What to do in Christchurch

Activities, attractions and tours

Christchurch
New Regent Street which includes outdoor eating and railway items as well as a small group of people
Christchurch showing a church or cathedral
Christchurch
Christchurch

Places to Visit in Christchurch

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Let Expedia.co.nz help you find the most exciting and fun things to do in Christchurch, Canterbury while also allowing you to save a ton on travel arrangements. Regardless of whether you’re an urban explorer or an intrepid outdoor enthusiast, we can help you decide exactly what to do and see during your time in town.

Our thorough travel guides offer you an insider’s perspective on all of the best Christchurch attractions from NZ$35, making it easy for you to decide which places to visit and when. And by using Expedia.co.nz to set your sightseeing schedule, you can take in more of the enchanting attractions this area is famous for.

From group Christchurch tours and must-see landmarks to personal guides who take you off-the-beaten track, Expedia.co.nz offers you over 129 of the most popular events, activities, and attractions in this corner of the world. So whether you’re travelling alone, alongside a loved one, or with the whole family in tow, be sure to browse through our extensive travel guides prior to your plane touching down in this spectacular Christchurch. We even have a massive selection of flights, car hires, and accommodation for you to choose from. So what are you waiting for? Start your search today, and you’ll be having the time of your life before you know it.

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Most fun & popular experiences in Christchurch

Tours & day trips

See all 122 activities
Mount Cook Day Tour from Queenstown

Mount Cook Day Tour from Queenstown

Activity duration is 12 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$200 per adult
Mount Cook Day Tour from QueenstownOpens in new tab

Private & custom tours

See all 47 activities
Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Kaikoura Whale Watching Day Trip from Christchurch

Activity duration is 9 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$475 per adult
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Air, helicopter & balloon tours

See all 21 activities
Mt Cook Experience

Mt Cook Experience

Activity duration is 4 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$6,650 per adult*
Mt Cook ExperienceOpens in new tab

Food, drink & nightlife

See all 15 activities
From Christchurch: Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara

From Christchurch: Guided Local Wine Tours in Waipara

Activity duration is 5 hours and 30 minutes
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$200 per adult*
From Christchurch: Guided Local Wine Tours in WaiparaOpens in new tab

Water activities

See all 8 activities
Arthur's Pass Full-Day Tour with TranzAlpine Train

Arthur's Pass Full-Day Tour with TranzAlpine Train

Activity duration is 10 hours
8.8 out of 10 with 19 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is NZ$425 per adult
Arthur's Pass Full-Day Tour with TranzAlpine TrainOpens in new tab

Recommended things to do in Christchurch

Number of things to do
129
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Chairlift Sightseeing Pass at the Christchurch Adventure Park: NZ$35
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Christchurch

Discover the most popular places to visit in Christchurch

Lyttelton Harbour showing a marina, mountains and a bay or harbour

Lyttelton Harbour

Enjoy cafés, markets and boat trips at this scenic European port town, steeped in history and bordered by volcanic hills.

Lyttelton Harbour
Christchurch Botanic Gardens as well as a large group of people

Hagley Park

Explore the great outdoors at Hagley Park, a lovely green space in Christchurch. Amble within picturesque gardens or visit the shops in this culturally rich area.

Hagley Park
Sumner Beach showing rocky coastline

Sumner Beach

The main beach in the seaside retreat of Sumner is an idyllic place to spend a day in the sun away from the centre of Christchurch.

Sumner Beach
New Brighton Beach which includes surf, surfing and a beach

New Brighton Beach

Surf, spot birdlife, walk across wild sand dunes and shop for handmade goods at a weekly market at this sandy beach and coastal suburb.

New Brighton Beach
Christchurch featuring street scenes

Cathedral Square

You can learn about the history of Christchurch when you stop by Cathedral Square. Visit the cathedral in this walkable area or simply enjoy its restaurants.

Cathedral Square
Riccarton Road

Riccarton Road

During your visit to Christchurch, you can enjoy retail therapy at Riccarton Road. While in this walkable area, you can savour the top-notch restaurants.

Riccarton Road
Christchurch Botanic Gardens featuring heritage elements as well as a large group of people

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

With miles of open lawns and vibrant flower beds, this serene area of parkland ensures Christchurch’s reputation as a garden city.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Christchurch Gondola showing mountains and a gondola

Christchurch Gondola

Cruise past shimmering blue lakes and snow-capped mountains on your way to the top of Mount Cavendish.

Christchurch Gondola
International Antarctic Centre featuring interior views

International Antarctic Centre

Take a trip to Antarctica to see the animals that live there and hear tales of the intrepid travellers who risked their lives to explore it.

International Antarctic Centre

Explore areas of Christchurch

New Regent Street which includes outdoor eating and railway items as well as a small group of people

Christchurch City Centre

4.5/5(1,855 area reviews)

Explore the picturesque and vibrant heart of the city that is getting back to normal after a series of devastating earthquakes.

Christchurch City Centre
International Antarctic Centre featuring interior views

Christchurch Airport

While Christchurch Airport may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like International Antarctic Centre and Harewood Golf Club.

Christchurch Airport
Mona Vale featuring a park

Riccarton

4/5(513 area reviews)

Riccarton is beloved for its popular shops. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Westfield Riccarton Mall and Riccarton Road.

Riccarton
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Fendalton

3/5(1 area review)

Travellers like the historical sites in Fendalton, and Riccarton House is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Fendalton
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Merivale

4.5/5(319 area reviews)

Travellers come to Merivale for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Merivale Mall and Papanui Road while you're in town.

Merivale
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Addington

4/5(142 area reviews)

Unique features of Addington include the theatres and live music. Make a stop by Apollo Projects Stadium or Addington Raceway while you're exploring the area.

Addington

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Christchurch

Photo by Richard Cooper

Kairaki Beach

Frequently asked questions

Is Christchurch worth visiting?
Offering a blend of adventure sports and nature, there are many things to do in Christchurch. While you're here, head to New Regent Street, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Christchurch?
New Regent Street and Bealey Avenue are two excellent places to begin your sightseeing adventures. Remember to explore the dining and retail options in Christchurch while you're here too.
What is the top tourist attraction in Christchurch?
Don't leave without visiting New Regent Street, ranked the top tourist attraction in Christchurch.
Is three days enough to stay in Christchurch?
Three days in Christchurch is plenty of time to enjoy the city's key attractions. Many travellers stay for two days on average. New Regent Street, Isaac Theatre Royal and Bealey Avenue are among the top-rated sights. Like to discover more? Stick around a bit longer to check off nearby hotspots such as Christchurch Airport.
Is Christchurch a walkable city?
With vibrant neighbourhoods and leading sights within walking distance of the city centre, Christchurch is a great place to explore on foot. Wander between New Regent Street and Isaac Theatre Royal. Then take a stroll through Christchurch City Centre, located 0.16 kilometres from the centre, and Riccarton, which is about 3 kilometres away.
What are some activities to do in Christchurch with kids?
Whether you're travelling with young explorers or adventure-seeking teens, a schedule filled with fun activities takes your trip to the next level. Take a look at our recommendations for what to do in Christchurch with kids.

What to do in Christchurch for adults?
Whether you're an avid foodie, culture enthusiast or adventure seeker, there's no shortage of things to do in Christchurch for adults including Omarino Wine Park and High Street.
Are there free things to do in Christchurch?
One of the easiest ways to learn about free things to do in Christchurch is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider tips on cool neighbourhoods, parks and other major attractions you can experience without taking your wallet out. New Regent Street is one spot that doesn't charge an admission fee.