With Christchurch center about an hour and half away from my home in Methven I can’t say that I get into the city very often. I’m also not really a city person but when I had the chance to explore with Christchurch Attractions I was actually quite excited! There are so many things to do in Christchurch, I would certainly suggest taking at least a few days to explore the city.
I was exploring with a friend from Canada and we were able to tick a lot of things off the list but only with a day to do them. Even if you’re there for a day or planning to stay longer be sure to check out Christchurch events for anything happening. Christchurch is a busy little city with lots on offer and Christchurch attractions offers a great way to see the city!
Christchurch Gondola
Our first stop was the Christchurch Gondola. It was a lovely ride to the top where we got an amazing view of the Lyttleton Harbour and the hills of the Banks Peninsula and the city with the Southern Alps in the background. We enjoyed a cup of coffee at the cafe at the top, of course, took some photos and went back down to head into Christchurch city center. You can book your tickets here or when you get to the gondola.
Christchurch Tram
It was a Saturday so the city center was busy as per usual but not nearly as bad as I thought. It was beautiful out. A tad hot but it was in the middle of summer (January) so I couldn’t really expect anything less. The Busker’s Festival was also going on at the time and also markets on that day so everyone was out and about for some entertainment, goodies and a little exploring.
We hoped on the Tram for a city tour. With 17 stops, it is the best way to see what the city center. We didn’t get off at every single stop. Instead, we mixed a little bit of walking in with hoping on and off the tram. Each tram runs every 10-15 minutes so the beauty of it is that you’re not waiting forever for another tram to get back onto. We were pretty tired by the end of the day and sat for the full ride which took about 50 minutes.
I would highly recommend taking the Tram at least once. Even for you who live in the city! The conductors are really friendly and knowledgeable so you do get to learn quite a bit of history throughout the ride. It’s really comfy too so hop on and save your legs.
There were 17 stops. Some take you to a monument or specific building, others to a street full of cafes, bars and shops. We didn’t get off at every stop but here are a few we got off and at and the ones I recommend!
Cathedral Square
Pretty much the hub of the center, Cathedral Square is so interesting and holds a piece of Christchurch history that no one will ever forget. The Christchurch Cathedral, half-demolished from the 2011 earthquakes currently stands and is the biggest reminder of the fatal devastation of 2011.
There are many food trucks in the square as well as street entertainment.
High Street
We got off on High Street to check out the art installation of 185 white chairs. It is an unofficial memorial commemorating those lost in during the 2011 earthquakes. Each chair represents a different person in life. Along Hereford Street is the Transitional Cardboard Cathedral. A stunning building built as a temporary place of worship and community events since the Christchurch Cathedral was so damaged.
Christchurch i-SITE
The stop in at the i-SITE was very cool. The architecture of the building is stunning. Inside there are beautiful galleries and handmade shops to check out.
Museum & Botanic Gardens
The Canterbury Museum is just across the road from the Christchurch i-SITE. So we did walk over but it is a stop on the tram as well. The museum is great to walk through. It’s free and a gives a bit of a cool down on a hot day. The Botanic gardens are absolutely beautiful. Lots of bright vibrant colours.
Manchester Street
The stop on Manchester Street was primarily to go see the beautiful elephant mural. This is one of the many murals around the city center and certainly worth checking out. The area has been fixed up and well let’s be honest, a great place for photos! Christchurch NZ has a list of other streets with murals!
Regent Street
This is the last stop on the tram with Christchurch Attractions if you take it right from the beginning. This is a must-stop in the city center. The street is full of places to eat and shop and the Spanish architecture is beautiful.
Where to purchase tickets
You can purchase tickets online or go into the office at 109 Worcester Street.
Opening hours:
Summer: 9am – 6pm daily (September – March)
Winter: 10am – 4pm daily (April – August)
Tickets start at $25 for adults but they have different packages you can do. Our tickets were the tram and gondola combo.
Other attractions
Christchurch Attractions also offers a tour called ‘Punting on the Avon’ that takes you down the Avon River in Edwardian-style boats.
If you want to treat yourself you can stay on the tram for an exclusive tour on the Tramway Restaurant. This is the only one like it in the city where you can have a delicious dinner as you move through the city. It takes about 2.5 hours and departs from Tram Stop 1 in Catherdral Junction. Opening hours are:
7:00pm daily March – October and 7:30pm daily November – February (excepting public holidays).
Have you been to Christchurch before? Ridden the tram? What is your favourite part!?
Want to explore more of what New Zealand has to offer? Check out a weekend road trip to the west coast, find the best photo spots in Queenstown or get out on some easy walks in mid canterbury.
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