Christchurch: The Garden City Reborn

Christchurch - Ōtautahi - is a city reborn. The devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes destroyed much of the central city, but the rebuild has created something remarkable: a vibrant, innovative, and resilient city that blends heritage charm with bold contemporary architecture, world-class street art, and a creative energy that makes it unlike anywhere else in New Zealand. The Avon River still meanders through the Botanic Gardens, punting and cycling remain quintessentially Christchurch, and the Garden City's green character endures. But the city centre is now also home to striking new buildings, container-mall shopping, innovative public spaces, and a food scene that has bloomed in the rebuild. As the South Island's largest city and international gateway, Christchurch is often the starting point for journeys to the Southern Alps, Canterbury Plains, and beyond.

Getting There

Christchurch Airport (CHC) is the South Island's main international gateway, with flights from Auckland, Wellington, Sydney, Melbourne, Singapore, and beyond. The airport is 12km from the city centre ($10 bus, $40 taxi). InterCity buses connect Christchurch with all South Island destinations. The TranzAlpine scenic train to Greymouth crosses the Southern Alps (one of the world's great rail journeys - $139).

Top Experiences

Colourful street art mural on a building in post-earthquake Christchurch

Street art: The earthquakes left blank walls across the city - and artists filled them with extraordinary murals. Christchurch now has one of the best collections of street art in the Southern Hemisphere. Self-guided walking tours (free maps from the i-SITE) take you past dozens of large-scale works. The art transforms rebuild sites into outdoor galleries.
Punting on the Avon: A quintessentially Christchurch experience - glide along the Avon River through the Botanic Gardens in a flat-bottomed punt, propelled by a boatman in Edwardian costume. Relaxing and beautiful ($30 for 30 minutes).
Christchurch Botanic Gardens: 21 hectares of beautifully maintained gardens beside the Avon River - rose gardens, native bush, heritage trees, and conservatories. Free entry. The adjacent Hagley Park (164 hectares) is the city's green lung.
Transitional Cathedral: The "Cardboard Cathedral" designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban - a striking A-frame church made of cardboard tubes, timber, and containers. Built as a temporary replacement for the damaged Christchurch Cathedral, it has become an architectural icon (free entry, donations welcome).

Heritage & Innovation

Christchurch Botanic Gardens with punting on the Avon River and heritage bridges

Canterbury Museum: An excellent museum with Māori, Antarctic, and natural history collections. The Fred & Myrtle's Pāua Shell House (a recreated house covered in pāua shell) is a quirky highlight. Free entry.
Quake City: An interactive exhibition telling the earthquake story through survivors' accounts, recovered artefacts, and scientific explanations. Moving and educational ($20).
Tūranga / Christchurch Central Library: A stunning new public library - light-filled, architecturally bold, and a symbol of the city's renewal. Free.
The Terraces: The city's new waterfront dining precinct along the Avon River - restaurants, bars, and public spaces.
New Regent Street: A beautifully restored 1930s shopping street with pastel Spanish Mission-style facades, cafés, and the heritage tram.

Christchurch Tram & Beyond

The Transitional "Cardboard Cathedral" designed by Shigeru Ban

Christchurch Tram: The heritage tram loops through the city centre past key attractions - a relaxing hop-on, hop-off way to see the city ($25).
Port Hills: The hills above Christchurch offer panoramic views, mountain biking trails, and the Christchurch Gondola ($30 return).
Lyttelton: A charming port town over the hill from Christchurch with excellent cafés, craft beer, weekend markets, and a strong creative community.
International Antarctic Centre: Christchurch has a long connection to Antarctic exploration - the Antarctic Centre has immersive experiences including a simulated storm room, Hägglund vehicle ride, and penguin encounter ($59).
Akaroa: A French-influenced village on Banks Peninsula (90 minutes from Christchurch) with harbour cruises, swimming with Hector's dolphins (the world's smallest marine dolphin), and excellent French-NZ cuisine.

Where to Eat

- Inati: Outstanding tasting-menu restaurant - inventive NZ cuisine using Canterbury produce ($$). - Supreme Supreme: Christchurch institution for excellent coffee and pastries. - Riverside Market: Indoor food hall with diverse vendors - from Japanese ramen to Canterbury craft beer. - Under the Red Verandah (Lyttelton): Exceptional brunch and lunch in a heritage cottage. - King of Snake: Asian fusion in the city centre - great for cocktails and shared plates.

Where to Stay

- The George (luxury boutique, Hagley Park views - from $350/night) - Heritage Christchurch (cathedral square, grand heritage - from $200/night) - Jailhouse Accommodation (converted historic prison - unique! - from $35/dorm) - Eco Villa (eco-friendly B&B, inner city - from $160/night)

Practical Tips

- Christchurch is the South Island's transport hub - hire a car here for your South Island road trip. - The city centre is flat and very bikeable - hire bikes are available. - The TranzAlpine train to Greymouth (Arthur's Pass) is worth doing in at least one direction. - Christchurch is relatively affordable compared to Queenstown - enjoy the excellent food scene.

AUBIS Tip

: Christchurch is the ideal starting point for a South Island adventure. Use AUBIS to book your TranzAlpine scenic train, Akaroa day trip, and then plan your route south through Canterbury to the glaciers, Wanaka, and Queenstown.