Sightseeing in Christchurch - what to see. Complete travel guide

Christchurch is the most “British” out of all New Zealand cities. It never ceases to attract tourists with its fantastic and aristocratic atmosphere. The name of the city literally means “the church of Christ”, but Maori tribes gave this city another name – Otautahi that is also very widespread. According to modern scientists, first settlements appeared yet in the 13th century on the site of the modern city. The moa tribes were the main inhabitants of this region, and hunting was their main occupation. During a bloody tribal war, the territory of the modern city was left completely deserted. In the first part of the 19th century, whale hunters from Sydney founded a seasonal settlement there.

Shopping in Christchurch - main shopping streets, outlets and boutiques

If you want to buy something in the national style, it will be better to come to the city in November. Several major fairs take place throughout the week as part of the Canterbury Show at …

Open

The modern city was founded by settlers from the Great Britain. This important event in the life of Christchurch took place on March 27, 1848. Two years later, more than a thousand people lived in the territory of the new city. The population was growing fast, and the infrastructure was improving literally non-stop. Yet in 1863, the first passenger railroad in the whole country was launched in Christchurch. It keeps working even nowadays, remaining one of the most eye-catching symbols of the city.

In 2011, Christchurch suffered much damage from an earthquake. Thanks to hard work and efforts of local people, it became possible to restore the city fast. Numerous travelers arrive in Christchurch in order to get acquainted with the unique cultural traditions and magnificent landmarks of this place. Beautiful ChristChurch Cathedral remains the main historical symbol of the city. It looks more like a fantastic picture gallery rather than a classical 19th-century cathedral. Cathedral Square has always been the center of the city’s life. You will see people on this square both in the daytime and at night. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Family holidays with kids in Christchurch. How to entertain your child, things to show to children.

Christchurch is a relatively small city. But there are some pretty interesting family entertainments here. You and your family can visit Tamaki Heritage Village, for example. This is not …

Open

When describing interesting peculiarities of the aristocratic city, it’s important to mention the abundance of gorgeous gardens and parks that are present in literally every district of Christchurch. Large green trees look very harmonious next to ultra-modern buildings. Peaceful public gardens only add charm to the city – it is safe to say that Christchurch is made for unhurried walks and admiration of the splendor of nature and history.

Any article about Christchurch would be incomplete without a mention of its culinary traditions. Foodies, who are particularly keen on fish delicacies, will be happy. Each national cuisine restaurant offers a wide range of fish and seafood dishes. Perhaps, «Whitebait» is the most popular national delicacy. This fish is very small, so local fishermen catch it literally with their hands. Such a hard task is very rewarding – the fish is incredibly delicious and is very popular not only with locals but also with guests of the city. Exploration of picturesque gardens, excursions to unique historical landmarks, the degustation of local delicacies, and relaxation in popular venues – Christchurch is ready to offer an incredibly diversified and intense entertainment program for its guests.

Cuisine of Christchurch for gourmet with top restaurants and cafe

It won't be difficult to find a restaurant in neo-Gothic Christchurch today. There are many establishments here due to the popularity of the city among tourists. They match any budget and …

Open

Numerous tourists with children in Christchurch head to Beach Road to see an amazing aquarium. Its inhabitants include dozens of types of exotic fish, dangerous and rare species of jellyfish, sea stars and stingrays, and many other creatures that live in the depths of water. Children of any age can participate in interesting excursions, during which they will learn many new interesting facts. Adults will also find such excursions exciting and educational. The city also has a wonderful zoo with a comfortable relaxation area and numerous amusements. Needless to say, the zoo is also incredibly popular with vacationers with children.

Mount Cavendish is the highest spot in the city. It is possible to reach the top by cable car. A ride on the cable car is an exciting entertainment on its own. Moreover, there is a picturesque park on the mountaintop. The best observation deck in the city is also located here. It is a fabulous place to see all signature landmarks of the city in detail. Travelers, who are short in time and cannot dedicate several days to sightseeing and exploring historical or natural landmarks of Christchurch, are recommended to make a ride on an old tram. It is also a popular tourist attraction – the route of the old tram covers the most picturesque and interesting sights of the city.

Authentic traditions, festivals and lifestyle of Christchurch inhabitants

A ten-day festival of street musicians takes place in the city in January. This event is quite large-scale and world-famous. Thirty thousand singers, dancers, jugglers, acrobats, mimes, and …

Open

Nature fans will genuinely enjoy their visit to Hagley Park. This large park has become home to hundreds of tree and plant types brought from different parts of the world. The park has a developed infrastructure for relaxation. Its territory includes golf courses and even special paths for horse riding. Besides rare plants and landscape decorations, the territory of the park includes several symbolic monuments.

This guide to iconic landmarks and sights of Christchurch is protected by the copyright law. You can re-publish this content with mandatory attribution: direct and active hyperlink to www.orangesmile.com.

Christchurch - guide chapters 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

City tours, excursions and tickets in Christchurch and surroundings

Reference information

Map of all shopping areas

Shopping streets in Christchurch
♥ Shopping area ' Cashel Street' Christchurch, 1.4 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

Photo

Map of all parks

National and city parks around Christchurch
♥ National Park 'Arthur’s Pass' , 103.2 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

Photo

Map of all art museums

Art galleries in Christchurch and around
♥ Art museum 'Christchurch Art Gallery' Christchurch, 0.4 km from the center. On the map Show on the map

Photo

Sights around Christchurch from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Blue Lake

From the series “The Cleanest Lakes and Rivers of the Planet”

Check on the map: Blue Lake on map

Distance from Christchurch center - 163.9 km.

Rob Merrilees was the first specialist who took interest in the lake. When the travellers have already admired the fresh water, they have to walk in the nearby forests and mountain groups. Near the lake, there aren’t any camping sites and it is quite impossible to meet a traveller in this area. People who visit these picturesque places are mostly researchers and ecologies. After a huge research, the scientists assimilated water in Blue Lake with the distilled water. … Read further

Sightseeing in New Zealand: things to see

Blenheim is the most popular and widely visited city of the South Island. The best way to get acquainted with historic heritage of the city is to visit the Seymour Square area and during an excursion in Museum Park. Pollard Park is also a very interesting destination in Blenheim. The park is mostly famous for a large collection of roses and camellias. If you visit the city in February, you will be able to participate in a very unusual holiday dedicated to the grape. The theme of the celebration is not random as during several centuries Blenheim has been the main centre of wine making on the island. Dunedin is the second largest city on the South Island and home to several beautiful medieval buildings. Larnach Castle is usually called the most famous landmark of this place. Visitors are also very welcome in the Museum of Otago, the Museum of Natural History, Dunedin Gallery and Botanic Garden. … Open

Sightseeing in Christchurch - what to see. Complete travel guide

City tours, excursions and tickets in Christchurch and surroundings

Sights around Christchurch from our guide 'Extreme places on Earth'

Blue Lake

Sightseeing in New Zealand: things to see

Search touristic sites on the map of Christchurch

Sightseeing in regions nearby Christchurch