Christchurch: Gardens, History and Experiences on the Avon
Accommodation in Christchurch
Christchurch offers different ways to discover the city: among historic buildings, botanical collections, memorials, market life and a trip on the river. As you plan your trip, you can consider which of these experiences interest you most—and which location in Christchurch suits your own itinerary.
Gardens and river experiences
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are located in the heart of ĹŚtautahi Christchurch and feature significant collections of exotic and native plants. One striking feature within the gardens is the Peacock Fountain on the Armstrong Lawn. The fountain was originally imported from England and installed in the gardens in the early 20th century. This brings botanical collections and a historic design feature together, without limiting your visit to a single theme.
A guided tour in an electric shuttle by Christchurch Attractions includes live commentary and takes you through the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Punting on the Avon offers a different focus: the 30-minute river tour departs from the historic Antigua Boat Sheds in the city centre and returns there. Passengers can enjoy the Botanic Gardens’ scenery and the river’s wildlife while listening to the boatman’s commentary. The two experiences therefore differ mainly in format: a garden tour by electric shuttle or a guided river tour.
City history and cultural sites
The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora site comprises 23 buildings. Of these, 22 are listed with Heritage New Zealand, and 21 are classified as Historic Place Category One. The Rauora/Revival exhibition tells the story of the site’s restoration. Those who would like to explore the Arts Centre in more depth can choose the Official Arts Centre Guided Walk, which also visits areas that are not normally open to the public.
The Kate Sheppard National Memorial explains Christchurch’s role in the women’s suffrage movement. Kate Sheppard and other women collected more than 31,000 signatures in support of the cause. In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to grant women the right to vote. The Bridge of Remembrance commemorates those who served in both world wars. The two sites highlight different aspects of the city’s history: the women’s suffrage movement and remembrance of those who served in wartime.
Quake City is a special exhibition by Canterbury Museum in Christchurch about the Canterbury earthquakes. It tells the stories of people who experienced the earthquakes and those who came to help. Alongside the history of voting rights and the memorials, the experience of earthquakes in Canterbury is another theme to explore.
City life and getting around
The restored historic trams offer hop-on hop-off sightseeing, with drivers sharing their knowledge of the city along the way. If you prefer to explore food and local businesses, Riverside Market is an indoor food market in the centre of ĹŚtautahi Christchurch, with local shops and market stalls.
Christchurch city centre is easy to explore by car, public transport, e-scooter or on foot. If your travel companions have different interests, you can also organise your day around different types of experiences: a guided ride, time in the gardens, city history or a visit to the market each offer a different focus.
Discover more destinations
For further inspiration, explore the sub-destinations Addington and New Brighton. Discover more destinations: Duvauchelle, Akaroa, Lyttelton.
Back to the parent destination overview: Christchurch.
