Christchurch's Attractions
Events & Festivals 
Christchurch is New Zealand's foremost festival city. Throughout the year it proudly celebrates over a dozen festivals.
Central City Enjoy the unique magic of the Garden City. Central Christchurch is perfect for exploring on foot because it is attractive, fascinating - and flat!
AttractionsChristchurch and Canterbury are famous for natural beauty and a wealth of things to do. Christchurch has a lively entertainment scene, strong cultural heritage.
Kid's StuffHere you will find just a hint of all the things there are for children to see and do in Christchurch. Explore gardens and parks, the museum, Ferrymead Historic Park, or the Alpine Ice Centre.
Christchurch City ParksChristchurch and Canterbury are famous for natural beauty and a wealth of things to do. Discover the 'Garden City' through her varied greenspaces and parks.
Scenic Drive GuideThis Scenic self-drive guide enables you to explore the many fascinating sites in the Christchurch Area. Download the Guide. [5964KB free PDF reader]
Attractions
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Cyclists on the Port Hills |
Christchurch and Canterbury are famous for natural beauty and a wealth of things to do. Christchurch has a lively entertainment scene, strong cultural heritage, gorgeous parks and gardens, lots of sports facilities and good shopping.
Among the 'must sees' are the weekend Arts Centre market, Christchurch Cathedral, Botanic Gardens and International Antarctic Centre.
The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu exhibit's New Zealand and international art and Canterbury Museum has fine cultural and natural collections as well as creative and imaginative displays. Orana Park is New Zealand's largest wildlife reserve and Willowbank Wildlife Reserve has among its displays New Zealand's largest daytime kiwi viewing area. Air Force World captures the adventure and history of flight in New Zealand and Christchurch Casino offers 24-hour gaming entertainment. Visitors can be introduced to Maori culture at Nga Hau E Wha Marae.
Air Force Museum
Experience the adventure of the history of flight in New Zealand. Air Force Museum is located on the old RNZAF Base Wigram, one of the earliest airbases in the country.
You'll be amazed at the story of nearly a century of flight including a 27 minute movie. See 28 classic aircraft, beautifully restored and theatrically displayed and make a visit to the restoration hangar. Also featured is a special World War II section including a Battle of Britain display. And our experienced guides are on hand to answer any questions you may have.
Air Force Museum is open every day from 10am until 5pm
Main South Road, Wigram (15 minutes drive from City Centre)
Telephone: (+64 3) 343 9532
Website: www.airforcemuseum.co.nz
Arts Centre Te Pokapū Toi o Ōtautahi
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The Arts Centre |
Christchurch's hub of arts and crafts, featuring art galleries, craft studios and shops, theatres, cinemas, a selection of cafes, restaurants and bars and an exciting colourful weekend market and ethnic food fair. Lunchtime concerts feature every Friday and live music every weekend in summer.
This historic site was originally home to Canterbury University College, first established in 1873.
It includes many wonderful places of historic note, including the oldest lecture theatre in New Zealand and the centres latest attraction, "Father of the Atom", Ernest Lord Rutherfords Den.
Open every day.
2 Worcester Boulevard
Telephone: +64 3 366 0989
Fax: +64 3 379 7576
E-Mail: info@artscentre.org.nz
Website: www.artscentre.org.nz
Botanic Gardens
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The Botanic Gardens |
Christchurch's reputation as the Garden City is truly reflected in the Botanic Gardens.
Undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants found anywhere in New Zealand, the Gardens provide spectacular displays all year round.
You can't help but be impressed with the large majestic trees and sweeping lawns providing a wonderful backdrop to our feature gardens including rock, water, rose and herb gardens.
Also featured are herbaceous borders, woodland areas and a conservatory complex, open daily from 10.15am until 4pm. Relax and let the kids play in our play area next to the Gardens Restaurant.
The Information Centre is open from 10.15am - 4pm, from September to April, and 11am - 3pm, May to August. The grounds open at 7am and close one hour before sunset.
