Welcome to Otautahi Christchurch! Top things to see and do in Canterbury.
- Jesse Holmes
- Sep 29
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 30
As we operate out of Christchurch, what better way to start our next series of blogs than by taking a closer look at some of the best things to see and do in Ōtautahi and wider Canterbury. But first, a brief history…
Akin to our nation’s beginning, the first to arrive were members of North Island iwi (Māori tribes); descendants of Polynesian explorers who became the first navigators to land in Aotearoa New Zealand. They would have found a region abundant in native wetlands, bush, and mahinga kai, or food gathering sites, which were quickly depleted and built on by European settlers from the late 1770s. By the time Te Tiriti o Waitangi (the Treaty of Waitangi) was signed on the 6th of February 1840, demand for resources, such as timber and whale oil, was immense. This led to more and more land acquisition from Ngāi Tahu iwi (the main tribe of Waitaha (Canterbury). Tangata Whenua) through various deeds as early Pakeha looked to establish permanent settlements. The unfair and unjust nature of the land purchases continues to be grieved by local iwis due to their deep ties to Papatūānuku (Earth Mother) and her cultural meaning to them.
As British and European influence (particularly Anglican of nature) entered and expanded, Ōtautahi changed too. The booming population saw increased agriculture and horticulture - which remains integral to Waitaha’s economy today. With an enclosed and established harbour thanks to Lyttleton’s volcanic past, imports and exports were plentiful. Throughout the 1860s and 1870s, there was a push to build a more established identity for the central city. Christchurch city landmarks were built or consented for construction, including the University (now the Arts Centre), museum, and Cathedral.
Fast forward two world wars and two hundred years later, Ōtautahi was thriving. However, the city and surrounding region was left rattled by two significant earthquakes in the span of 6 months in 2010 and 2011. Tragically, the timing of the later and shallower quake meant 185 lives were lost, with much of the city’s buildings destroyed and suburbs swamped by liquefaction. Despite the grief, the resilience of Ōtautahi’s population shone through, seeing it as an opportunity to redefine and reconnect with our environment.
The city’s rediscovery has seen a re-emphasised focus, and championship of mātauranga Māori (Māori knowledge) and related biculturalism. This has been pivotal to innovation and inspiration of Christchurch's rebuild. Tūranga, Ōtautahi’s central city library, reflects iwi consultation with the building's external bronzy gold panelling, a nod to the tussocked landscape of the surrounding region. The Te Pae Convention Centre was consulted similarly, with design and engineering symbolising the region’s unique braided river ecosystem as the key link between the mountains and the sea (ki uta ki tai, in te reo Māori). Along the corridor between the Avon River and Te Pae, you will also find a series of 13 woven mats - Ngā Whāriki Manaaki. A reflection of Māori tikanga (or values), the mats welcome guests from near and far and celebrate the coming together of people.
With plenty of things to see and do, here are our team’s top recommendations for those looking to self-navigate, self-explore, and fall in love central Christchurch between tours.
Foodie?
You must visit the Riverside Market and Little High eatery! These locations provide you with plenty of options to choose from no matter your budget or taste palette. They’re usually packed full with friendly locals who will be more than happy to share their favourite things to do and places to eat. We also highly recommend Rollickin Gelato. It's an after dinner staple in Ōtautahi, or as a delicious treat anytime, all year round. Located on both New Regent Street and Cashel Street (Riverside end), this is a must-do!
If art, culture, and history is more your style, then we recommend checking out the following (and mostly free!) locations around the city centre!
● Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū (The gallery showcases a variety of local and international works - if you are pressed for time, it is also open on Wednesdays until 9pm!)
● Arts Centre (original site of the University of Canterbury - is also home to Ernest Rutherford’s Den and the Teece’s Museum. Both are free entry, but a small koha (donation) is always appreciated).
● Canterbury Museum Pop-Up (located on Gloucester Street while the permanent site is undergoing renovations until 2030).
● Quake City (entry is $25, but we highly recommend if you’re curious about the effect the earthquakes have had on our city).
● Kate Sheppard House (located in Ilam - entry fee of $15-$20 depending on whether opt for a self-guided or guided tour) and Kate Sheppard Memorial (Avon River Corridor, central city)
● Mona Vale Homestead and Gardens (located in Fendalton)
● New Regent Street (built in the 1930s, the colourful facades are sure to brighten your day!)
● Street Art Trail and Scape Public Art (Christchurch's central city is home to plenty of incredible street artworks by various local artists. More information can be found here).
Sport enthusiast, or want to see why we are known as the Garden City? Check out the below!
● Botanic Gardens (has a dedicated New Zealand section) and Hagley Park
● Kayak or punting along the Avon River (check out Christchurch Attractions for more information).
● Ōtakaro Avon River Corridor (features regenerative planting along the river - wander down terraced steps next to the Bridge of Remembrance as eels can often be found lurking!)
● Hagley Oval (located in Hagley Park - check out the New Zealand cricket schedule for upcoming fixtures)
● Te Kaha Stadium (highly recommended for those looking for a classic Kiwi experience! With our new stadium opening in 2026, why not pop along to a rugby fixture! With plenty of regional rivalries, this is bound to be a cool and unique experience!)
● Sumner Beach (public bus connections available from central Christchurch)
Finally, for families with tamariki (children), the following are bound to delight!
● Margaret Mahy Playground
● Tūranga central library
● International Antarctic Centre (located by the airport - central city transfers available by shuttle).
● Metro Sports Facility (includes hydroslides! Opening October/November 2025)
● Willowbank Wildlife Reserve (animal feeding available - also has a Kiwi House and is home to many of Aotearoa’s native and endangered species).
● Christchurch Tram (a great way to see the city if you are pressed on time!).
● Gondola (located on the Port Hills - shuttles are available from the Cathedral Square tram stop).
Having now introduced you to Ōtautahi Christchurch, our next series of blogs will introduce you to our various day tour options which venture beyond the city into Waitaha and beyond! Stay tuned for updates. Next week, we enter Mackenzie Country!
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