Near-by Activities
Tour the City
Enjoy a journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch's city centre on board our beautifully restored vintage Trams and The Gondola is now also open http://www.gondola.co.nz/gondola/gondola-home/ If you want to put your feet up, hop on a Hassle Free double-decker bus providing great views and an informative commentory. For something slightly different, join a segway tour, the perfect way to explore Christchurch. For the ultimate and literal overview of the city, Garden City Helicopters will take you to lofty heights.
During your city tour make sure you check out the various Gap Filler projects. The team at Gap Filler along with an army of volunteers, temporarily "activate" vacant sites with creative projects. The result is a series of imaginative spaces that engage and entertain as they bring people together.
Explore Our History
If you're a history buff, take a fascinating journey through New Zealand's military aviation history at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. Discover the history of Christchurch and the surrounding regions at the Canterbury Museum and to learn more about the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes and their aftermath, Quake City is well worth a visit.
Christchurch is known as the Gateway to Antarctica and there's no better place to learn more about this connection than at the International Antarctic Centre where you can explore an icy way of living, and cold-loving wildlife.
Be Entertained
Discover the passion and talent of local thespians at The Court Theatre. Delve into Maori culture at Ko Tane, and experience the passion of the haka, and the deliciousness of a hangi.
Parks, Gardens and Walks
Long referred to as "The Garden City" Christchurch's parks and gardens are ripe for exploration. Take a run or stroll around the vast green space of Hagley Park, or wander the blooms and foliage at The Botanic Gardens – New Zealand's largest inner-city park. Enjoy the beauty and the tranquillity of this green sanctum with a punt down the Avon.
For some fresh seaside air and stunning views take a stroll down the Sumner Promenade or New Brighton Pier.
Wildlife
There's wildlife to witness around these parts too. Feed giraffes and lemur, ride into a lion enclosure or get up close with a rhino at Orana Wildlife Park – New Zealand's only open range zoo. For a New Zealand wildlife encounter, Willowbank is the place – you might even come face to face with the elusive national bird – the Kiwi.
Activities and Adventure
Surrounding the city there are a multitude of activities for all walks of life. Including golf courses and driving ranges, tennis courts, wild life parks, walking tracks, cycle tracks, wind surfing, boating and much more. During the winter there are great ski fields within 1-2 hours drive, and the sea and river fishing. During the winter there are great ski fields within 1-2 hours drive. Porter Heights is just 90 kilometres from Christchurch airport and approximately one hour's drive from the Garden City, making it the closest ski area to Christchurch. Rising to nearly 2000 metres, Porter Heights offers spectacular views of the Southern Alps with Lake Coleridge sparkling below. Good natural snow, improved snowmaking and extensive grooming keep the slopes and trails in top condition. For two-wheeled adventures, head to McLeans Island Track or Bottle Lake Forest. Natural High hires bikes for days at a time for those who really want to explore.
For something a bit different – and testing – tackle an aerial obstacle course at Adrenalin Forest, or drive a military tank at Tanks For Everything.
Day Trips
For a relaxing day trip, consider a train journey through the majestic Southern Alps on the TranzAlpine. Take in the sights from the comfort of a newly refurbished carriage.
For a day trip closer to the city Lyttelton has plenty of activities on offer from hiring a kayak to exploring Quail Island in Lyttelton Harbour.