Walking through the city feels less like visiting a polished tourist hub and more like stepping into a community that values authentic connection over grandeur, where green spaces and garden squares invite lingering rather than rushing. It is now a vibrant, compact urban center that balances modern innovation with its rich English heritage, offering travelers a warm, manageable gateway to the wild beauty of Canterbury.
Do Christchurch the way locals do: start slow at Bottle Lake Forest Park, eat where the regulars do at Little High Eatery, let the evening run long at The Church Pub.
Top things to do in Christchurch Ranked by rating and review volume. These earn their hype. Booking links may earn Roam a commission, at no cost to you.
1
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Botanical Garden · ★ 4.7 (14,865 reviews)
These gardens in Hagley Park feature native & exotic plants outdoors & in several conservatories.
Check tours & tickets 2
The Margaret Mahy Family Playground
Playground · ★ 4.8 (6,340 reviews)
Adventure park with slides & climbing towers built as part of the post-2011 earthquake recovery.
Check tours & tickets 3
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Wildlife Park · ★ 4.7 (5,936 reviews)
Native New Zealand wildlife such as kiwis, along with a restaurant & guided tours.
Check tours & tickets 4
Canterbury Museum
Museum · ★ 4.6 (5,253 reviews)
Displays on Christchurch and Canterbury, including Maori and Antarctic discovery collections.
Check tours & tickets 5
Christchurch Gondola
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.5 (4,252 reviews)
Iconic mountain cablecar offering panoramic views & a cafe & gift shop at the summit.
Check tours & tickets 6
Orana Wildlife Park
Zoo · ★ 4.4 (4,706 reviews)
Open-range zoo with species such as giraffes, gorillas, lions, white rhinos & the native kiwi bird.
Check tours & tickets 7
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
Art museum · ★ 4.5 (3,725 reviews)
Art museum showcasing contemporary works & offering films, lectures, tours & family events.
Check tours & tickets 8
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
History Museum · ★ 4.7 (2,342 reviews)
Exhibits on the country's military aviation history along with aircraft, tours & a flight simulator.
Check tours & tickets 9
International Antarctic Centre
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.4 (3,845 reviews)
Simulated Antarctic environments, penguins, huskies & rides in amphibious Hägglund vehicles.
Check tours & tickets 10
Mona Vale Garden Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (2,153 reviews)
Early 1900s homestead with several formal gardens, riverside walks & a restaurant.
Check tours & tickets Where to eat Local favorites, not tourist traps.
11
Little High Eatery
Food Court · ★ 4.6 (5,020 reviews)
Trendy food court featuring restaurants, cafes & bars serving international cuisine.
Website 12
King of Snake
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (2,913 reviews)
Modern eatery serving creative Korean, Chinese & Southeast Asian eats in a dark, red-accented space.
Website 13
Unknown Chapter Coffee Roasters
Cafe · ★ 4.7 (2,141 reviews)
Website 14
Fiddlesticks Restaurant and Bar
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (2,277 reviews)
Stylish, popular place offering inventive dishes & an extensive range of beer, wine & spirits.
Website 15
5th Street
Restaurant · ★ 4.8 (1,370 reviews)
Website 16
Casa Publica
Restaurant · ★ 4.5 (2,088 reviews)
Classy tavern & cafe offering elevated South American dishes, live music & 100+ rum varieties.
Website 17
Afghan Restaurant
Afghan restaurant · ★ 4.7 (1,314 reviews)
Website 18
Twenty Seven Steps
Restaurant · ★ 4.7 (1,235 reviews)
Website Hungry for more? Book a food tour or tasting in Christchurch
Tours worth booking ahead These sell out, so lock them in early.
19
Punting On The Avon (Antigua Boat Sheds)
Tourist Attraction · ★ 4.7 (1,700 reviews)
Sightseeing rides in a small, flat-bottomed boat poled by a guide dressed in Edwardian clothing.
Check tours & tickets 21
Kiwi Adventures Tour & Travel — Private Day/Multi Day Tours
point_of_interest, establishment · ★ 5 (201 reviews)
Check tours & tickets Get outside 25
Bottle Lake Forest Park
Park · ★ 4.6 (1,814 reviews)
Sprawling pine forest with trails for mountain biking, horseback riding & hiking, plus a BMX course.
Website 26
Christchurch Adventure Park
Park · ★ 4.7 (1,507 reviews)
Park with a zip line & biking trails for all skill levels, plus panoramic views from a chair lift.
Website 27
Godley Head Farm Park
Nature Preserve · ★ 4.7 (931 reviews)
Former military site with walking paths offering scenic harbor views near cliffs & old structures.
Website 28
Corsair Bay Reserve
Park · ★ 4.6 (740 reviews)
29
McLeans Forest
City Park · ★ 4.6 (698 reviews)
Website After dark 30
The Church Pub
Pub · ★ 4.6 (1,298 reviews)
Website 31
Smash Palace
Bar · ★ 4.6 (1,269 reviews)
Website 32
The Last Word
Bar · ★ 4.7 (868 reviews)
Website 33
Mr. Brightside Rooftop Bar
Bar · ★ 4.5 (594 reviews)
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