Things to Do in Christchurch, New Zealand: A Backpacker’s Guide
Christchurch is the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s a popular starting point for exploring the region. Known as the Garden City, it has parks, gardens and a river running through the centre. You’ll also find cafés, creative spaces and easy access to the coast.
The earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 had a major impact on Christchurch and its communities. Since then, the city has continued to change. Historic buildings now sit alongside modern architecture, new public spaces and reminders of its past.
For backpackers, Christchurch offers free outdoor activities, city attractions and day trips. Walk through the Botanic Gardens, explore the city centre or head into the Port Hills for views. You can also use Christchurch as a base for travelling around the South Island.
Must-See Attractions in Christchurch
Punting on the Avon
Punting on the Avon is a classic Christchurch experience. A guide propels a flat-bottomed boat along the river, giving you a peaceful view of the city and its surrounding greenery.
It’s a gentler alternative to some of New Zealand’s more adrenaline-filled activities and can be a lovely way to spend part of the day. Check current departure arrangements, prices and booking requirements before visiting.
Christchurch Gondola
The Christchurch Gondola takes visitors up the Port Hills for views over the city, the Canterbury Plains and the surrounding landscape. Visibility depends on the weather, so choose a clear day if the views are your main reason for going.
Allow time for the journey to the attraction as well as the gondola ride itself. Check current opening arrangements and transport options before setting off.
Christchurch Heritage Tram
The heritage tram is a way to see parts of the central city while learning more about Christchurch’s history. Depending on the ticket available, you may be able to hop on and off at designated stops.
It can be a useful option if you want an overview of the central area without walking everywhere. Check the current route, operating times and ticket options before planning your day.
For bookable city experiences, keep your existing Christchurch tours link if it still leads to the correct page.
Adrenaline Forest
If you enjoy outdoor challenges, a high-ropes course may appeal to you. These activities generally involve navigating elevated platforms and obstacles among the trees.
Before retaining the existing Adrenaline Forest recommendation or booking link, check that the specific attraction is still operating and that its location suits your plans. Confirm current activities, age restrictions, safety requirements and prices directly with the operator.
Rafting and Outdoor Adventures
If you want something more active, look into rafting or other outdoor adventures available from Christchurch or the wider Canterbury region.
Not every activity takes place close to the city, and some excursions require a full day of travel. Check the departure point, transport arrangements, season and physical requirements before booking.
Take a Day Trip to Akaroa
Akaroa is a small harbour town on Banks Peninsula, known for its French colonial heritage, waterfront setting and surrounding volcanic landscape. It makes an appealing excursion from Christchurch if you have enough time to explore beyond the city.
The journey is part of the experience, with scenic roads and views across the bays and hills. Once there, you can wander around the town, browse its shops and cafés, enjoy the harbour or look into local walking opportunities.
Boat trips may offer opportunities to see marine wildlife, including dolphins, but sightings are not guaranteed. Check the current operator information, departure location and trip duration before booking.
If you’re travelling by public transport or joining an organised excursion, confirm how much time you’ll have in Akaroa and whether transport is included. If you’re driving, allow time for the winding roads and stops along the way.
Free and Low-Cost Things to Do in Christchurch
Christchurch is a good city to explore without spending a lot. Parks, gardens, public spaces and coastal walks offer plenty of options between paid attractions.
Visit Sumner Beach
Sumner is a popular seaside suburb with a sandy beach, cafés and coastal scenery. It’s a good place to take a walk, relax by the sea or enjoy a break from the city centre.
Cave Rock is a recognisable landmark on the beach. If you want to explore around it, check the tide and local conditions first, and take care on wet or slippery surfaces.
See the Cardboard Cathedral
The Cardboard Cathedral, officially known as the Transitional Cathedral, was built following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake as a replacement place of worship while the original cathedral was unavailable.
Its distinctive design uses cardboard tubes alongside other building materials, making it an unusual piece of contemporary architecture. Check current visiting arrangements before making a special trip.
