New Zealand Travel Guide: Christchurch City

Situated in Canterbury Region, Christchurch is the largest city of New Zealand’s South Island. It’s a must-visit destination for tourists and there’s no doubt about it. If you’re planning to have a road trip on the South Island, it will most likely be point where you start or finish. But, is this city worth visiting after the deadly earthquake in 2011, which caused thousands of building to be demolished? This city is still in ruins at this moment, yet it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t visit. There are so many things to do in this beautiful city, from visiting old buildings, the local farmers market, to punting on the Avon river. So, it’s essential to spend a day or two in Christchurch when you come to New Zealand.

How to go to Christchurch Central City from the Christchurch Airport?

Christchurch Airport is about 12 kilometers north west of the city center. The most recommended transport options are bus and shuttle.

Bus. Might be the cheapest option to go to the city center if you’re travelling in small group. Both the Purple Line and number 29 buses go via city center in 35 minutes with stops along the way. Ticket can be bought from the driver and it costs $8.50 one way or $15 return (can be used for travel on different day). Both buses depart from northern end of International Arrival Hall.

Shuttle. If you’re travelling with more people, this would be better option as the fare depends on how many people travelling. The Super Shuttle costs $19 for the first person and additional of $5 for every extra person travelling in the same group to the same destination. The good thing is that you can request your stop as it is a door-to-door service, so you don’t have to walk after being dropped off. The shuttle departs from the outside of International Arrival Hall. It is easy to notice the vehicle as it has a cart hooked at the backside. 

How to go around Christchurch City?

You may think of renting a small car or extend your campervan hire to go around the city. But trust me, you won’t need that. Christchurch City is very walkable, that unless it’s raining, you can walk around the city centre for the whole day. The tourist destinations are located on walking distance. However, Christchurch has trams which can’t be found anywhere else in New Zealand. If you’re interested to try, you can buy a one-day pass which can be used for the whole day for $25 per adult. The tram has 17 stops and it allows you to get on and off the tram as often as you like.

Where to Stay (Hotel or Airbnb or Apartment)?

It is better to stay at the central city, as it is most likely where you’re going to go. Hundreds of hotels, Airbnb, and apartments are available with the average fare of $120 per night for 2 people. It’s quite affordable considering that most them are equipped with complete kitchen appliances, washing machine, and heater. One apartment I would recommend is Southwark Apartment, which has spacious rooms with big windows and balcony, also really nice staff. Christchurch has a really great weather, so you don’t want to be packed in a small room.

What to do in Christchurch?

Punting on the Avon River

This has been a must-do for Christchurch’s locals and tourists since 1986. If you walk along the Avon River, it is easy to notice a green and white striped wooden building. Antigua Boat Sheds was built in 1882 and has become one of oldest wooden building in Christchurch. Canoeing and punting are available with various durations and boat types, perfect for families to enjoy the beautiful Avon River. The Edwardian dressed punter will guide you to admire the willows, woodlands, and leafy banks of Christchurch Botanic Garden and Hagley Park. Do not hesitate to enjoy this attraction during winter, they provide blanket for your comfort. If you feel hungry right after and not ready to leave the lovely river yet, just stay for a delicate brunch or lunch at Boat Shed Café. Located right next to the Antigua Boat Sheds, this café has been a popular spot for lunch or coffee breaks among the locals.

Address: 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central, New Zealand

Open Hours: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Website: https://boatsheds.co.nz/

Canterbury Museum

Opened for the first time in 1870, this beautiful stone building is the right place to explore New Zealand’s rich culture and natural heritage. Learn about the past, present, and future of Canterbury. Get to know the first people of New Zealand at the Maori Galleries, and their connection to Antarctica. See the quirky Fred and Myrtle’s Paua Shell House if it’s too far for you to go to Bluff. Adore the seasonal special exhibition with your whole family, or join the daily museum tours at 2.00 pm. Before you leave, get some authentic New Zealand souvenirs at the museum store or enjoy the delicate sweet and savoury treats with the view of Botanic Garden at the museum café.

Address: Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central, New Zealand

Opening Hours: daily, 9.00 am – 5.00 pm (except Christmas Day)

Entrance Fee: free, donations are appreciated

Quake City

This is a must-visit for anyone interested to know the impact of Canterbury earthquakes in September 2010 and February 2011. Canterbury Museum created a special exhibition telling stories of loss, heroism, and hope from the deadly earthquakes which killed 185 people and destroyed thousands of buildings. Discover the science of the earthquakes and the phenomenon of liquefaction, when the shaking liquefied the ground and bubbled up burying cars, buildings, and streets. See objects that symbolized the Canterbury earthquakes including the spire of Christchurch Cathedral and clocks from the now-demolished former railway station. Find out about the rebuilding of the city, recovering projects, and progress in the making in regenerating the city. Not to be missed, hear the survivors telling stories on their own experiences.   

         

Address: 299 Durham St North, Christchurch Central, New Zealand

Open Hours: daily, 10.00 am – 5.00 pm

Entrance Fee: Adult $20

Ice Cream Charlie

Stroll around the Victoria Square in the afternoon and you will find a line of people queuing in front of the iconic pink and white vanilla ice truck, patiently waiting for their turn to be served. The famous Ice Cream Charlie started serving their authentic vanilla ice since 1903 in Christchurch Cathedral Square. Since then, the cart owner has changed for several times, but their vanilla ice recipe remained the same. Yup, vanilla ice only with options of various syrup toppings, but it has been the locals’ favorite for generations.

