21 best things to Do in Christchurch – The New, Outdated and Funky

Native resident and journey author Martina Grossi shares one of the best issues to do in Christchurch. It has come a good distance because the earthquakes of 2011.

Final week I requested ‘Phil the builder’ his ideas on Christchurch’s Rebuild. ‘It’s lastly coming collectively’, he mentioned with a staple Cantabrian smile on his face.

It looks as if all of us really feel the identical. This has been my dwelling for the final four.5 years, however of us simply passing by nonetheless surprise why I selected a wrecked metropolis to grow to be an expat.

In all honesty, Christchurch has come a good distance because the early days after the massively harmful earthquakes of 2010 and 2011  We’ve been given the prospect to create one thing new, modern, trendy and funky!

Christchurch 2019

So in case you are not sure whether or not it’s price to commit 1 or 2 days to discover Christchurch, take a look at my favorite 21 issues to do on the town throughout 2019 and see for your self!

Even in the event you visited 2 years in the past, town has modified a lot that you could be not acknowledge many areas of the CBD. On this article, Luke shares his expertise visiting Christchurch in 2016. It appears fairly totally different now!

So sit again and revel in all the brand new issues to do in Christchurch and revisit a few of the outdated favourites. 

1.

Avenue view of the Turanga Library, proper in entrance of Cathedral Sq.

The most recent and most modern improvement in Christchurch’s CBD. Since its opening in 2018, the Turanga Library has grow to be an absolute should for folks round city.

Cease by for a cuppa, climb the ‘Harry Potter Stairs’, take pleasure in panoramic metropolis views, chill out with a e book and take part in most of the workshops!

The Basis Café on the library is among the few cafes on the town that’s open until eight pm

Turanga is open 9 am to eight pm Monday to Friday and 10 am to five pm Saturdays and Sundays. Free 45 minutes guided excursions are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 am.

Discover the library with a 45 minutes free guided tour

2.    Cathedral Sq.

Not loads has modified in Cathedral Sq.. Town remains to be debating on initiatives and funding

Don’t imply to disappoint you, however the Cathedral nonetheless stands in ruins as town retains debating what to do with it. Final 12 months an modern mission was formally launched however dates and funding are nonetheless unsure.

It’s nonetheless price visiting to be taught concerning the earthquakes and likewise, it’s not like you possibly can skip it as that is the center of Central Christchurch!

3.  Arts Centre of Christchurch

One of many 23 buildings that make up the Arts Centre of Christchurch

The earthquakes prompted substantial injury to the buildings that altogether make up the Arts Centre of Christchurch.

A hub for artwork, innovation, and historical past

It wasn’t until June 2016 that some areas, outlets, and galleries inside the precinct began opening!

As soon as contained in the Arts Centre’s most important constructing, you’ll discover the Nice Corridor on the precise facet

Now guests can take part in lots of free occasions, e book artful workshops, get a tattoo, take heed to a live performance, have a espresso or simply stroll across the modern outlets.

Caption: A sneak peek into ReKindle’s workshop.

Open on daily basis of the week from 10 am to five pm. Be sure to set 1 hour apart on your go to! Free entry.

4. Botanical Gardens and Hagley Park

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are an all-time traditional on the town! They’re related to Hagley Park, town’s most important –and largest– park.

Dedicate a minimum of one hour to discover the various areas and gardens of the Botanicals

Discover the Rose Backyard, New Zealand’s Native bush sections and chill out by one of many many secret benches surrounding the lakes.

Entrance is free.  Over the winter months, the gate’s closing time is 6.30 pm. In any other case, it’s eight.30 pm or 9 pm.

Memorial to Christchurch Mosque Assaults

‘They Are Us’, one other message of affection from the resilient neighborhood of Christchurch

Earlier than you head to the subsequent cease of your go to, take a second to commemorate the victims of the Christchurch Mosque Assaults. After the bloodbath of the 15th of March 2019, folks began bringing flowers and messages of affection, compassion, and kindness. At present, two months after the bloodbath, choices can nonetheless be seen subsequent to the Botanical Gardens’ most important gate.

These could also be quickly relocated, nonetheless not confirmed when and the place.

5. Canterbury Museum

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The Canterbury Museum, situated subsequent to the Botanical Gardens on Hereford Avenue

One other traditional on the town, the museum was one of many few spots folks may go to, a minimum of partially, after the earthquakes. It absolutely re-opened in 2013.

Entrance is free, although donations are inspired! The Museum opens on daily basis from 9 am to five or 5.30 pm.

6.    Christchurch Artwork Gallery

The doorway of the Christchurch Artwork Gallery

For nearly 5 years, the Christchurch Artwork Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhet was closed to the general public. Till its grand reopening in 2015 after intensive constructing repairs, it was serving as emergency headquarters and short-term lodging for the Christchurch Metropolis Council Employees.

