Christchurch Top 10

To help you decide what to see and do in Christchurch, here's our quick guide to the top 10 local attractions.

Christchurch is the Southern City of exploration, boasting modern architecture alongside the best collection of heritage buildings in Aotearoa. You'll find new opportunities for shopping, eating and sipping great coffee wherever you go. Plus there are the old faithful that have been part of the city's life for generations.

Air New Zealand offers non-stop domestic flights to Christchurch from Auckland, Rotorua, Wellington, Queenstown and Dunedin, with connecting flights from other regional centres.

1. Christchurch Adventure Park

The only year-round mountain bike and zipline park in the world, with views across the city and the Canterbury plains. You'll be sure to get your Christchurch experience off to a flying start - this is the location for epic ziplining, mountain biking and sight-seeing nestled amongst the iconic Port Hills. The Adventure Park is approximately a 20-minute drive from Christchurch's city centre.

Ziplining at the Adventure Park, Christchurch.

Take in the breathtaking city views from a zipline

2. The Terrace and Avon River

The Terrace is Christchurch's heart for eating and drinking - for all the food, all the drinks and all the party, right next to the Avon river. You can glide along the Avon River in canoes, kayaks, row boats or romantic Edwardian punts.

3. Botanic Gardens

One of the oldest gardens in the country, founded in 1863, the 21-hectare Christchurch Botanic Gardens are a delightful oasis right in the city centre. The perfect haven for garden inspiration.

Two women having fun at the Botanic Gardens, Christchurch.

Girl on bike, the Terrace, Christchurch.

The splendour of the Botanic Gardens and the heart of the city - The Terrace

4. Arts Centre and Museum

Think revitalised Hogwarts, the Arts Centre and Canterbury Museum make up some of the most significant heritage buildings in the country.

5. Street Art

Christchurch is a global street art capital, attracting artists from all over the globe. Murals around every corner, there are few walls in Christchurch without decoration. Wander or take a guided tour through this unique urban scene.

Artists come from all corners of the world to create elegant murals

6. Port Hills

With innumerable walkways and cycle tracks, the Port Hills dominate the city vista, beckoning for an adventure - for breath-taking views across Lyttelton Harbour and the Canterbury Plains. A must-see for any Christchurch visitor. The Port Hills are approximately a 20-minute drive from Christchurch's city centre.

7. Lyttelton

The creative heart of Christchurch - immerse yourself in this working port town. The town's main street is packed with shops and bars all with views across the harbour. Check out the heritage houses and stop at one of the local watering holes. Lyttelton is approximately a 20-minute drive from Christchurch's city centre.

Group walking on the Port Hills, Christchurch.

Woman looking out over Lyttelton Harbour.

Take in the sights from the Port Hills and out over Lyttelton Harbour

8. Explore the North Canterbury wine region

Waipara valley is the hidden gem of national wine regions. Thinking rolling hills and cycle tours, cute accommodation and high-quality food. You can taste award-winning wines and sample delicious flavours from artisan growers and producers. Waipara is approximately a 55-minute drive from Christchurch's city centre.

9. Discover the nearby Akaroa and Banks Peninsula

New Zealand's French town, Akaroa offers coastal vistas and a thriving artisan culture. Swim with wildlife in the harbour, including the hector dolphins. Drive over scenic Banks Peninsula to discover this historic French settlement, Akaroa. Akaroa and Banks Peninsula is approximately a 1 hour 40-minute drive from Christchurch's city centre.

10. Travel to Hanmer Springs

The alpine spa village of your dreams, boasting both relaxation and adventure. In classic kiwi style, bungy jump and jet boat one day, hot pools and massage the next - the choice is yours! Hanmer Springs is approximately a 1 hour 50-minute drive from Christchurch's city centre.

Keep exploring Christchurch

Botanic Garden image courtesy ChristchurchNZ; Ziplining image courtesy ChristchurchNZ; Girl on bike image courtesy ChristchurchNZ; Street art image courtesy ChristchurchNZ; Port Hills image courtesy ChristchurchNZ; Lyttelton image courtesy ChristchurchNZ; New Regent Street image courtesy of Christchurch NZ; Playground image courtesy of Margaret Mahy playground