially could have cheap bikes.