Rolleston Avenue
Telephone: (+64 3) 366 1701
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz/parks/BotanicGardens
Canterbury Museum
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Canterbury Museum |
Canterbury Museum is renowned for having some of the finest cultural and natural collections in New Zealand, as well as for its creative and imaginative displays. Housed in one of Christchurch's finest historic buildings, Canterbury Museum has world class displays of geology, zoology, Maori, Asian and European collections.
Other highlights are the late 19th century Christchurch Street, the very exciting hands-on Discovery Centre for children of all ages, the world's top stories from Antarctica's heroic era of discovery and exploration, and "Living Canterbury" - a look at what makes our environment special and how we can protect it.
Enjoy a rest in the delightful Museum Cafe overlooking the Botanic Gardens, or browse around the Museum Store. Include a visit to the nearby Botanic Gardens and the Arts Centre.
Canterbury Museum is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9 am until 5.30 pm (October to March), and 9am until 5.00pm (April to September). Guided tours are available. Entry by donation. Discovery $2 per person.
Rolleston Avenue
Telephone: (+64 3) 366 5000
Website: www.canterburymuseum.com
Email: info@canterburymuseum.com
Canterbury Provincial Council Buildings
This fascinating treasure is New Zealand’s only remaining purpose-built provincial government building. Designed by leading Gothic Revival architect B W Mountfort and constructed between 1885 and 1865, the buildings show superior craftsmanship in timber and stone.
Open Monday-Saturday, 10.30am-3.30pm
Admission free
Durham Street, between Gloucester and Armagh Streets
Telephone: (+64 3) 941 7680
Fax: (+64 3) 941 7465
Email: provincialbuildings@ccc.govt.nz
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz/provincialbuildings
Cathedral Square Market
The Cathedral Square Market is located in the heart of the city, Cathedral Square. An outdoor market with stalls offering handcrafted and imported goods such as New Zealand wood-ware, handknitting, jewellery, pounamu, paua, bone carvings, possum fashions, sheepskins, clothing, healthcare products, sunglasses, t-shirts and much more. Grab something to eat at one of the food vendors and enjoy the atmosphere which makes the Square unique.
Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm (with extra days for visiting Cruise Ships)
Telephone/Fax: (+64 3) 365 2632
Centre of Contemporary Art
The largest selection and display of contemporary art can be found at 66 Gloucester Street in downtown Christchurch. Five galleries and over 60 exhibitions per annum will enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of both New Zealand and Cantabrian Contemporary Art.
Besides providing numerous specialised art services for members, the centre also hosts an extensive Open Gallery where hundreds of art works are on display and for sale by renowned New Zealand artists.
The Centre, established in 1880 is the oldest art institution in the Canterbury region.
Open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-5pm
Saturday and Sunday, 12pm-4pm (telephone for information about CoCA's lunch hour and city weekend tours)
66 Gloucester Street
Telephone: (+64 3) 366 7261
Email: art@coca.org.nz
Website: www.coca.org.nz
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu |
Open 10 May 2003. Located in the heart of the City's cultural precinct, bounded by Worcester Boulevard, Gloucester and Montreal Streets.
The Christchurch Art Gallery is the city's public art museum and is the home of Christchurch’s public art collection, including international and New Zealand historical and contemporary pieces.
Montreal Street
Telephone: (+64 3) 365 0915
Website: www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz
Christchurch Casino
When you're ready for indoor adventure, treat yourself to a visit to Christchurch Casino!
Christchurch Casino offers twenty four hour gaming entertainment to visitors to Christchurch. The casino has 428 gaming machines and a wide variety of Table Games including Blackjack, American Roulette, Mini Baccarat, Midi Baccarat, Tai Sai, Money Wheel and Caribbean Stud Poker as well as The Racing Game and Live Keno.
Christchurch Casino is centrally located and is easily accessible from all inner city hotels and motels. and is open 24 hours a day. You must be 20 years or over to enter Christchurch Casino, Restaurants or Bars. The Dress Code requires smart casual attire, no blue or black jeans. Free Shuttles operate to and from local hotels and motels each evening.
Christchurch Casino is open 24 hours a day.
