Skip to content

Explore

4 Top Day Activities in Ōtautahi Christchurch

Spend A Day Exploring Ōtautahi Christchurch

Looking for something to do in Christchurch? There's plenty of things to fill your day so treat Christchurch like you would a European mini city break. There’s a reason thousands of visitors flock here every year.

Culture connoisseurs can hit up street art and galleries. Thrill-seekers can go hard in the hills. Animal lovers can get all Dr. Dolittle. And all those that adore good food can fill their boots on the bounty of Christchurch eateries. 

Christchurch Arts Centre

Street Art and Galleries

Whether you’re after inspiration or some quiet contemplation, our arts and culture are first class.

First things first. Set the mood with coffee and lunch at one of the many inner-city cafés. Then stroll through town and spot the many epic street art pieces. Use this guide to help find them.

Wander over to the Christchurch Art Gallery and reacquaint yourself with the collection and new exhibitions. Head up the road to The Arts Centre and soak up the atmosphere of the stone buildings. Pick up some goods and art supplies at Frances Nation or Pepa Stationary, get a new look at Indigo & Provisions.

Catch a film at the gorgeous Lumiere Cinema and finish the night with a tasting of fine wines at the nearby Cellar Door.

Christchurch Banks Peninsula Lyttelton Harbour Aerial
Credit: Negative2Positive Photography

Seaside Exploring and Thrill Seeking

Christchurch boasts some of the most spectacular scenery and outdoor activities right on the city's doorstep.

Start off in Sumner for a dawn stroll along the Esplanade. Grab a coffee in the village before driving over to Taylor’s Mistake for epic sea views on the Godley Head Loop Track. The full loop takes about 2 hours return.

Head up the back of Sumner and over the hill to Lyttelton for brunch. Enjoy the views over coffee from the Lyttelton Coffee Company or grab a bite from local favourite, Civil and Navel

Drive around the picturesque bays and over hills from Governors Bay to the Christchurch Adventure Park. Brace yourself for an adrenalin-packed downhill mountain bike, or the country’s longest zipline. Bike hire and lessons available. Cool off with craft beer and fine wines at the on-site café.

The Last Word

Urbanista, Vintage, and Cocktails

Soak up the city vibe, renew your threads and taste the best the city has to offer.

Shopping is at the top of the list, get inspired and seek out some vintage threads from the many opshops in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Or get creative on the sewing machines at Tūranga.

Take the camera on a walk to the SALT district, alive with street art and urban-chic settings. Check out the Little High Eatery for a quick refuel or lounge around with a board game at Dice and Slice.

Test your moves on the Danceomat around the corner. There's nothing like an outdoor boogie to drive those endorphins up. Then head down the road to the giant #chchswing or the Margaret Mahy playground to recapture your youth. 

Cruise down New Regent Street for a pre-dinner craft beer, park up at Casa Publica for a delicious meal, Rollickin' Gelato for desert, and a whisky nightcap at The Last Word.

International Antarctic Centre

Animal-lovers Day Out

If you love animals, there are some Christchurch bucket list items to tick off. 

Start at the International Antarctic Centre to check out their huskies and rescued penguins. While you're there, learn more about the ice and how important Antarctica is to our planet.

Head to a local favourite for brunch. Just down the road you'll find award-winning Terra Viva Café and Deli. Enjoy their beautiful outdoor garden setting and delicious seasonal and local fare. 

Finish off your day at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Get up close with what makes New Zealand special at their kiwi enclosure or head to their petting farm for llamas, rabbits and miniature horses. Learn about how Willowbank has spent decades protecting our native wildlife.

Inspire Me

Explore More

Loading
5D6DACB5-F90A-4906-A658-3CFFABC2F5D1