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. Make sure you have travel insurance sorted before you go.
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 & Family Activities
Weka Pass Railway, Waipara
About 40 minutes north of Christchurch, near Waipara wine country, this heritage steam railway is one of Canterbury's hidden gems. The 12.8 km journey through the unique limestone scenery of the Weka Pass is the second-longest running steam train trip in New Zealand, hauled by a 1909-built "A" Class Pacific locomotive — the only one of its type still operational.
You board at the historic Glenmark Station in Waipara, where you can browse the history on the walls and pick up snacks and souvenirs. We went on a sunny public holiday and got the full smoke-and-noise experience. Walk through to the open carriage for the best atmosphere — waving at cars on the road and passing the famous "Frog Rock" on the way to Waikari, where you can visit craft shops and have a picnic lunch before catching the train back.
The day we went, a group of mountain bikers had just arrived after a morning ride and lunch at the Waipara Springs Winery, then biked to the station, loaded their bikes on the train, and hopped off at the Waikari end to ride off into the sunset. What a great way to spend a day.
Canterbury Model Railway, Halswell Domain
If you're looking for a fun, cheap family day out, head to the Halswell Domain on a Sunday during summer. The Canterbury Society of Model and Experimental Engineers run beautifully maintained model trains that do a good lap of the railway for just $2 per person. Our kids wanted to ride every single train.
There's a great playground, plenty of open space for a picnic, and a coffee van. In a world where family days out can be so expensive, this is a gem. Bring cash — there's no EFTPOS. Check csmee.org.nz for operating days.
Ferrymead Heritage Park
A volunteer-run historical park with an electric tram ride, a heritage main street with period shops, a transport museum with old vehicles, a working radio station with a great collection of old radiograms, and on certain days a steam train. We liked the little theatre and costume shops at the entrance, and the steam train and old vehicles were interesting.
Honest assessment: it's a well-meaning place run by dedicated volunteers that could be so much more with proper funding. It hasn't been helped by the earthquakes. At around $20 per adult (under-5s free) it's alright for the price, especially on a rainy day, but manage your expectations — it's more "charming nostalgia" than polished attraction. The kids wanted more interactive experiences than it currently offers.
The good news is the park appears to be turning a corner. After losing out on council funding in 2025 and having to cut staff, Ferrymead posted its first operational profit over the 2025/26 summer season thanks to a stronger education programme, successful events like the Nostalgia Festival and Southern Spice, and its first corporate sponsorship from Isaac Construction, who are helping repair earthquake-damaged roads and pavements on site. General manager Ian France has called it a massive turnaround. With a core group of 12 dedicated volunteers and improving finances, the park is now in a better position to attract further funding and invest in the visitor experience. ferrymead.org.nz
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
One of Christchurch's best rainy-day options and a must-visit for anyone interested in aviation. Located at Wigram — the RNZAF's original base — this museum holds the national collection of the Royal New Zealand Air Force. Highlights include a Spitfire, a Sopwith Camel, the newly arrived C-130H Hercules, a WWII flight simulator, and an authentically recreated 1940s home. Free for NZ residents, $15 for international visitors. Open daily 9:30am–4:30pm.
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.
