Playing The Tourist In Christchurch

Christchurch in the South Island of New Zealand is a fabulous place to visit. On a recent holiday and before catching up with my good friend, I spent time playing the tourist in Christchurch, checking out some of the highlights of the area. It’s amazing how much the Christchurch landscape has changed over the years since the big earthquake in 2011, there were so many new things to see.

Punting on the Avon

I started off with a punt up the river Avon. The punt is a flat-bottomed boat and each has a guide dressed in Edwardian clothing. Leaving from the Antigua Boat Sheds on Cambridge Terrace we travel through the Botanic Gardens and back.

Hop On Hop off Tram

The hop on hop off tram was a great way to see the inner city. Stay on it to get an over view or hop on and off as desired. The places I visited included The Art Center, the Botanic Gardens, The Cathedral and Chalice Sculpture, found lots of murals/street art, the Ferrier Fountain,  and New Regent Street

If you are keen to find out where all the murals/street art is then check out this link

The Cathedral photo is one I took in 2016 before work was started on the building. It is  harder currently to take photos of the damaged structure.

The Gondola

The gondola was a lot of fun, definitely a Christchurch must-do! The gondola gives views of the city, Lyttleton Harbour and even out to the snowy tops of the Southern Alps. This was so much fun, and very much a family friendly experience.

Hagley Park

Hagley Park is right in the centre of Christchurch, and while it was stunning when I was there, I would imagine it is just as beautiful at any time of the year. I could have spent hours just wandering all the different walkways and taking in all of the gardens!

The Cardboard Cathedral

Christchurch is home to the worlds only “cardboard” Cathedral. Sounds a bit strange, right? When the previous cathedral was badly damaged in the earthquake, a temporary cathedral was created using predominantly cardboard. Learn more about the cathedral and the process of building a new cathedral right here. 

New Brighton Pier

The current New Brighton Pier was opened in 1997 and is over 300m long!  It is another very well known spot in Christchurch, and there are plenty of other spots at the pier to sit and have a drink, dinner or do some shopping.

Sumner Beach

Sumner Beach is another pretty spot. Popular with families and surfers, there is a lovely sandy beach, cafes over the road and plenty of spots to swim.

To learn more about all the tourist attraction Christchurch has to offer, visit https://www.christchurchattractions.nz/

And of course, you know me! It wouldn’t be a trip without checking out all the second hand shopping, which you can read about

If you have been to Christchurch what is your favourite part to visit?