Christchurch is a destination that has so much to offer anyone visiting for the first time. This beautiful city is found on the South Island of New Zealand, at its east coast.
That coastal setting ensures that tourists can enjoy sunbathing on the beach if they wish. However, Christchurch also has lots of historic attractions and exciting nightlife venues.
Another reason why it is becoming so popular as a holiday spot is its safety. New Zealand is rated among the top ten safest countries for women traveling alone.
All of this makes Christchurch a place that you must visit. In the guide below, we will outline each of the major attractions it has to explore, so that you don’t miss out on anything.
How to Get Around Christchurch
Once you arrive in the city, you will find that you have several options for getting around. Christchurch is a relatively small city that has around 420,000 residents, which makes it ideal for renting a car and driving around.
Alternatively, you can enjoy the scenery from onboard the TranzAlpine Train. This will take you right across the Southern Alps, starting from Christchurch and ending at Greymouth on the West Coast.
If you prefer to stay within the city limits, either the Christchurch Gondola or a punt on the River Avon will offer a relaxing tour. The first takes you slowly up Mt Cavendish, which is 448 meters in height. The view looking down on Canterbury is sublime.
The second allows you to drift past the gorgeous gardens on each side of the river, while the guide fills you in on their history. You can take refreshments along for the ride.
Nightlife in Christchurch
After the sun sets, you can choose whether you’re into relaxing with a cocktail, savoring some good food, or diving into a live music experience, Christchurch has something for everyone. There was more of a nightlife scene before the earthquake, but the following spots should be on your list.
Late Night Dining and Hangout Spots
A favorite is Waffle Haus on New Regent Street. They whip up some delicious waffles until 10pm every day.
Just a short hop away, if you crave something reminiscent of homey comfort food, ZZAN on Manchester Street serves some of the crispiest, finger-licking fried chicken you can imagine until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights.
And for those who occasionally need a sugar fix at the oddest hours, Bun’s Bakery on Ferry Road is open 24/7. Grab a fresh pastry there!
If you’re a fan of unique experiences, Dice and Slice offers the perfect combination of board games and food, keeping its doors open until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s a great spot to hang out with friends or even meet new folks over a friendly game.
Bars and Clubs
For cocktail aficionados, Austin Club stands out. It goes above and beyond with its ambiance and selection, staying open until 3am on Friday and Saturday nights.
Rockpool Bar is another gem. Not only does it boast a variety of drinks, but there’s also pool tables, making it a brilliant spot to mingle and have fun until late every day.
Christchurch Casino
When you are ready to hit the town after dark, a first port of call should be the city’s casino. This opened back in 1994 and it is on Victoria Street, just north of the city centre.
It is a venue that has grown in popularity among both residents and tourists in the years since. Although increasing numbers are opting to play live games in a casino online, this venue still attracts plenty of tourists due to the impressive architecture.
Christchurch Casino has a variety of gaming options for players. It has Poker, Baccarat, Roulette and Blackjack games available all the time, as well as many slot machines.
The casino also offers a VIP gaming lounge which is offered to players through invitation only. The VIP lounge includes exclusive gaming tables as well as a dining room, bar and host services.
And they have the Monza sports bar, which is open from Tuesday to Sunday, while the casino itself stays open until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays, providing a great mix of games and drinks.
Live Music and Themed Venues
Fat Eddie’s – This venue is considered to be a staple of the nighttime scene in Christchurch.
It is the place to go if you love live music and dancing, as Fat Eddie’s attracts some of the best bands from the area. There is a fine dance floor where you can shake some action, and a balcony with views of the river, if you need to cool off a bit.
Wunderbar in Lyttelton, Space Academy, and Darkroom are my go-to places for live performances. The vibe at Wunderbar is particularly quirky and charming.
When the mood strikes for something nostalgic, drop by Arcadia for some old-school arcade games. You get to enjoy a throwback while sipping on some brews. And speaking of retro, Smash Palace, now on High Street, is hands down one of the quirkiest bars around with its bus-turned-bar, creating a fantastic atmosphere for an evening drink or two.
Unique Experiences
If your night out extends to exploring the artistic side of Christchurch, check out the late-night events at XCHC (Exchange Christchurch) or one of the many art openings at Chambers, CoCA, Fiksate and City Art Depot. These places often offer free snacks and wine, making it a classy yet laid-back way to spend your evening.
The Boxed Quarter and Outdoor Fun
The Boxed Quarter is another spot that deserves a special mention. It hosts various events such as art carnivals, promising an entertaining experience filled with creativity and community vibes.
For a serene end to a bustling night, the New Brighton hot pools offer a magical stargazing experience. Picture yourself relaxing in the warm waters while gazing at the stars – sure beats simply winding down in front of the TV! See below for more info.
Lastly, I must mention the vibrant and energetic atmosphere at Riverside Market and The Terrace. These spots come alive, particularly on weekends, reflecting the lively and diverse culture of Christchurch.
Art and Culture
If you’re still buzzing with energy and want to dive into some culture, The Art Gallery stays open until 9pm on Wednesdays. This is a fantastic way to blend art with nightlife.
All in all, Christchurch’s nightlife has a little something for everyone. It’s a concoction of experiences waiting to be explored. Whether it’s food, drink, music, or art, you’re bound to find a spot that feels just right.
Historic Attractions
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens can be found in central Christchurch and they are not to be missed. If you want to revel in outstanding natural beauty, this is one of the top places where you can do so.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens cover no less than 21 hectares and they are home to gardens with many different themes. Some examples include a Fragrant Garden, a Herb Garden and a Heritage Rose Garden.
They are an attraction that you can wander around in your own time, or take a guided tour through. You may even opt for a guided ride on the Caterpillar, an electric shuttle that takes you around the gardens. The gardens were first created as a royal wedding celebration.
Christ Church Cathedral
Work on the church started way back in 1864, and it took quite a hit during the 2011 earthquake. After years of debate, it is now being fully restored, and the current plan is to reopen it in stages by the end of 2030. It’s a reminder of the past, and of how far the city has come!
Cathedral Square is the heart of the city, buzzing with energy in the summer as jugglers, tourists, and locals come together to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. It’s a great spot to soak in the local culture!
Canterbury Museum
Canterbury Museum is somewhere you must go if you have the slightest interest in the city’s history and culture. It houses an enormous collection that ranges from Maori artifacts to displays concerning expeditions to the Antarctic.
Just know that the main museum building on Rolleston Avenue is closed for a big redevelopment until around 2029. In the meantime, part of the collection is on show at the Canterbury Museum Pop-Up on Gloucester Street.
Relaxation
Sumner Beach
You might fancy taking some time to just laze around during your trip to Christchurch, and Sumner Beach is ideal for that. It is a lovely beach covered in smooth sand, which makes it suitable for everything from sunbathing to play.
The water is clear and perfectly safe for swimming, with fully trained lifeguards patrolling on summer weekends. There is also Cave Rock for some fun exploration.
He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools
Imagine soaking in five heated saltwater pools, each with its own temperature, with a sauna, a steam room and a cold plunge pool on top, right by the ocean. That’s exactly what you’ll find at the wellness facility on New Brighton Beach!
It’s the perfect spot to escape on a rainy day or to warm up after taking a refreshing plunge in the chilly Pacific. Trust me, it’s a cozy retreat you won’t want to miss!
From sandy beaches and scenic attractions to exciting nightlife, Christchurch has everything a tourist could want.