It appears onerous to think about the early days now as one wanders the spacious halls crammed with modern displays in such a peaceable setting.

Free guided 45-60 minutes excursions depart from the entrance desk on the bottom flooring each day at 11 am and a couple of pm. The gallery opens from 10 am to five pm each day and hosts weekly occasions.

7.    Exploring the Metropolis’s Avenue Artwork

French artist Tilt painted the Tooth Mural in 2015 for the Spectrum Avenue Artwork Pageant. Reverse to the On line casino, on 50 Victoria Avenue

Looking for world-class avenue artwork in Christchurch has grow to be one of many coolest actions when strolling round city.

After the earthquakes, totally different initiatives gathered artists from New Zealand and abroad to carry town again to life by funky avenue artwork! Christchurch is now amongst the 39 Avenue Artwork Capitals of the world on the choice curated by the Lonely Planet.

Australian avenue artist Rone painted this mural on 109 Worcester Avenue, simply behind Cathedral Sq., in Central Metropolis

Guests can even use a free interactive map to information the hunt of avenue artwork round city.

 

8. Bridge of Remembrance

The Bridge of Remembrance is a gathering level in Central Metropolis

Constructed throughout 1923 to commemorate the troopers who fought abroad throughout WWI, the bridge was reopened after the earthquake repairs on April 2016. This is among the most well-known picture spots on the town!

Simply meters from the Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial, it marks the start of the model new promenade stroll. Relaxation assured you received’t miss it!

9. Central Christchurch’s Avon Riverside Promenade

New pubs and eating places on the Riverside Promenade, simply in entrance of the Remembrance Bridge

Beginning on Oxford’s Terrace, the brand new riverside Promenade extends alongside 2 km following the Avon River all the best way as much as the Margaret Mahy Playground.

Grassy areas, walkways, bridges, artwork, eateries, pubs and cycle lanes make up this mission that took 5 years to construct and was formally open on November 2018.

This space is rapidly changing into a full of life hub for night-owls trying to find dancing, dwell music, craft beers, and creator cocktails.

10. Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial

The Memorial is situated on Cambridge Terrace in Central Christchurch

On February 2017, the Canterbury Earthquake Nationwide Memorial opened to the general public as a part of the Sixth-anniversary commemoration occasions. The memorial remembers the 185 individuals who misplaced their lives and the survivors of the devastating earthquakes that shook town to its core.

11. New Malls and Galleries

The Crossing on 166 Cashel Avenue

Cashel St. has grow to be the purchasing coronary heart of Central Christchurch. New markets, malls, and worldwide clothes shops are opening each few months.

The BNZ Centre and The Crossing are the latest and brightest spots for grabbing lunch, having a espresso with associates and purchasing.

Although these new developments didn’t come controversy-free! Folks nonetheless miss the well-known Re: Begin Container Mall that was torn aside not that way back.

New improvement the place the Re: Begin Mall was situated

12. Regent Avenue

Vacationers and locals alike love New Regent Avenue!

In case you’ve ever seen images of Christchurch, for certain you understand about this cute little pedestrian passage only one avenue off Cathedral Sq.! Guests love to sit down and watch the tramway move by whereas having a drink outdoors one of many many cafés and wine bars.

 

13. The O.G.B. at The Heritage Lodge

This place was a secret on the town because it was hiding behind meters and meters of scaffolding throughout its rebuilt)

In case you fancy a drink and a platter after a protracted day scouring town, you possibly can head to The Heritage Lodge, dwelling of the O.G.B. Bar Lounge. Acknowledged as one of many prime bars on the town, the constructing is price a go to by itself. It has nice ambiance, 1930’s décor model, and dwell music. It’s my private favorite!

14. Isaac Royal Theatre

Renovated and re-opened in November 2014, the ITR hosts a lot of the worldwide exhibits coming to Christchurch

Opened in February 1908, this French Renaissance-style constructing has been internet hosting main exhibits for over 100 years! It’s often closed through the day, however contemplating it’s simply meters from Cathedral Sq., it’s price to swing by and take a second to understand its façade!

15. Little Excessive Eatery

Throughout lunch and dinner peak hours you possibly can count on to be ready in line from 5 to 20 minutes

Opened in Could 2017, Little Excessive Eatery has grow to be the hippest munching spot on the town with an array of worldwide avenue meals.

From South American barbeque to tailor-made made burgers and Thai meals, head there in the event you’d wish to expertise one of many native’s prime spots! The place itself is price a go to as its set in an space of the CBD that also has lots of rebuilding works forward! For my part, that makes it much more fascinating.

Little Excessive is situated on 255 St Asaph Avenue, four blocks from Cathedral Sq.. Open from eight am to 11 pm over weekends (10 pm on weekdays).