30 Victoria Street
Telephone: (+64 3) 365 9999
Website: www.chchcasino.co.nz
Christchurch Central City Lanes Walk:
Lichfield Street Network
Christchurch's central city lanes and alleys, once home to many of Christchurch's early warehouses and factories, is now a thriving entertainment and retail precinct. Using this guide, stroll through the lanes and take in the variety of rich architecture, while enjoying some of Christchurch's best boutique shopping, restaurants and bars.
Download the brochure » |
The walk...
The Lanes Walk begins at His Lordship's Lane (1). His Lordship's Lane has recently been developed into a thriving entertainment and retail precinct, yet its name offers a glimpse into the history of the area. His Lordship's Larder once stood upon this entrance way and was an early eatery and hotel built in the late 1880s. Part of an early advertisement remains visible to this day on the side of the former Bell's Motor Works (2) on the left.
Bell's Motor Works began selling motorbikes and cycles in 1898. The present building was purpose built for them and designed c.1920 by leading architects of the time Alfred and Sidney Luttrell.
Lichfield Street was once home to a significant group of warehouses built during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Many of these buildings still remain and the grand facades and a network of utilitarian brick service lanes are a reminder of this era.
On the right at 96 Lichfield Street is the former Wellington Woollen Mills (3) building (c.1919). This building leads you all the way down the lane. Designed by William Henry Gummer - renowned for his design of the Bridge of Remembrance (1921) - it served as a clothing warehouse for the Woollen Manufacturing Company. It is reputedly the first building in Christchurch to be constructed of reinforced concrete.
At the end of the lane you come to the recently named SOL Square - an acronym for the area 'South of Lichfield'. Once the home of Lichfield Shirts (4), a number of café/bars, restaurants, and retail outlets now occupy this building. The original building opened in 1932 and the expansion of the business saw a new five storey building constructed next door. Interestingly, Lichfield Shirts first started out as the Kaiapoi Woollen Company who made shirts for the armed forces in World War 1.
From SOL Square turn right for a detour along Struthers Lane (5), named after Robert Struthers of Mason, Struthers & Co. The hardware and saddlery company owned a significant proportion of the south end of Struthers Lane and were bastions of Christchurch business. Along Struthers Lane you pass Sargood, Son and Ewen (6). The three storey building, with classical design details, housed an extensive range of imported goods and the family firm traded continuously from 1893 to 1973.
Further along Struthers Lane is the rear of the former Millers Department Store (7), now the Christchurch City Council Civic Offices. The large modernist building was completed in 1939 and featured the first escalator in the South Island, and the biggest in New Zealand. Opposite Millers are the Bain's (8) building and Harald's (9) building – both are three-storey warehouses constructed between 1880-1890. When viewed from the front, the Commercial Classical and Renaissance Palazzo styles of architecture show why Lichfield Street was known for its grandeur.
A short stroll back along Struthers Lane leads you to an opening on Manchester Street and the Excelsior Hotel (10). The architectural link between Harald's and the Excelsior is made via the notable architect W.B Armson. Although built in 1881-82, a hotel has been on site since 1865.
On the prominent intersection of Lichfield and High Streets stands the fine corner building of the former ANZ Bank Chambers (11). Complete with copper domed turret this was built in 1915 by architectural firm Clarkson and Ballantyne.
The former Knight's Butchery (12) on your left operated from the 1890s to 1985 - making it one of the city's oldest. The service yard and utilitarian buildings were situated beyond the classical style façade to the rear.
Continuing along High Street note the former Cotter's Electrical (13), now renamed Cotter's Lane. Opened in 1900 Cotter's is typical of the Victorian and Edwardian commercial architecture which characterises this bustling, historic precinct.
The Para (14) building (1900) is a High Street landmark that is situated next to the former Smith & Smith Glass Company (15) building. Between these two classical commercial buildings take a turn into Poplar Street. Poplar Street (16) and Ash Street (17) were once part of Christchurch's main warehouse district. Now known as Lichfield Lanes, they are once again booming with retail, hospitality, residential and commercial activities. While the name of Poplar Street has generally remained unchanged, Ash Street has previously had other botanical names including 'Beech' and 'Elm'.
