Christchurch is a city that has reinvented itself. Once known as the most English city outside England — all Gothic spires, willow-lined rivers and manicured gardens — the devastating 2010 and 2011 earthquakes flattened much of the central city. What has emerged from the rebuild is something more interesting: a creative, innovative city that wears its scars honestly and has found new energy in street art, pop-up culture, craft beer and a food scene that punches well above its weight. The gardens and parks survived the quakes, Hagley Park is still glorious, and the Avon River still winds through the heart of town. Christchurch is the natural starting point for any South Island road trip and deserves more than just a night before you pick up the rental car.
The Earthquake Story
You can't understand modern Christchurch without understanding what happened on 22 February 2011. A magnitude 6.2 earthquake struck at lunchtime, killing 185 people and destroying much of the central city. The iconic Christ Church Cathedral in Cathedral Square was severely damaged, and more than a decade later it remains behind construction hoardings with a staged rebuild planned — it could reopen by 2030. In the meantime, a Transitional Cathedral (the "Cardboard Cathedral") designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban serves as a striking symbol of the city's resilience. The rebuild has given Christchurch a unique character — a blend of brand-new architecture, creative gaps where buildings used to be, and a spirit of innovation that runs through everything from the food scene to the street art.
Things to Do
Day Trips from Christchurch
- Akaroa (1.5 hours): A gorgeous French-influenced harbour town on Banks Peninsula. Swim with dolphins, kayak the harbour, eat fresh seafood and wander the charming main street. One of the best day trips in the South Island.
- Kaikoura (2.5 hours): World-famous whale watching, plus swimming with dolphins and seals. The coastal drive north is stunning, especially after the road was rebuilt following the 2016 earthquake.
- Hanmer Springs (1.5 hours): Natural hot pools in an alpine village setting. Great for a soak after a few days of driving. The Pegasus Bay winery is on the way and well worth a stop.
- Mount Hutt (1.5 hours): The nearest major ski field to Christchurch, usually the first to open each season. Drive to Methven and shuttle up in winter (June–October).
- Waipara Valley wineries (45 min): Canterbury's wine region, known for Pinot Noir and Riesling. Pegasus Bay winery is the standout — beautiful grounds, excellent wines and a very good restaurant.
Where to Eat & Drink
Christchurch's food scene has been completely transformed since the earthquakes. The rebuild attracted creative young chefs and entrepreneurs, and the city now has a craft beer and dining scene that rivals Wellington's. Little High Eatery is a communal food hall with eight vendors under one roof — perfect for groups who can't agree on what to eat. The Riverside Market is a multi-level food market on the Avon River with fresh produce, street food and waterside dining. For craft beer, Two Thumb Brewing and Cassels Brewing are local favourites.
Getting Around
Christchurch is flat and easy to navigate. The central city is compact enough to walk, and the tram covers the main tourist loop. Public buses run from the central Bus Interchange to the Gondola (bus 8), Sumner Beach, and the suburbs. For day trips to Akaroa, Hanmer Springs or Kaikoura, you'll want a rental car. Christchurch is the main car hire hub for the South Island — pick up at the airport and you're on your way.
Practical Tips
- Best months: November to March for warm weather and long days. Christchurch gets genuine seasons — winters are cold with frosts, and the nor'west wind can make summer days very hot and dry.
- How long to stay: Two to three days gives you time to see the city, take the Gondola, explore Hagley Park and do a day trip to Akaroa or the wineries.
- As a base: Christchurch works well as a South Island base camp. Fly in, spend a couple of days, then pick up a car and head south to Dunedin, west to Arthur's Pass, or north to Kaikoura.
- Rugby: If you're here during Super Rugby season (February–June), catch a Crusaders game. The team has a massive following in Canterbury and the atmosphere is electric.
- Golf: Christchurch has about 20 courses within 20km of the city centre, including the Christchurch Golf Club (established 1873, the second-oldest in New Zealand). Clearwater and Terrace Downs are the standout resort courses.