Top 5 Things to Do in Christchurch

Christchurch is a vibrant city where culture, history and adventure come together. Along with these Top 5 Things to Do in Christchurch, don’t forget to stop by the Riverside Market, a lively hub where locals and visitors gather over fresh produce, artisan food and boutique stalls. This guide will take you through the most exciting ways to explore Christchurch, from gondolas in the hills to peaceful punting on the Avon.

🚠 Gondola Ride in the Hills

One of the most spectacular experiences in Christchurch is riding the Christchurch Gondola. As the cable car glides smoothly up the Port Hills, the city begins to shrink below you and the horizon expands. From the top, you’re greeted with sweeping views across the Canterbury Plains, the glistening waters of Lyttelton Harbour and, on a clear day, the distant Southern Alps.

The gondola station itself is more than just a lookout. Visitors can step into the Time Tunnel, an immersive ride that brings the region’s volcanic past and early settlement stories to life. There are also walking tracks that meander along the ridgeline, giving you the option to stretch your legs and soak up the scenery from different vantage points. Whether you pause for a coffee at the summit café or head out on a longer walk, the gondola makes it easy to connect with Christchurch’s natural beauty in just a few minutes.

Features:

• Scenic ride with 360-degree views of mountains, harbour and city
• Access to walking tracks like the Crater Rim Walkway
• Time Tunnel ride – an immersive history of Canterbury
• Summit café for coffee and snacks with a view

🚋 Hop on the Christchurch Tram

The Christchurch Tram is more than just a ride—it’s a journey through the heart of the city’s character and charm. Stepping aboard feels like travelling back in time with polished wooden interiors and the nostalgic bell ringing as the tram sets off. As you trundle past New Regent Street’s pastel-coloured buildings, glide through Cathedral Square and loop towards the Botanic Gardens, the city reveals its layers of history and renewal.

What makes the tram so special is the live commentary from the drivers, who share fascinating insights and quirky local stories that bring the city to life. It’s a relaxing way to explore Christchurch without rushing and because it’s a hop-on hop-off experience, you can easily stop at museums, shops or Riverside Market before continuing your loop. It’s a gentle reminder to slow down and see the city at your own pace.

Features:

• Unlimited hop-on hop-off throughout the day
• Knowledgeable drivers share live commentary about Christchurch’s history
• Stops include Cathedral Square, New Regent Street, Botanic Gardens
• A fun way to see the city centre without walking everywhere

🚣 Punting on the Avon

Few activities capture Christchurch’s elegance quite like punting on the Avon River. Settling into a flat-bottomed boat, you’re guided along the willow-lined riverbanks by a skilled punter in Edwardian dress. The gentle rhythm of the pole through water creates a sense of timeless calm, while the reflections of bridges and gardens ripple around you.

As you drift past the Botanic Gardens and historic landmarks, the experience feels worlds away from the bustle of the city streets just a few steps away. It’s especially magical in spring, when blossoms brighten the banks or in autumn, when the trees turn shades of gold and red. For couples, it’s a romantic escape; for families, it’s a chance to slow down and see Christchurch from an entirely new perspective.

Features:

• Relaxing 30-minute ride on flat-bottomed boats
• Choice of central city departure or Botanic Gardens
• See native birdlife, bridges and riverside gardens
• Great for couples, families and solo travellers alike

🐬 A Day Trip to Akaroa

Escaping to Akaroa is like stepping into another world, and it’s one of the most rewarding day trips from Christchurch. Nestled in the ancient crater of a long-extinct volcano, this harbour town is filled with French charm, from its quaint cafés and galleries to the fleur-de-lis motifs scattered through its streets.

But Akaroa is more than just pretty architecture. Its deep harbour is home to Hector’s dolphins, the rarest dolphins in the world and local cruises give you the chance to see them in their natural habitat. Between dolphin-spotting, tasting fresh seafood and pastries and strolling along the waterfront, a visit to Akaroa feels like both an adventure and a retreat. The scenic drive itself, winding over the Banks Peninsula hills, is worth the journey alone.

Features:

• Spot Hector’s dolphins on harbour cruises
• French cafés and bakeries with unique flavours
• Explore heritage architecture and art galleries
• Walking tracks with stunning harbour views

🎟️ Explore Christchurch with the Ultimate Sightseeing Pass

If you want to make the most of your time in the city, the Ultimate Christchurch Sightseeing Pass ties everything together. It bundles the gondola, tram and punting experiences into one ticket, creating a seamless way to explore Christchurch without the hassle of separate bookings.

The pass is perfect for first-time visitors who want a taste of everything. Start the morning with a gondola ride, catch the tram to Riverside Market for lunch, then finish the day drifting along the Avon. It’s flexible, cost-effective and lets you design your own adventure while knowing you’re hitting the city’s biggest highlights. For travellers short on time, it’s the easiest way to experience the essence of Christchurch in a single visit.

Features:

• Covers multiple attractions in one ticket
• Saves both time and money for visitors
• Flexibility to explore at your own pace
• Ideal for first-time travellers who want the highlights

Final Thoughts

These Top 5 Things to Do in Christchurch show off the best of the Garden City, from adventure in the hills to serene moments on the river. Whether you’re riding the gondola, hopping on the tram or heading out to Akaroa, Christchurch is full of memorable experiences. And don’t forget—the Riverside Market is waiting to round out your visit with fresh local flavour.