As the walk leaves this network of lanes, one of the biggest buildings on the block - the Mayfair (18) building - a four storey brick and cement warehouse built c.1910 leads you out to Lichfield Street.
To make the most of this walk, turn left and walk down Lichfield Street towards Colombo Street to appreciate the interesting and unique facades of this historic Christchurch streetscape.
Contact details:
City Promotions
Christchurch City Council
163-173 Tuam Street or PO Box 237
Christchurch, New Zealand
Telephone: (03) 941 8999 Fax: (03) 941 8262
Email: christchurch@ccc.govt.nz
Website: www.christchurch.org.nz
Christchurch Gondola
Unique 360-degree panoramic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour unfold as you rise to the summit of Christchurch's famous extinct volcano. Relax and enjoy a snack at the Summit Cafe, shop at Discover New Zealand and visit the Heritage Time Tunnel Experience.
The Christchurch Gondola Base Station is located 15 minutes drive from central Christchurch.
Open daily, from 10am
10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote
Telephone: (+64 3) 384 0700
Facsimile: (+64 3) 384 0703
Email: gondola@gondola.co.nz
Website: www.gondola.co.nz
Christchurch Leisure Centres
Enjoy Christchurch’s world-class leisure facilities; QEII Park, Pioneer, Cowles, Sockburn and Centennial Leisure Centres (with Centennial located just minutes from Cathedral Square). Feeling sluggish after a long journey? Why not get energised by hitting the gym or a few laps in the pool? Hectic itinerary? Unwind and recover with a spa and sauna! If you are travelling with children the new 'Atlantis' themed pool (at QEII Park) will amaze them! Featuring a sunken ship and stone ruins with a wave pool, lazy river, vortex and bubble pools.
For information contact Christchurch City Council. Telephone: (+64 3) 941 8383.
Christchurch Tramway
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The Tram |
Christchurch's heritage trams are a great way to experience the heritage and charm that makes Christchurch special, with an informative and entertaining commentary.
The tramway offers a quality inner city tour experience that combines the heritage of the trams, attractions and historic buildings with the culture of the Garden City.
The trams follow a 2.5 kilometre loop around central Christchurch taking in some interesting sites. These include Cathedral Square, Southern Encounter Aquarium, The Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Punting on the Avon, Victoria Square, and New Regent Street to name just a few.
The beautifully restored heritage trams are also available for cocktail functions or a unique la carte dining experience on the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant.
The operating hours of the trams are: 9am - 6pm (1 April - 31 October) and 9am - 9pm (1 November - 31 March) with the last tram leaving Cathedral Square 30 minutes prior to closing time.
Tramway Lane or PO Box 872, Christchurch
Telephone: (+64 3) 366 7830
Facsimile: (+64 3) 366 6943
Email: enquiries@tram.co.nz
Website: www.tram.co.nz
The Circuit
Science Alive! Laserstrike, Garden City Bowl, Aimtru’s Indoor Archery, The Roxx Climbing Centre, Clip ‘N Climb and Action Dirt Karts make up ‘The Circuit’; all action-packed, fun entertainment venues all located within a small distance of each other.
Challenge your body and mind through the interactive experience of Science Alive! or take-on all, or any, of the Circuit attractions.
All attractions on, or near Moorhouse Avenue.
Clearwater
Centrepiece to the resort and home of the ING NZPGA Championship is the international resort standard, 18-hole golf course designed by John Darby in consultation with New Zealand golfing legend Sir Bob Charles. With a choice of five tee positions the course can be both challenging and enjoyable for players of all levels. Playable year-round, it is set amongst extensive lakes and clear-flowing streams, native fauna, grassland and native trees.
Clearwater is situated 15 minutes from the city centre and 7 minutes from Christchurch International Airport.
The golf course offers but one of many lifestyle pursuits available at Clearwater – walking, fishing, tennis and petanque are added attractions. A public driving range, the Golf Shop and restaurant and bar are also available.