It’s an excellent choice in case you are working late for dinner. Most locations on the town name it quits round 9ish!

16. Group Tasks

The Christchurch Slackline crew and GapFiller set to create the brand new and first devoted Slacklining Park within the South Island

Central Christchurch nonetheless has many streets and areas that haven’t been rebuilt. Removed from being intimidated or annoyed by it, totally different initiatives on the town are centered on sharing these areas with the neighborhood.

New Sports activities Park, simply meters from the Slacklining Park

Many fascinating issues are occurring due to the work of inventive social enterprises like GapFiller (Add hyperlink: https://gapfiller.org.nz/).

Visiting any of those spots will provide you with a good thought of the inventive breeze spreading out throughout city!

17. Victoria Avenue

Victoria Avenue and Salisbury Avenue Junction

Fantastic and trendy eating, a secret cocktail bar, the On line casino and a Clock Tower. That’s Victoria Avenue briefly! The chosen spot for these fancying a giant night time out!

18. Margaret Mahy Playground

Only a 10 minutes’ stroll from Cathedral Sq.

Opened on December 2015, that is the biggest playground within the Southern Hemisphere. The perfect half is you don’t have to have the youngsters in tow to take pleasure in it! Everyone seems to be welcome right here!

19. Riccarton Bush Saturday Farmer’s Market

The Saturday Farmers Market is a traditional weekend plan for folks residing and visiting Christchurch

Each Saturday from 9 am to 1 pm of us on the town kick-start the weekend with a compulsory go to to the Farmer’s Market. In case you are not round city through the weekend, nonetheless head to the Riccarton Bush, the grounds the place the market takes place. Go to the Victorian Riccarton Home, the Rose Backyard, and Deans Cottage. Although this isn’t in Central Christchurch, it’s simply three km away!

20. Punting the Avon

The Punting The Avon Tour is a fairly authentic method to go sightseeing

Arms to coronary heart, I’ve by no means achieved this! I’m together with it although because it’s an iconic go to in Christchurch! Guests love to sit down again and chill out in one of many many gondolas that navigate the Avon River.

Excursions depart from 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch Central, on daily basis from 9 am to six pm. It prices $ 30 NZD for adults and $ 15 NZD for youths.

20. Victoria Park and the Port Hills

Overlooking Peninsula Banks from Victoria Park

In case you nonetheless have a little bit of time and vitality left after a busy day, you possibly can head to Victoria Park, up within the Port Hills. Only a 15 minutes’ drive from Central Christchurch separates this beautiful sundown spot and climbing space!

 

About Christchurch

When to go to Christchurch.

Christchurch is an all-year-round vacation spot for these visiting New Zealand.

Beware although that we’ve ‘island climate’ right here, which means you could expertise many several types of climate throughout the identical day.

Carry layers of clothes on your go to, whatever the season!

Getting round Christchurch

A lot of the locations I’ve shared on this information are reachable inside strolling distance.

That mentioned, I’d wish to level out the two favorite methods to get round Central Christchurch!

The Christchurch Tramway

Caption: Iconic Christchurch Tramway

The well-known heritage tramway prices $ 30 NZD for adults and stops in a lot of the metropolis’s most important points of interest.

Get a Lime Scooter!

Reasonably priced and quick, all you want it to obtain the app, put your info and scan the QR code!

For the reason that Lime Scooters have been launched into town simply over 6 months in the past, they turned the subsequent massive factor. Now you possibly can see folks using –and falling!- on the streets each minute. They’re in all places!

The place to Keep in Christchurch

The central metropolis presents quite a lot of lodging choices from Airbnb flats to completely serviced motel flats and hostels.

It’s also possible to discover good lodging within the areas surrounding Hagley Park.

My private favorite place to remain in Christchurch is Riccarton, the neighbourhood you attain when heading west from Central Christchurch.

Seek for Lodge Offers in Christchurch on Reserving.com

Reserving.com

Come Go to Us!

In case you’ve loved this information, come and spend 1 or 2 nights on the town, for certain you’ll discover it’s a full of life metropolis coming along with loads to supply.

My final piece of recommendation and possibly an important is: discuss to the locals! This can be a very various and open-minded neighborhood that has gone by loads prior to now few years.

Aotearoa is New Zealand’s identify in Maori. It means the Land Of The Lengthy White Cloud.

Worldwide Antarctic Centre

In regards to the Writer:

Martina Grossi is an Argentinian journey and expat blogger based mostly in Christchurch, New Zealand. Her weblog, The World Curious, evokes folks to go on their first abroad journey wholeheartedly and fuelled by curiosity!

You’ll be able to watch her YouTube Channel, comply with her on Fb , Instagram and LinkedIn.

Learn Extra:

Issues to do in New Zealand – 33 Should do Adventures

The Very Finest Issues to do in Wanaka

33 Causes to Go to New Zealand