A rebuilt city on New Zealand's South Island, known for its mix of old and new architecture, riverside punting, art galleries, and nearby thermal pools and volcanic landscapes.
Christchurch, the largest city on New Zealand's South Island, has rebuilt itself after earthquakes in 2010 and 2011. Today, you'll see a mix of old and new architecture throughout the city. You can take a punt down the Avon River, visit the Christchurch Art Gallery, or explore the Botanic Gardens within Hagley Park. Just outside the city, you can relax in thermal pools at Hanmer Springs or hike the volcanic landscape of Banks Peninsula.
City Layout and Green Spaces
Christchurch's city center is surrounded by the Four Avenues - Bealey, Fitzgerald, Moorhouse, and Deans. The grid pattern of streets makes it easy to find your way around. Cathedral Square forms the heart of the city, though the central cathedral was badly damaged in the earthquakes. Hagley Park, a vast 165-hectare green space, borders the western edge of the center. Within Hagley Park, you'll find the 33-hectare Christchurch Botanic Gardens, where you can see beautiful flower displays, native New Zealand plants, and several conservatories.
Earthquake Recovery and Modern Architecture
The 2010 and 2011 earthquakes changed Christchurch's cityscape. Many old buildings were damaged or destroyed, but the city has taken the opportunity to rebuild with new designs. The Transitional Cathedral, nicknamed the "Cardboard Cathedral," is an example of post-quake architecture. Made partly from cardboard tubes, it temporarily replaces the damaged ChristChurch Cathedral. The new central library, Tūranga, has a modern design with a gold-tinted façade and spacious interior.
Art and Culture
Christchurch has an active arts scene. At the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, you can see an extensive collection of New Zealand and international art. The building itself stands out with its curved glass façade. Street art has become common in post-quake Christchurch. You can walk around the city center to see large-scale murals on many buildings. The SCAPE Public Art program regularly places temporary and permanent sculptures throughout the city.
Food and Dining
The city's food options have grown in recent years. At the Riverside Market, opened in 2019, you can browse a busy indoor farmers' market with fresh produce, artisanal goods, and various eateries. For a unique meal, try Twenty Seven Steps on New Regent Street, located in a restored 1930s building. The restaurant serves modern New Zealand cuisine using local ingredients. If you enjoy coffee, visit C1 Espresso, which uses a quirky pneumatic tube system to deliver sliders to your table.
Outdoor Experiences
Despite being a major city, Christchurch gives you easy access to nature. In the Port Hills, remnants of an ancient volcano, you can hike or mountain bike on trails with views of the city and ocean. You can kayak or paddleboard on the Avon River right in the city center. For a more challenging adventure, you can head to the nearby Southern Alps for skiing in winter or hiking in summer.
Getting Around
Christchurch has a large bus network that covers most of the city and surrounding areas. The flat terrain makes cycling popular, with many dedicated bike lanes. For a scenic journey, you can take the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth on the West Coast. The 5-hour trip passes through the Southern Alps, giving you views of the mountains.
Day Trips from Christchurch
Several interesting destinations are within easy reach of Christchurch. Akaroa, a small town on Banks Peninsula, is about 90 minutes' drive away. It has French heritage, colonial-era buildings, and harbor cruises where you might see rare Hector's dolphins. Hanmer Springs, two hours north of Christchurch, is known for its thermal pools and spa complex. You can soak in the hot pools or enjoy activities in the surrounding alpine landscape.