Clearwater Avenue, (off Johns Road) Harewood, Christchurch
Golf Shop Hours: 7 am - 8 pm
Telephone: 360-1103
Fax: 360-1115
Website: www.clearwaternz.com
Cultural Precinct
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Christchurch's Cultural Precinct occupies a unique position in the life of the central city.
Vibrant sites of culture and learning, entertainment, shopping, leisure, history and heritage can all be reached easily on foot or by historic tram. Sites include: Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens, Our City O-Tautahi, Provincial Chambers, Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum, i-site Visitor Centre, Christ's College, Cathedral and CoCA.
The Precinct is easy to walk around, or you can travel by tram and hear stories about the area's history and personalities from a friendly tram driver.
We invite you to experience our Cultural Precinct: expand your cultural horizons, enrich your senses, and explore the heart of Christchurch.
Most Cultural Precinct activities are free.
Website: www.culturalprecinct.co.nz
Ferrymead Heritage Park
The sights and sounds of a bygone era come alive at Ferrymead Heritage Park. Ferrymead marks the site of the first New Zealand railway, which operated between the park and the city from 1863. Today the park comprises an Edwardian township and an exhibition area. Step back in time to experience the streets, buildings, fashions and transportation of colonial Christchurch.
Open daily, 10am-4.30pm.
Ferrymead Park Drive.
Telephone: (+64 3) 384 1970
Fax : (+64 3) 3841725
Email: info@ferrymead.org.nz
Website: www.ferrymead.org.nz
International Antarctic Centre
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Antarctic Centre |
The World's Best Antarctic Attraction - A Unique Experience.
Christchurch is the world's aerial gateway to the Antarctic and has been proudly associated with the Antarctic since the early heroic era when Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton visited Christchurch on their way down to the Ice.
The International Antarctic Centre is a modern day working Antarctic campus and is home to the United States, the Italian, and the NZ Antarctic Programmes.
The Antarctic attraction is located in the heart of this campus and has twice been voted the best attraction in NZ. It is a fun interactive and hands on experience the whole family will enjoy. Slide down a snow slope in the world's first indoor Snow & Ice Experience, throw a snowball, or try on your own Antarctic clothing at the Camp Site area. The audio visual and interactive presentations are fantastic and the children will enjoy meeting "Pom Pom" the penguin and "Slip" the seal! The outdoor Antarctic Hägglund Ride is a "must do"- a 10 - 15 minute Adventure Course ride on a genuine Antarctic vehicle. Set aside 2-3 hours for your visit and make time to have a meal in the Antarctic Café & Bar.
The attraction is open seven days a week from 9am.
Orchard Road (next to Christchurch Airport, 15 minutes drive from the city)
Freephone: 0508 Penguin
Telephone: (+ 64 3) 358-9896
Website: www.iceberg.co.nz
Black Cat Cruises
Christchurch Wildlife Cruises: Discover one of the world's rarest and smallest dolphins - the Hector's (or New Zealand) Dolphin just 15 minutes from central Christchurch. You will see significant Lyttelton sites including those of the early Maori and European settlers as well as Little Blue Penguins, coastal marine birdlife and other natural wildlife.
Island Adventures: Lyttelton Harbour is home to two islands: Ripapa Island Historic Reserve and Quail Island – both of which have an incredible link to Canterbury's past.
Akaroa Harbour Cruises and Swimming with Dolphins: Akaroa Harbour is the only place on the planet where you can swim with the world's smallest and rarest Dolphins - the Hector's Dolphin. Akaroa is a delightful scenic township about 90 minutes drive from Christchurch.
Norwich Quay, Lyttelton
Telephone: (+ 64 3) 328 9078
Fax (+64 3) 328 8699
Email: info@blackcat.co.nz
Website: www.blackcat.co.nz
Maori Cultural Experiences
Christchurch offers a number of Maori cultural experiences. Tamaki Heritage Village, KoTane at Willowbank and Nga Hau E Wha Marae. To book please contact them or the Christchurch and Canterbury i-SITE
Mona Vale Gardens
The late-Victorian homestead of Mona Vale is a delightful place to combine a walk around the gardens with a lunch or tea break in the Homestead and a ride in the punt on the River Avon. It is within short driving distance of the central city and was once owned by the Deans, one of Christchurch’s first settler families.
