Things to do in Christchurch: the rebuilt city, Banks Peninsula and day trips

Christchurch has changed more than any city in New Zealand. The 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes destroyed much of the centre, and the rebuilt city is now compact, flat and easy to explore on foot, with the Avon River and the Botanic Gardens at its heart. It is also the gateway to Banks Peninsula, Akaroa, Hanmer Springs and the rest of the South Island.

This guide covers the best things to do in Christchurch for a first visit: the central city, the Gondola and Port Hills, an Akaroa day trip, hot pools, food and getting around. Facts are from Christchurch City Council, Canterbury Museum and the operators. Prices are in NZD, as at November 2026.

Quick answer

• Free: the Botanic Gardens and a wander along the Avon.
• Classic combo: tram, punting and the Gondola. The Christchurch Pass bundles all three for $122.
• Best day trip: Akaroa on Banks Peninsula for Hector’s dolphins.
• Hot pools: He Puna Taimoana in the city, or Hanmer Springs for a bigger day out.

If you are starting a road trip here, our 14-day South Island itinerary picks up from Christchurch.

Central city

Christchurch Botanic Gardens are the city’s green heart: 21 hectares, free to enter and wrapped by a loop of the Avon River. Council hours are 7 am to 9 pm from November to February, 7 am to 8:30 pm in March and October, and 7 am to 6:30 pm from April to September. The conservatories are open 10 am to 4 pm. Christchurch Attractions also runs a 50-minute guided garden tour for $30.

Punting on the Avon is the most Christchurch thing you can do: a relaxed, informative guided ride along the river while someone else does the work. It costs $45.

The heritage tram loops the central city with live commentary, and the all-day pass is $42. It is a good way to get your bearings on day one, hopping off near the Botanic Gardens, the shops and the market.

Quake City, a special exhibition from Canterbury Museum at 299 Durham Street North, tells the story of the earthquakes through survivors’ stories, the science and a hands-on liquefaction interactive. It suits all ages and is the best place to understand why the city looks the way it does.

Insider tip: do the tram first. The commentary explains what you are looking at in the rebuilt centre, and the day pass means you can hop on and off for the rest of the day.

The Peacock Fountain in Christchurch. Photo: Sevda UZ via Pexels.

Gondola and Port Hills

The Christchurch Gondola climbs to the summit of Mt Cavendish in the Port Hills. The 852 m horizontal trip takes about 10 minutes, in cabins seating up to four, with views in all directions: back over the city on one side and down to Lyttelton Harbour on the other.

Hours are 10 am to 5 pm in summer (from 28 September) and 10 am to 4 pm in winter (from 1 May), with the last ride down 60 minutes after closing. Allow 1 to 2 hours. At the top there is the Red Rock Cafe, a discovery ride and walking tracks from a 15-minute stroll to trails of a few hours.

Akaroa day trip

Akaroa sits inside an ancient volcanic harbour on Banks Peninsula, about 79 km and 1 hour 25 minutes from Christchurch (routing estimate). The road over the hills is winding, so take it steady.

The main event is the harbour. Black Cat Cruises runs:

• Akaroa Nature Cruise: Hector’s dolphins, seals and seabirds. Adult $130, child (5 to 15) $60, under 5 free.
• Swimming with dolphins: a 3.5-hour encounter with Hector’s dolphins, which Black Cat describes as the world’s rarest dolphin. Adult $250, child (8 to 15) $220, spectators $180.

Back in Christchurch, Black Cat also runs trips to Quail and Ripapa islands in Lyttelton Harbour from $45 adult.

Hot pools

• He Puna Taimoana: Christchurch’s seaside hot pools on New Brighton Beach, about 15 minutes from the city centre, with five hot pools, a plunge pool, sauna, steam room and cafe. Look out for sunrise soaks and adults-only late nights on Thursdays and Fridays. Check prices when booking.
• Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools and Spa: which calls itself New Zealand’s largest geothermal hot pools, about 133 km and 2 hours north of Christchurch (routing estimate). Online saver tickets are $40 adult, $23 child (5 to 15), and $103 for a mini group; booked no later than 10 pm the day before. Standard flexible tickets are $43 adult. As at November 2026, the Cascade pools are closed for refurbishment.

Food scene

The rebuilt centre has some of the best casual eating in the South Island. Riverside Market is the easiest place to start: a market with food stalls, eateries and bars, open from 7:30 am daily, until 8 pm Sunday to Wednesday and 9 pm Thursday to Saturday. All traders are open by 10 am, and eateries and bars stay open late. Days and hours can vary by stall.

Riverside is a good base for a group with different tastes, since everyone can pick their own stall and meet back at a shared table. It is a short walk from the tram route and the Avon, so it slots easily into a central city day.

A sample two days

Day 1, the city: ride the tram to get your bearings, then walk through the Botanic Gardens and take a punt on the Avon. Lunch at Riverside Market, then spend the afternoon at Quake City. In the late afternoon, head up the Gondola for views from Mt Cavendish (check the closing time for the season).

Day 2, Banks Peninsula: leave early for Akaroa and book a morning nature cruise or dolphin swim. Spend the afternoon exploring the village and drive back to Christchurch by evening. If you would rather soak than sail, swap this for Hanmer Springs.

Save money: the Christchurch Pass ($122) covers the tram day pass, the Gondola and punting. Bought separately, those cost $42, $45 and $45, which is $132, so the pass saves $10 per adult.

On a rainy day

Quake City, Riverside Market and the Botanic Gardens conservatories (10 am to 4 pm) are good indoor options. The tram has live commentary and is a comfortable way to see the city in drizzle. He Puna Taimoana works in any weather, as you are already wet. Save the Gondola for a clear day, as cloud can hide the view.

Where to stay

The central city is best for a short stay: you can walk to the Botanic Gardens, the market and the tram. Near the airport makes sense if you are picking up a rental car or campervan and heading straight off. Akaroa is worth a night if you want a slower day with an early or late cruise.

Getting around

Central Christchurch is flat and walkable, and the tram is a fun way to cover more ground. For the Gondola, Akaroa, Hanmer Springs or a road trip, you will want a car; our car rental guide explains excess, insurance and one-way fees. Driving times from Christchurch (routing estimates without stops):

Heading north? See our Kaikōura guide for whale watching. Heading south-west? Lake Tekapo is about three hours away.