Discover Ōtautahi Christchurch

Christchurch has transformed into a captivating urban centre: a place to discover charming heritage buildings and modern architecture, a chance to explore vibrant street art and new retail concepts, and an opportunity to enjoy a food and drink scene where creativity is the key ingredient. This is all topped off by a growing number of adventure activities that deliver breathtaking views of the city while you get your thrills.

About our flights to Christchurch

Air New Zealand operates non-stop flights to Christchurch from Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown, Dunedin and regional ports around New Zealand. With all our New Zealand domestic airfares you can choose seat, seat+bag, flexichange or flexirefund fare types. Flexichange gives you the flexibility to change your flight with no change fees while flexirefund is fully refundable. Find out more about our New Zealand domestic seat options.

The urban renewal throughout central Christchurch is truly captivating. Exciting modern low-rise architecture is popping up to complement the city's beautiful historic landmarks.

Where to go and what to see in Christchurch

Be ready to roam when you arrive in Christchurch, because there's architectural, retail and hospitality excitement waiting around every corner. The walkable city centre is easy to navigate, with street-art filled laneways, pedestrian-only precincts, imagination-fuelled playgrounds and revamped historic sites that tell extraordinary stories. In this ever-evolving city, your eyes will be wide with wonder.

Discover a unique blend of heritage and innovation

The urban renewal throughout central Christchurch is truly compelling. Exciting modern low-rise architecture is popping up to complement the city's beautiful historic landmarks. Retail and restaurant precincts have been reshaped to include open streetscapes and cosy new laneways full of energy and character. Even the pedestrian lights have embraced innovation, with sensors and built-in intelligence to minimise waiting.

In Oxford Terrace, a row of bold new buildings with restaurant balconies and on-street dining areas overlooks tiered public spaces and gardens along the river bank. In contrast to this modernity, the beautifully restored 1930s buildings of New Regent Street are painted in their original pastel shades. You can make the most of inner-city Christchurch sightseeing by travelling on hop-on hop-off restored heritage trams that journey through the modern precincts, as well as the arts and museums districts.

A short drive out of the central city, experience the wonders of the world's icy continent at the International Antarctic Centre. Here you can ride in Hagglund Antarctic vehicles, meet the resident rescue penguins, experience an ice voyage in 4D, step onto the ice for an arctic storm and browse displays to learn about the history of Antarctic exploration and Christchurch's ongoing role as one of a few global gateway cities to Antarctica.

Immerse yourself in creative arts

Creativity is a big part of Christchurch culture. As you wander the streets you can't help but be impressed by the scale and quality of street art from local and international artists. The striking, glass fronted Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū is free to visit and houses a vast collection of important works, from classics to modern art. To get the most from your experience, you can join a free guided tour or listen to audio guides on your smartphone. Close by, Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is one of the largest collections of heritage stone buildings in the country, home to small exhibitions and galleries, as well as a number of boutique gift and craft stores, and spots to grab a bite to eat. Modern and abstract art lovers should also head to CoCA, the Centre of Contemporary Art on Gloucester Street.

Live theatre has been strong in Christchurch for generations. Before you visit, check what's on at The Court Theatre and book ahead to avoid disappointment. It's home to New Zealand's oldest and largest theatre company and there's always a great range of shows to choose from. Another Christchurch favourite is the Isaac Theatre Royal, a beautifully restored Edwardian theatre built in 1908 that showcases music, musicals, comedy, dance and drama.

Explore nature's beautiful spaces

In the city centre, wide footpaths, pedestrian-only streets, parks and ample cycle lanes make Christchurch easy to explore. The botanic gardens and Hagley Park are handy central green spaces for communing with nature. You can also glide along the Avon River in canoes, kayaks, row boats or romantic Edwardian punts.

The Port Hills are Christchurch's ultimate natural playground, with endless hiking and mountain biking adventures with spectacular long range views. The Christchurch Adventure Park offers adrenaline fuelled fun with a range of trails and New Zealand's longest and highest zipline. If you prefer a more leisurely pace when taking in the stunning city wide scenery, check out the Christchurch Gondola or opt for the chairlift at Christchurch Adventure Park.

Head out on day trips to explore the region

The wider Canterbury region is a haven for those seeking incredible scenery and adventures, from lush vineyards and wild coastlines to sky-piercing mountains and pristine glacial lakes. To the north, in the celebrated vineyard and foodie region of Waipara, you can taste award-winning wines and sample delicious flavours from artisan growers and producers. A guided tour from Christchurch makes it easy to relax and discover the local's secret favourites.

The Banks Peninsula is well within reach for a day trip from Christchurch, intoxicating in its size and remoteness. With more than 40 bays, many with white-sand beaches, this peninsula is one of New Zealand's most unique landforms. At its centre is Akaroa, a friendly French-settled town full of boutique shops and restaurants. Cruise among Akaroa Harbour's world-renowned wildlife, including the Hector's Dolphin, the world' smallest dolphin.

Inland from Waipara waits the picturesque town of Hanmer Springs, where you can soak, play or pamper yourself at a magnificent thermal pool and spa complex, complete with hydroslides. Hanmer Springs is also the adventure capital of Canterbury with quad biking, bungy jumping, jet boating and river rafting tours to satisfy your inner daredevil.  

The picturesque seaside town of Kaikoura is another nearby gem, less than three hours north of Christchurch.  With unique landscapes of snow-capped mountains that meet the sparkling sea, the town is most loved for its marine wildlife. The waters are home to whales, dolphins and seals that can be spotted by boat, or from the air in a helicopter or fixed-wing aircraft. There are also guided kayak tours to meet the resident fur seals up close or choose to snorkel with the seals or pods of dolphins.

West of Christchurch, beyond the rolling plains decorated with braided river beds, there are spectacular mountain ranges, rocky gorges, thundering rivers and native forests. Arthur's Pass National Park in the Southern Alps is only two hours by car or you can catch the TranzAlpine train. The famous winter ski fields and terrain parks of Mount Hutt are only 90 minutes from the city and six popular Selwyn ski areas are even closer.

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