Open: Restaurant daily 9.30am-5pm (Summer), daily 10.00-3.30pm (Winter).
63 Fendalton Road, Riccarton.
Telephone: (+64 3) 348 9660
Fax: (+64 3) 348 7011
Email: sdownie@continental.co.nz
Website: www.monavale.co.nz
Orana Wildlife Park
Set in 80 hectares of park-like grounds, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo. The Park specialises in offering close up, exciting animal encounters: you can hand feed Giraffe, meet Rhino ‘face-to-face’, see the Cheetah sprint and experience the awesome Lion Encounter, which enables visitors to travel through the Lion Reserve for extremely close views of the "King of Beasts" (conditions apply).
Animal feeds occur throughout the day and a range of animals are displayed, including Monkeys, Meerkats, Otters, Porcupines and more. Tigers return to the Park in 2006. An extensive native collection features New Zealand’s national icon, the Kiwi, Tuatara and a wide range of stunning birds and reptiles. Visitors can pet friendly domestic animals in the Farmyard.
Guided tours operate daily. We also offer fully catered functions with a difference.
Orana Wildlife Park is open every day of the week (except Christmas Day) from 10am - 5.00pm (last entry is 4.30pm).
McLeans Island Road, Christchurch (10 minutes drive from Christchurch Airport)
Telephone: (+64 3) 359 7109,
Website: www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz
Our City O-Tautahi
Our City O-Tautahi is housed in one of city’s finest Victorian Buildings. Built as the Christchurch City Council's original Municipal Chambers, the building now provides an accessible space for the City Council and the people and communities of Christchurch to meet to present and exchange ideas and knowledge about the city and important development, environmental and social issues, as well as celebrate its life, colour and creativity.
Open Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm
Admission free
Corner of Oxford Terrace and Worcester Boulevard
Telephone: (+64 3) 941 7460
Fax: (+64 3) 941 7465
Email: OurCity@ccc.govt.nz
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz/OurCity
Punting
Sit back, relax and just drift along through parks and gardens, under shady trees and enjoy the tranquillity of your own punting journey on the Avon River. Each punt is custom-built, fully upholstered and comes complete with its own boatperson to do all the work. All you have to do is enjoy the ride.
Punting businesses include: Mona Vale Homestead, Antigua Boat Sheds, Punting On The Avon, Punting in the Park For more information: www.christchurchnz.com
Riccarton House & Bush
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Riccarton House |
Riccarton House and Bush are located in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton, just 3.5 km from the city centre.
Guided tours of the historic 1856 homestead provide an insight into early life in Canterbury - through the Deans Family. Step back in time to a world of Victorian and Edwardian splendour. See the oldest European pioneers cottage in Canterbury, built in 1843, and take a walk in the last native kahikitea forest on the Canterbury plains.
Guided Heritage Tours are offered at 2pm every day except Saturday.
The fully licensed restaurant is open every day from 10am till 4pm for coffee, morning/afternoon tea and lunch.
16 Kahu Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
Telephone: (+64 3) 341 1018
Facsimile: (+64 3) 341 6839
Email: info@riccartonhouse.co.nz
Website: www.riccartonhouse.co.nz
Riccarton Market
The Riccarton Market is the biggest market of its kind in Christchurch - and is a great place to shop! Each week over 300 vendors are there selling a wide variety of goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables to second hand goods, furniture, clothing, art, food and beverages. There is plenty of parking and is just 15 minutes drive from the central city.
Open every Sunday (excluding Easter Sunday, then open Easter Monday), 9am-2pm. Riccarton Racecourse, Riccarton Park, Racecourse Road.
Telephone: (+64 3) 339 0011
Science Alive!
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Science Alive! |
Located in a heritage building close to the central business district Science Alive! offers a truly unique visitor experience.
