Let’s explore the Garden City!

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a Canterburian born and bred, you’ll discover plenty of things to do in Christchurch. From family activities to attractions for adventure seekers to romantic places for couples, Christchurch has options for every taste and interest

 

Attractions

Botanic Garden

Christchurch is the Garden City of New Zealand, visiting our city is not complete until you visit the historic Botanic Garden. Appreciate the outdoor circular Rose Garden containing 150 different varieties. Crush a leaf and smell each herb in the Fragrance Garden. See New Zealand’s only World Peace Bell.

A great family activity any season of the year: enjoy the world-famous Botanic Gardens of Christchurch.

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Photo Credits to Christchurch Botanic Gardens Facebook page.

Akaroa Dolphins

Akaroa Dolphins is a family-run business dedicated to providing an authentic, personal, and luxurious harbor nature cruise, with a strong focus on enriching the environment and the community. Their cruises offer the opportunity to visit the world's smallest and rarest dolphins, the adorable and playful Hector's dolphins, while showcasing highlights such as the highest cliff in Banks Peninsula, the famous 'Elephant Head,' and Cathedral Cave. These experiences are designed to create lasting and amazing memories.

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Photo Credits to Akaroa Dolphins Facebook page.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve

Just 15 minutes drive from the Garden Hotel & Restaurant, get close to the wildlife and see Kiwi in a natural environment. As well as the other native birds: Kea, Tuatara and more. Willowbank is surrounded by native bush, flora and fauna. It is also well-known to be one of the homes of New Zealand’s best displays of native species!


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Photo credits to Willowbank Wildlife Reserve Facebook page.

Pōhatu Penguins

Pōhatu Penguins is a family-run business with a long-standing history of protecting the Kororā (Little Penguin) in Pōhatu Bay on the family farm. They offer unique adventure and wildlife tours, guiding you to explore the largest Australasian little penguin colony on the mainland of New Zealand, embark on a sea-kayak tour in the Marine Reserve, take a spectacular 4WD scenic tour, or even spend a night in the midst of a penguin colony.

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Photo Credits to Pohatu Penguins Facebook page.

Punting on The Avon

Explore the tranquil side of Christchurch with a classic boating, or Punting, experience on the beautiful Avon River. A punter provides informative commentary as he or she guides you and your companions past the city centre and Christchurch Botanic Gardens in a narrow boat. You can upgrade your tour to include the Christchurch Botanic Gardens Tour, a Christchurch Gondola ride, or a Christchurch Tram's hop-on hop-off sightseeing tour of downtown.

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Photo credits to Christchurch Attractions.

Adrenaline Forest

Have you imagined your visit to Christchurch could be full of challenging adventures?
Fly, jump, swing and scream in through the treetops. Test your limits and conquer your fears. And the best, the whole family can join the adventure! How high and how far will you go?

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Photo credits to Adrenaline Forest NZ Facebook page.

Alpine Jet Thrills

If you are a thrill seeker, Alpine Jet Thrills is a must do when you visit Christchurch. Canterbury’s Leading JetBoat and New Zealand’s ONLY AirBoat Experience. Just 20 minutes drive from the Garden Hotel & Restaurant, see the beauty of Waimakariri River from different perspective. Alpine Jet Thrills is more than a ride, it's an experience.

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Photo credits to Alpine Jet Thrills Facebook page.

Orana Wildlife Park

A day visit to Orana Wildlife Park will definitely give you and your family a memorable experience. It is New Zealand's only Open Range Zoo and exclusively home to brother Gorillas. The Park is set on 80 hectares of land and is a sanctuary to over 1000 animals. The thrill of hand feeding a majestic giraffe, seeing a tiger search for food, meeting the few white rhino’s left on earth ‘face-to-face’ and travelling through a pride of lions is all just a 20 minute’s drive away from the main city centre. You can find out the feeding and presentation times from the Park’s Daily Animal Presentation Schedule to ensure you are there to see your favourites.

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Photo credits to Orana Wildlife Park Facebook page.