Explore New Regent Street
New Regent Street is known for its pastel-coloured Spanish Mission-style buildings and pedestrian-friendly setting. It’s a pleasant place to wander, browse independent businesses and stop for a coffee or something to eat.
It’s easy to combine a visit with a walk around the central city.
Visit the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens and neighbouring Hagley Park offer green space close to the centre of the city. You can wander among the gardens, follow paths beside the river, relax on the lawns or bring something for a picnic.
They’re particularly useful options if you want a break from paid attractions or need somewhere to stretch your legs between sightseeing stops.
Walk Around the Central City
Christchurch’s central city combines historic features, modern architecture, public art, cafés and areas shaped by the city’s rebuilding.
Exploring on foot lets you discover these different sides of Christchurch at your own pace. You can also follow the Avon River through parts of the city and stop wherever something catches your interest.
Explore the Port Hills
The Port Hills offer walking routes, open spaces and views over Christchurch, the coast and the surrounding plains. Routes range from shorter walks to more demanding outings.
Choose a route that suits your fitness and the weather, and check track access and local conditions before heading out. Carry water, wear suitable footwear and allow enough time to return before dark.
Walking and Hiking in Christchurch
Walking is one of the easiest ways to explore Christchurch, and there are options ranging from gentle city strolls to hill walks with wider views.
Walk Along the Avon River
The Avon River runs through the city and provides a pleasant route for a walk. You can combine riverside paths with nearby parks, gardens and central-city attractions.
Explore the Port Hills
The Port Hills have a range of walking tracks and viewpoints. Depending on your route, you may see Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour, the Canterbury Plains or the coastline.
Sugarloaf is a familiar landmark in the hills, but check the current track information before choosing a route. Conditions, access and walking times can vary.
Christchurch is a major transport hub for the South Island, with an international airport and connections to other destinations by road, coach and rail.
Walk at Godley Head
Godley Head is known for its coastal scenery, walking routes and historic defence structures. It can be a rewarding outing if you want to explore beyond the central city.
Plan for changing coastal weather and check the current track status before leaving. Take water, suitable clothing and footwear, and allow enough time for the walk and return journey.
Choose walks that match your ability and the time available. Check local advice for track closures and conditions, particularly after severe weather.
How to Get to Christchurch
Christchurch is a major transport hub for the South Island, with an international airport and connections to other destinations by road, coach and rail.
Arriving by Air
Many international and domestic travellers arrive through Christchurch Airport. If you’re flying in, check your onward transport options before travelling, including how you’ll get from the airport to your accommodation.
Travelling from Picton
If you’re coming from the North Island by ferry, the usual route is to cross Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton, then continue south through the South Island.
You can travel by car or campervan, or look into coach and rail connections. The best option depends on your budget, schedule and whether you want to stop along the way.
Kaikōura is one possible stop on the journey south, particularly if you want to explore the coast or look into marine-wildlife excursions.
Travelling Around the South Island
Christchurch is a useful starting point for a wider South Island itinerary. Before committing to a route, consider how long you want to spend in each destination and whether you’ll be driving, using public transport or joining an organised tour.
Check current timetables and journey estimates before travelling. Allow extra time for stops, road conditions and connections, especially if you have a ferry or flight booked.
Plan Your Christchurch Visit
How long you spend in Christchurch depends on your interests and wider South Island route. A short stay can include the central city, river walks and gardens, while extra time gives you the opportunity to explore the Port Hills, visit the coast or take a trip to Akaroa.
If you’re travelling on a budget, combine free walks and public spaces with a paid attraction or organised excursion that interests you most. Check current opening times, transport arrangements and activity details before setting off.
For organised experiences, browse our existing Christchurch tours and booking options. If you’re planning the next stage of your trip, continue exploring our South Island destinations and build an itinerary that suits your time and budget.
As usual, get in touch for the best prices.