The ever-changing exhibition environment hosts up to four exhibitions per year with science and technology related themes, often supported by our own collection of exhibits. Challenge yourself on New Zealand's highest vertical slide; at 5.2m high this popular exhibit can test the will of the strongest adventure seeker!
At the entrance to Science Alive! you will also discover The Science Shop filled with toys, puzzles, games and books related to science and technology.
With a climbing wall, a gyroscope, and The Black Hole (glow-in-the-dark mini-golf) you will be entertained for hours. Science Alive! Hands on fun for everyone!
Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily (Closed Christmas Day & exhibition changeover)
392 Moorhouse Avenue
Telephone: (+64 3) 365 5199
Facsimile: (+64 3) 365 5189
Email info@sciencealive.co.nz
Website: www.sciencealive.co.nz
Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House
Located in the heart of Christchurch's Cathedral Square, Southern Encounter Aquarium & Kiwi House is designed to take you on a journey of discovery to explore the splendour of the South Island's unique aquatic wildlife as well as lively NZ Kiwi, Tuatara and native Geckos.
Over 120 different species are displayed including Sharks, Rays, massive Eels, Seahorses, Octopus, Blue Freshwater Crayfish and much more. Visitors can view native freshwater fish set in a simulated glow worm grotto, stroll across the swing bridge for views over the facility and enjoy a range of short wildlife films in the theatre.
Scheduled feeds enable visitors to either feed the fish or observe aquarists interacting with marine creatures. This inner city venue is the perfect location for cocktail functions and product launches.
Southern Encounter is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9.00am until 5.00pm. Kiwi are on display from 10.30am until 4.30pm.
Cathedral Square West (entry via Visitor Centre or Pathway Shop)
Telephone: (+64 3) 359 7109
Website: www.southernencounter.co.nz
Tranz Secnic Unique Train Journeys
Travelling around New Zealand by train means seeing it all. From the Overlander to the world famous TranzAlpine, your train is sleek, comfortable and relaxing.
Two spectacular South Island unique train rides including the TranzAlpine, rated one of the top six journeys in the world. Travels daily from Christchurch to Greymouth on the West Coast through the massive Southern Alps.
The TranzCoastal travels daily between Christchurch to the pretty port of Picton where it connects with the InterIslander. The journey travels along the rugged Pacific Ocean on one side and the steep mountains on the other. Stop at Kaikoura for a day or more and enjoy amazing activities such as whale watching.
Phone: (04) 495 0775 or free phone within New Zealand: 0800 872 467
Email: bookings@tranzscenic.co.nz
Web: www.tranzscenic.co.nz
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
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A kiwi at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve |
New Zealand's premiere wildlife park showing one of the most complete selections of native and introduced wildlife in their natural environment, as well as a wonderful farmyard and exotic display.
You can also enjoy the rare experience of New Zealand's largest and most unique daytime Kiwi viewing area. Willowbank places special emphasis on spacious surroundings and animal contact. Experience Wildlife by Night. See many of New Zealand's rare nocturnal animals and birds, including kiwis in their natural environment. Buffet dinner and BBQ lunches available.
The park is open from 10am until 10pm daily
60 Hussey Road (off Gardiners Road), Harewood, 5 minutes drive from Christchurch Airport,
Telephone: (+64 3) 359 6226
Website: www.willowbank.co.nz
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Yaldhurst Museum of Transport and Science |
Yaldhurst Museum of Transport and Science
Set in the grounds of the original homestead of 1876, this hidden gem is just 20 minutes from the city centre. View over 100 vehicles, from horse and buggy to classic cars, printing presses to fire engines, racing cars to military displays. Shrouded in mystery and surprises, the atmosphere captures the essence of the past. First turn right past Yaldhurst Hotel on Main West Road Christchurch (close to Christchurch International Airport ).
The Museum is open every day (except Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm
26 School Road , Yaldhurst, Christchurch
Telephone: (+64 3) 342 7914
Fax: (+64 3) 342 7916
Email: enquiries@yaldhurstmuseum.co.nz
Website: www.yaldhurstmuseum.co.nz
