Things to see & do in Christchurch - New Zealand

Christchurch Cathedral ..... The gothic Cathedral at Cathedral Square is the Christchurch's landmark and one of the South Island's most visited attractions. Construction began in 1864 and took 40 years to complete. Climb the steps of the Spire and take in a bird's eye view of Christchurch City.

The Cathedral Square Market ..... Located in the heart of the city, Cathedral Square. An outdoor market with stalls offering handcrafted and imported goods such as New Zealand wood-ware, handknitting, jewellery, pounamu, paua, bone carvings, possum fashions, sheepskins, clothing, healthcare products, sunglasses, t-shirts and much more. Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm (with extra days for visiting Cruise Ships)

Festival of Flowers ..... The Garden City Festival of Flowers held in February/March each year is one of the most popular festivals in New Zealand. The Christchurch Cathedral Floral Carpet and the Winning Gardens are always exciting to see.

Avon River Punt Ride ..... This is a unique part of Christchurch where you can take a romantic punt ride on the Avon, and peruse the plant and animal life and other recreational activities.

Christchurch Tramway ..... Take an historical tram ride around the city centre. Christchurch Tramway is a quality inner city tour experience that combines the heritage of the trams, attractions and historic buildings with the culture of the Garden City. The beautifully restored heritage trams are also available for cocktail functions or a unique á la carte dining experience on the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant.

Botanic Gardens .....Christchurch has the reputation of New Zealand's Garden City. The grounds of the Botanic Gardens encompass an area of 30 hectares, the majority of this being within the loop of the Avon River. The Botanic Garden displays a year round spectacle of indigenous and exotic plants, and majestic trees. The popular Rose Garden located in central Botanic Gardens, contains more than 250 different old and new varieties of roses.

Arts Centre ..... The Arts Centre of Christchurch is a exciting venue for a huge range of New Zealand made arts and crafts, shopping, education and entertainment, with highlights including over 40 specialty shops, fine art exhibitions, world-class theatre, art house cinemas, bars , restaurants and cafes, a bustling weekend Art, Craft and Produce Market, and an array of festivals and special events throughout the year. This site was originally home to the University of Canterbury, these distinctive Gothic Revival buildings are today a maze of fun, wonder and delight.
Arts Centre Information open daily 9.30 -5pm, 7 days.
Free guided tours available between 10-3.30pm, 7 days.
Open everyday
2 Worcester Boulevard
Telephone 366-0989

Canterbury Museum ..... Canterbury Museum is renowned for having some of the finest cultural and natural collections in New Zealand, as well as for its creative and imaginative displays. Housed in one of Christchurch's finest historic buildings, Canterbury Museum has world class displays of geology, zoology, Maori, Asian and European collections.
Open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9am - 5pm in the winter, and 9am - 5.30pm in the summer.
Guided tours are available. Entry by donation.
Rolleston Ave
Telephone 03 366-5000 

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu ..... Open in May 2003. The facility features two floors of exhibition space, educational activity areas, an auditorium, a café and bistro, two retail outlets, and a sculpture garden and underground parking. The Gallery is located in the heart of the City's cultural precinct, bounded by Worcester Boulevard, Gloucester and Montreal Streets. 
Open every day 10am-5pm
Wednesday open until 9pm

Christchurch Casino ..... Christchurch Casino offers twenty four hour gaming entertainment to visitors to Christchurch. The Dress Code requires smart casual attire. Free Shuttles operate to and from local hotels each evening.
30 Victoria Street
Phone: 03 365 9999

Christchurch Gondola ..... Travel up to the summit of Mt Cavendish on the Port Hills with Christchurch Gondola for the full panoramic views of Christchurch City, Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula and the Canterbury Plains with the snowy peaks of the Alps in the distance.

International Antarctic Centre ..... Christchurch is world's Gateway to the Antarctica and the relationship with Antarctica was established almost a century ago. The International Antarctic Centre is a modern day working Antarctic campus and is home to the United States, the Italian, and the NZ Antarctic Programmes. The International Antarctic Centre is the world's best Antarctic attraction, provides visitors with an interactive, fun and exciting experience of the Antarctica. Explore awesome and magical beauty of the "Great White South".
Orchard Road (next to Christchurch Airport, 15 minutes drive from the city)
Open every day of the year, including Christmas Day (your chance to experience a genuine snowy white Christmas!)
Winter hours: 9am - 5.30pm
Summer hours: 9am - 8.30pm
Freephone: 0508 Penguin (or 03 358-9896)

Mona Vale Homestead ..... Mona Vale Homestead has 5 hectares of gardens and lovely views of the Avon River. This late Victorian homestead is a delightful place to combine a guided garden tour with a lunch or tea break or a ride in a punt. 
63 Fendalton Road, Riccarton
Tel: 03 348 9660

Southern Encounter & Kiwi House ..... Southern Encounter & Kiwi House provides a wonderful unique opportunity for visitors of all ages and nationalities to view New Zealand Kiwi and to learn about the aquatic life in New Zealand’s diverse waterways.
Open daily
Summer 9am - 9pm  Winter10am - 6pm
Phone: 03 377 3474

Orana Wildlife Park ..... Set on 80 hectares of park-like grounds, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand 's only open range zoo. The Park is located within ten minutes drive of Christchurch International Airport and 25 minutes drive from the City centre.
Open daily 10am - 5pm, Closed Christmas Day
Phone: 03 359 7109

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