Christchurch Tram & Tram Restaurant

Christchurch is home to a beautifully restored heritage Tram and a Tram Restaurant. This is a great way to take in the sights that Christchurch offers plus you can get on and off at any of the 17 stops throughout the day! The Tramway Restaurant departs from Cathedral Junction at 7:30pm daily and a 5:00pm departure is available Friday to Sunday during summer. Bookings are essential for the Restaurant Tram.

Three ways to take a paddle along the Avon

Punting on the Avon is a favourite with Christchurch visitors. Enjoy an informative guided punt ride in central Christchurch. Choose from a Antigua Boat Sheds departure for a leisurely trip through the botanic gardens (available year-round) or a Worcester Bridge departure which takes you through the heart of the city (summer only).

Waka on the Ōtākaro Avon is a new attraction to Ōtautahi Christchurch and offers visitors a unique cultural experience of paddling a hand-crafted waka (Maori canoe). Leaving from Victoria Square on Colombo Street you’ll take a 45 minute gentle paddle along Ōtākaro Avon River, your guide will share early stories of Maori and the early European settlers providing you with a whole new perspective of the city.

Antigua Boatsheds has a number of different water vessels available for hire – from single or double kayaks, paddle boats, and row boats. Take a paddle up the river through the botanic gardens and hagley park and you’ll be sharing the river with a number of water fowl. Once you’ve given your arms a rest sit back and enjoy an enjoyable meal in the onsite restaurant.

Christchurch Gondola

The Christchurch Gondola is located on the Port Hills overlooking the city and Lyttleton Harbour. Take advantage of the shuttle from Cathedral Square in the city and enjoy the journey to the base of the Gondola. Jump in a cable car and take in the beauty of the Canterbury Plains – remember your camera! Once you get to the top you’ll get to experience the Christchurch Discovery Ride involving the history of the region then enjoy a meal in the Red Rock Café.

The Antarctic Centre

Need to cool down on a hot Canterbury day? The Antarctic Centre is located near Christchurch airport but offers a free shuttle to and from Cathedral Square in the city – how good is that?! With exhibitions suitable for all ages The Antarctic Centre really does have something for everyone.

Museum & Art Gallery

The Canterbury Museum and The Christchurch Art Gallery are located in central Christchurch, are super close together and both offer free entry! These popular attractions are sure to keep you entertained with new and exciting exhibitions available regularly. The Art Centre is chock full of historic buildings and unique boutique shopping outlets.

Take a Moment to Smell the Roses

Christchurch is known as the garden city and has a number of world class gardens free to the public. The most well known is the Christchurch Botanic Gardens located near Hagley Park and the Arts Centre. An easy stroll along the Avon River from the city centre, these spectacular gardens are worth a visit anytime of the year.

History and Heritage Abound

If you’re bit of a heritage buff there are some wonderful examples of early colonial houses and gardens open to the public.

  1. Riccarton House and Bush: Built in three stages from 1856 to 1900 for a pioneering Dean family, this historic homestead sits alongside the tranquil Avon River. Every Saturday a farmers market runs with local produce, street food and arts and craft. Part of the property is a natural bush reserve with 7.8 hectares of Kahikatea Forest – a gentle boardwalk meanders throughout the bush where you can marvel at the sounds of native birds and marvel at trees over 600 years old. Tours are available of the house and a cafe is also located on site.
  2. Kate Sheppard House: Kate Sheppard was an iconic leader of the women’s suffrage movement in New Zealand. The house, built by the Sheppards in 1888, is located in Ilam and is now a registered and protected historic place. Many of Sheppard’s campaign activity was conducted from this house including the collection of over 25,000 signatures in 1893. The onsite museum offers guided tours, morning and afternoon tea, alongside art exhibitions.
  3. Mona Vale Homestead and Garden Park: Located in Riccarton this Victorian style home is set among a stunning English style garden. The home has been converted into a restaurant and function venue but the gardens are open to the public. Visit in spring or summer to see the gardens at their best.

Self-Guided Walking Tour of Christchurch

Create your own self-guided walking tour of Christchurch from Scenic Hotel Cotswold.