ByChristchurch is a charming and beautiful city on the South Island of New Zealand. Famous for its stunning views of the mountains and gardens, Christchurch has many tourist attractions that you should visit on your trip to this fantastic city.
As the city is brimming with famous parks and gardens, Christchurch is also called the “Garden City” of New Zealand. Being the third largest city in New Zealand, Christchurch houses many famous churches, art galleries, and gardens that allow tourists to spend hours with their families and friends.
As the Avon River streams through Christchurch, you will enjoy the scenic views of the river on the road trip. In this blog, we have curated a list of the best places to visit in Christchurch to make your trip to Garden City memorable.
Tourist places in Christchurch:
1. Botanic Garden
Established in 1863, the Botanic Garden is among Christchurch’s most popular places to visit. Situated near Hagley Park, the Botanic Garden is full of beautiful trees and plants where one can spend hours just strolling around the garden.
The entrance to this famous place in Christchurch is free. The most notable sights at the Botanic Garden include the Rose Garden, Herb Garden, and Fern House, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil and stunning views of the garden. When you visit the Botanic Garden, you will be amazed by the care and maintenance of the park since the trails are neat, and the fountains add to the beauty of the garden.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history and features of the park, then you can hire a guide near the entrance to the garden. They will inform you in depth about the history and aspects of the park. After strolling, if you want to eat some snacks, then there is an option in the garden. The garden houses a delicious café where you can dine and have some delightful snacks to satisfy your hunger.
2. Christchurch Gondola
Opened in 1992, the Christchurch Gondola is one of the most enjoyable things to experience in Christchurch. A ride of 15 minutes up to the top gives you panoramic views of Christchurch and the Southern Alps. In this 15-minute passage, you’ll have the best views of the journey since those views at the summit are stunning.
The ride starts from Port Hills, where your journey will begin, and on the top, you will find a decent cafe where you can dine and have some food while enjoying the views of the Southern Alps.
If you’re a person who enjoys photography and is searching for some unrealistic backgrounds to capture with your camera, then Christchurch Gondola is the best place to go in Christchurch.
3. Cardboard Cathedral
Another option to explore in our top 10 places to visit in Christchurch is Cardboard Cathedral. Famous for its incredible architecture and interior, Cardboard Cathedral is one of Christchurch’s most unique places to visit.
Cardboard Cathedral is a beautiful church in the vicinity of Latimer Square. It draws locals and tourists from all around the world. This church is known as Cardboard Cathedral, as it has been constructed with boxes made of cardboard and containers for shipping.
Today, Cardboard Cathedral is known for organizing numerous events, gatherings, and concerts that allow visitors to gather for specific occasions.
4. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Another popular family destination on our list of top places to visit in Christchurch is Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Easily reachable by any public transport, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve attracts lots of locals as well as visitors since the area is home to exotic animals and birds.
Visitors at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve can watch the famous kiwi bird of New Zealand along with capybara reptiles, tuatara monkeys, and other species of animals. If you’re looking for a great place to visit with your family and, particularly for children, then Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is the best place to see. Be sure that you bring a camera along with you as the area is filled with moments you’d like to capture on your camera.
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5. Quake City
Located in Christchurch, Quake City is one of the most visited destinations in Christchurch. Quake City showcases the history of earthquakes, which occurred mainly in 2010–11.
Quake City Museum showcases the effects of earthquakes in its library. It has artefacts, photographs, and even interviews with survivors that are extremely sensitive and simultaneously moving. Although it’s small, it’s a treasure trove of information regarding earthquakes and their aftermath. The staff at the museum is competent, friendly, and eager to help people about the quakes in the cities.
6. Air Force Museum of New Zealand
If you have a couple of hours on your trip to Christchurch and are looking for the best to go, then the Air Force Museum in Christchurch is the place to see. Located in Wigram, this famous location is home to a variety of historic and modern aircraft and jets. The Royal Air Force Museum is accessible to the public and is free to visit.
The Air Force Museum of New Zealand hosts exhibits to allow visitors to learn more about the history of the Air Force. The museum also houses a cafe where visitors can have a bite to eat while they are in the museum. If you’re looking for different and interesting things to do, then why not try a fighter plane simulator for just 2 dollars to experience the feeling of flying a fighter plane?
The Air Force Museum of New Zealand is one of the best places in Christchurch to spend a few hours with your friends and family. There, you and your kids can discover more about the flying machines that are the pride of New Zealand.
7. Hagley Park
Hagley Park is situated in the middle of Christchurch, near the business district. Located on more than 164 acres, it is one of the largest and most well-known parks in Christchurch.
Hagley Park houses many activity places for visitors to enjoy, depending on their interests. The park has tennis courts as well as a Golf Club area where you can see athletes performing their regular exercise. Hagley Park also has other playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic spots where families can relax in this tranquil setting.
If you love boating, there is a lake that goes by the name Victoria Lake, where tourists can enjoy boat rides. The park’s complex includes a glass café where you can dine and savour tasty food in this serene setting. If you’re searching for a peaceful tourist place in Christchurch, then Hagley Park must be the location for you.
Suggested: Places to visit in Wellington
8. Canterbury Museum
Another top place to see in Christchurch is the Canterbury Museum. In contrast to the Air Force Museum & Quake City, the Canterbury Museum houses more than 2 million pieces focused on natural and human time.
Established in 1867, this well-known museum survived the 2011 earthquake due to its solid construction. The most famous gallery in the Canterbury Museum is the Antarctic Gallery. They show how difficult it is for humans to travel through the Antarctic area due to its cold temperatures. The museum also has details on birds that have gone extinct, such as an extinct skeleton called Moa flying.
The museum’s management keeps the museum very tidy and maintained all day. The staff at the museum is friendly, experienced, and eager to assist its visitors.
9. Orana Wildlife Park
Located on McLeans Island Road in Christchurch, Orana Wildlife Park is a wildlife reserve that is designed for the care and conservation of various kinds of wild animals. Orana Wildlife Park is home to more than 1,000 animals, representing around 100 species of animals.
Orana Wildlife Park also features safari tours for guests, which will have a guide to help you explore the wildlife at its finest. Visitors to the park will see cheetahs, rhinoceroses, lions, lemurs, and many more animals roaming around.
Orana Wildlife Park is a perfect family outing place in Christchurch, as you can enjoy 3 or 4 hours in the company of your loved ones, watching wild animals all around.
The city of gardens in New Zealand is filled with incredible places to explore. In this article, we have listed 9 famous places in Christchurch, New Zealand, that you must visit with your family and friends to have a memorable vacation.
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