Address: Armagh St by Victoria Square, Christchurch Central, New Zealand

Opening Hours: Tue – Sun, 12.30 pm – 4.30 pm

Price: approx. $2.5 to $5

Christchurch Cathedral & Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square, simply known as “the Square” by the locals, is regarded as the very centre of the New Zealand city of Christchurch. It’s an area historically recognised as the heart of the city, where Christchurch Cathedral is located. The Anglican Christchurch Cathedral was one of the city’s top tourist attractions before the earthquake toppled its spire and ruined its structure badly, as it was one of the areas hit the hardest by the 2011 earthquake. Not only the earthquake killed hundreds of people, around 8,000 buildings were also demolished due to heavy damage. In September 2017, a decision was made to restore the iconic Cathedral and it expected to be finished in 10 years. The Cathedral is currently closed due to restoration, but the building clearly shows how bad the earthquake has affected the city.

Address: Cathedral Square, Christchurch Central, New Zealand

Opening Hours: still closed due to restoration

Shopping on Cashel Street

This is absolutely the home for shopaholics. Spend the day exploring the heart of Christchurch City, where you can get fashion items from the local shops or international chain shops.  Located at Cashel Street, Christchurch City Mall stretches from the Avon River to the High Street intersection. Enjoy a nice walk around the area as it is a pedestrian mall, which means no vehicle passes by except the tram. It’s quite interesting that most of the building on this street were demolished after the 2011 earthquake, but part of the mall was the first part of the city to open again in October 2011.

Address: Cashel St, Christchurch Central, New Zealand

Open Hours: daily, mostly 9.00 am – 6.00 pm

185 White Chairs

This is an unofficial memorial of 185 individuals who died as a result of Christchurch deadly earthquake on February 22^nd, 2011. Consists of 185 different white painted chairs, every single chair represents different personality of each victim. This temporary installation was built for the first time on the earthquake’s first anniversary, back in 2012. Since then, it has become a major tourist attraction in Christchurch.

Address: 236 Cashel St, Christchurch Central, New Zealand

Entrance Fee: Free

Tramway Restaurant

Have a fabulous evening dinner while enjoying the view of the inner city of Christchurch at the only tram restaurant in New Zealand. Tram 411 was built in Australia in 1927, refurbished and shipped to Christchurch in 1999, and began to operate as a tramway restaurant in 2000. The 36-seater sightseeing tram tour begins and ends at the Cathedral Junction, which last for about 2.5 hours. It costs $109 per adult, includes welcome drink, four-course meal, and tea or coffee. Advance reservation is recommended as it has limited spot.

Address: Cathedral Junction, 109 Worcester St, Christchurch Central, New Zealand

Open Hours: 7.00 pm (March – October) and 7.30 pm (November – February)

Price: $109 per adult

The Riccarton Market

Spend your Sunday morning at the New Zealand’s largest outdoor market and a major tourist attraction located at the West side of Christchurch, separated by Hagley Park. With more than 200 stalls, you will find wide variety of goods, from fresh fruit and veggies to second hand goods, furniture, clothing, art, plants, food and beverages, and lots of bargains. Operated by non-profit group, Rotary, it has been held at its current location since 1995.

Address: Riccarton Racecourse, 165 Racecourse Road, Christchurch

Open Hours: Sundays, 9.00 am – 2.00 pm (rain or shine)

Akaroa

Akaroa is a small town situated at the volcanic Banks Peninsula, about 75 kilometres or 1h20mins drive from Christchurch. This famous tourist destination with distinctly French flair lets you explore New Zealand’s first and only French settlement. Go to Akaroa Village Walks to see its colonial architecture, galleries, craft stores, and gorgeous cafés. Not to forget, Akaroa is also heaven for animal lovers, which give you opportunity to get closer with sea animal like dolphins, seals, marine birds, and penguins. If you’d rather stay on dry land, go play with the most adorable animal in New Zealand, alpacas! There’s an alpaca farm called Shamarra Alpacas in the area, where you can have fun with the lovely alpacas while enjoying the beautiful scenery from the farm. Advance bookings are very recommended whenever you go to a farm in New Zealand, as most of them are private property and managed by the locals which doesn’t always open each day.

Grocery Shopping in New Zealand

Why would you need this as tourists? It’s not to stock up for your home, but this is totally needed when you’re going on a road trip. As most campervans are equipped with full kitchen appliances, travellers usually cook their own meals to save time and money, so kindly stock up on food in your vehicle before you leave the city. Well, its not hard to find supermarket along the South Island, there will be at least one in each city. The thing is, the cities are separated hundred miles apart, and unless it’s a big city you will only find small supermarket with limited products. So, its better for you to buy everything you need beforehand.

New Zealand has three well-known supermarkets; Pak n Save, New World, and Countdown. If you’re going to buy stuff in bulk, go to Pak n Save as they always have huge stores with so many choices of products. They have the cheapest price among the other supermarkets and offer daily promotion as well. New World sell things a bit more expensive, but they do offer tourist card, so you can get special offer. Lastly, if you’re looking for Australian product, Countdown has many things to offer as it is an Australian supermarket chain. In a city like Christchurch, it would be really easy to find these supermarkets.

___