What are the most iconic things to do in Christchurch?
Ōtautahi is home to spectacular experiences and iconic attractions. Make time to explore by adding these must‑do activities to your city checklist.
Activities
16 January 2026
Ōtautahi Christchurch's most iconic experiences
Check out these 'must do' experiences that belong on every travel checklist when visiting Christchurch.
Taste the flavours of the Riverside Market
Named one of the best food markets in the world, Riverside Market is a vibrant and bustling indoor market located in the heart of the central city.
Discover local flavours from across the region, sample artisan produce, enjoy a craft brew, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere overlooking the stunning Avon River.
Good for:
- A large variety of food choices under one roof, to keep everyone happy.
- Comfortable indoor and outdoor seating areas and lively atmosphere.
- Local seasonal produce and gifts.
Explore Christchurch by Punt, Gondola and Tram
It’s not a visit to Christchurch without experiencing at least one of these iconic attractions! Christchurch Attractions operates Punting on the Avon, the Christchurch Gondola, and the Christchurch Tram.
Each offers a unique perspective of the city—don’t miss the chance to see Christchurch from a new angle on one (or all) of these fun and different experiences.
Good for:
- Relaxed pace with each attraction offering a unique viewpoint.
- Informative commentary and guides.
- The Tram is a great way 'stop hop' around the city.
Want some adrenaline? Zip around the Christchurch Adventure Park
Add a dash of height and a bucketload of adrenaline with a day spent at Christchurch Adventure Park.
Take the chairlift to the top and soar back down on four epic ziplines—the longest stretches over 1 kilometre!
Alternatively, enjoy a more mellow experience exploring the tracks and trails by foot or mountain bike and finish your adventure at the park’s café with pizza and a cold brew.
Good for:
- Unobstructive views of Christchurch city, Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps.
- White knuckled adventure.
- Perfect spot for a coffee or bite to eat after your ride.
Buy NZ made products at The Arts Centre/Te Matatiki Toi Ora
The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora is an absolute gem in the heart of central Ōtautahi.
Kick off with coffee from Frances Nation grocer, then peruse The Custard Square Bookshop, a cute caravan of second-hand books. Then it’s back inside to browse specialised fashion at Indigo & Provisions.
After a few hours spent exploring, you’ll have well and truly earned some refreshments, and there’s no better spot than Cellar Door.
Good for:
- Relaxed shopping with a large range of New Zealand made goods.
- Some of Christchurch's most historic and picturesque buildings.
- Home to one of the city's best independent movie theatres.
Swim or cruise with dolphins in Akaroa Harbour
Any chance to get up close to wildlife in their natural habitat is pretty special, and only a short drive from Christchurch, Akaroa is home to the rare Hector’s dolphin.
Swim or cruise alongside these majestic marine mammals in the magnificent Akaroa harbour. Akaroa Dolphins and Black Cat Cruises offer a range of tours.
With stunning scenery and up-close dolphin interactions, this is truly an experience you’ll never forget.
Good for:
- A truly authentic nature experience.
- Informative commentary and stunning scenery.
- Choice of cruise providers and sailing times.
Soak in hot pools with stunning ocean views
Stretching coastlines, crashing waves and steaming hot pools – it really doesn't get much better than that.
Soak away all your stress in five luxurious hot pools at He Puna Taimoana in New Brighton, complete with stunning ocean views.
Cool off in the plunge pool or unwind in the steam room and sauna for total beachside bliss. For early risers, the sunrise soak is an absolute must!
Good for:
- Catching the first golden rays of the day with a sunrise soak.
- A wide variety of pools with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 39°C.
- Accessible features including hoists, water wheelchair, handrails and accessible change rooms and toilet.
Enjoy a day trip to Lyttelton combining the weekly Saturday market
A Saturday spent exploring the charming port town of Lyttelton is a weekend day well spent. Get there before lunch for their famous farmers’ market, selling everything from fresh produce and artisan products, with live music jazzing up the scene.
Grab a coffee and excellent cabinet food from Lyttelton Coffee Company then pop next door to Henry Trading for treasure trove focused on supporting local and ethical producers.
Good for:
- Vibrant, friendly atmosphere.
- Extensive range of market stalls.
- Cafes and restaurants with harbour views.
Take a day trip to Black Estate & Brew Moon
A fair few Christchurch city dwellers’ favourite day trip is a short drive north into wine country, more officially known as Waipara.
Spoilt for choice when it comes to cellar doors, designate a driver before setting off and reward them with a delicious lunch at Black Estate. Dine on a delicious seasonal menu and take in the rolling hill views of the valley and the vines.
On your way back into the city, a pit stop at Amberley’s Brew Moon is highly recommended.
Good for:
- Stunning winery views overlooking the rolling hills of Waipara.
- 2-Cuisine-hatted restaurant crafting seasonal dishes, using over 90% locally sourced produce.
- A great range of biodynamic and organic wines.
Visit the largest playground in the city - for both the young and young at heart
Looking for a family fun day in the city? Begin your morning with coffee for the adults, fluffies for the kids and brekkie for everyone at Child Sister, one of the city’s much-loved cafes.
It’s a great spot to hit before crossing the road to Margaret Mahy Playground —playground heaven! From giant slides to climbing walls and creative structures, this’ll keep the kids entertained for hours.
Good for:
- Feeding the eels at the jetty beside the playground.
- Large variety of play equipment suitable for all ages including water play in the warmer months.
- Lots of seating, shaded space and BBQ facilities great for family gatherings and picnics.
Outdoor adventures at Hinewai & Hickory Bay
If one thing is true of Christchurch, day trip adventures are plentiful. If you’re after one slightly off the well-trodden path, head towards the southeast of Banks Peninsula for Hinewai Reserve, an ecological restoration wonderland.
Check out their extensive network of walking tracks to experience the regeneration of native vegetation and wildlife on a huge scale.
Drive on around the peninsula and you’ll find yourself at Hickory Bay, a popular surf spot with stunning vistas. Make a weekend of it and stay the night at the beautifully curated cottage and cabin at Hickory Bay Farm.
Good for:
- Hinewai Reserve offers variety of walking tracks in stunning native bush.
- This area of the Peninsula offers back to basics outdoor fun.
- Hickory Bay is good for surfing when it is a Southeast swell combined with a North to Northwest offshore wind.
Jackson Bright
Wine and dine down New Regent Street
No visit to Christchurch is complete without spending time down New Regent Street. This is Christchurch’s only full heritage streetscape. Originally opened in the early 1930’s, this pedestrian street is now home to specialty shops and eateries.
Head out for dinner at Twenty Seven Steps, Story or Casa Publica. Relax into a cocktail at The Last Word or Gin Gin. Cap of the evening with a delicious dessert from Rollickin Gelato or the Waffle Haus.
Good for:
- Shopping at specialty stores.
- Lots of outdoor seating, great for people watching.
- Close to The Piano, The Court Theatre and The Isaac Theatre Royal, perfect for pre or post show eats and drinks.
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