Extreme South
Christchurch is THE gateway to New Zealand's Extreme South. Enough of the flowers and history? Check out Queenstown, 'Adrenalin Capital' of New Zealand. Read more...
Flower Power
The well-tended features of the Garden City of New Zealand are matched by the stunning natural beauty of its surrounding mountain regions and coastal wildlife areas. Read more...
Auckland to Christchurch
Things To See In Christchurch
When you fly Auckland to Christchurch getting out and about and discovering the town is what it's all about. Some suggestions for things to see in Christchurch are listed below. There is so much to see and do in Christchurch there is no way you can get bored!
Christchurch Cathedral is the centrepiece of the historical city of Christchurch. Christchurch Cathedral is New Zealand's best-known and most visited church building and a visitors' centre was added to the cathedral in the 1990s, which has information on local events.
Punting Boat Rides are at two locations in Christchurch which offer a relaxing boat trip along Christchurch's River Avon. The City location operates from the Avon River bank, by Worcester Boulevard Bridge. The Park location operates from the historic Antigua Boat Sheds, 2 Cambridge Terrace, next to the Botanic Gardens. A local landmark in Christchurch, the old boat sheds have a green and white striped exterior.
Christchurch Tramway is a 2.5 km track which takes about 25 minutes to complete and allows you to take in many of the 'must see' attractions in Christchurch. Your things to see in Christchurch list when you travel Auckland to Christchurch should include: Cathedral Square, Aquarium of Discovery, The Arts Centre, The Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum and the shopping precinct of New Regent Street.
Christchurch Art Gallery known by Maori's as 'Te Puna o Waiwhetu', this prestigious gallery exhibits New Zealand and international art. Located in Christchurch in the heart of the City's cultural precinct, on Montreal Street, this is one of the things to see in Christchurch.
The Cathedral Square Market offers a vibrant walk in Christchurch city. The market stalls feature New Zealand wood-work, handknitted pieces, jewellery, bone carvings and sheepskins. There is always a choice of food and refreshments, which makes this an ideal, relaxed start to your Auckland to Christchurch vacation. The Cathedral Square Market is open Wednesday to Saturday.
More things to see when you fly Auckland to Christchurch
Nga Hau E Wha Marae is the largest Urban Maori town in New Zealand, its name meaning 'Marae (Maori) of the Four Winds'. It is described by locals as a place where people from all points of the compass can meet, and all cultures are welcome. There are daytime guided tours and specialised workshops in Maori art. 250 Pages Road, Aranui, in Christchurch.
Thermal Pools at Hanmer Springs. For things to see in Christchurch you can't miss out on Hanmer Springs, which is a small township just outside Christchurch city, which is home to a range of thermal pools. The soothing temperatures range between 36 - 40 degrees Celsius (97 - 104 Fahrenheit). There is also a massage centre, with a spa and sauna and there are also many restaurants and cafes in this area.
Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand's largest wildlife reserve set in 80 hectares of park-like grounds, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand's only open-range zoo. The Park specialises in offering close-up wildlife experiences, including 'Lion Encounter', or hand-feeding giraffes. Also cared for by the Park rangers are Monkeys, Meerkats, Otters and Porcupines (spiny Ant-eaters).
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve guarantees that you will see New Zealand's mascot, the Kiwi bird. Within the Reserve is the Ko Tane Maori Experience where native peoples of New Zealand explain and demonstrate their relationship to the land, through dance and song. 60 Hussey Road (off Gardiners Road), Harewood, Christchurch (5 minutes drive from Christchurch Airport). Visit Auckland to Christchurch today!