Christchurch has a reputation around New Zealand and the world as the Garden City, thanks to its extensive parks and gardens, including the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park.
Winding through these and the inner City is the River Avon. At several points you can hop on an English punt, sit back and enjoy the sights.
For a different view of Christchurch, head up to the Port Hills which surround the southern edge of city. There are plenty of walking tracks and many fantastic vantage points from which you can see the city, Canterbury Plains, Pacific Ocean and majestic Southern Alps.
There are several roads that lead you into the Port Hills, or you can take the Mt Cavendish Gondola. At its summit are an information centre and restaurant and plenty of stunning views.
On the other side of the Port Hills, lies the quaint port town of Lyttelton, and its harbour, which was once the crater of a volcano that erupted some 11 million years ago.
Some other major attractions that are a must to see and experience whilst visiting Christchurch are:
The Arts Centre
Enjoy this thriving cultural precinct with its local art and craft galleries, studios and specialist shops, all set in the historic stone Gothic Revival buildings that once housed Canterbury University. Friday and Saturday are the best days to visit when an outdoor craft market is held and ethnic food stalls are operating.
International Antarctic Centre
Christchurch is also known as the Gateway to Antarctica. Here you can experience the awesome and challenging Antarctic environment, providing you with interactive fun, including a real snow-storm and penguins!
Ski-fields
With around an hour drive from Christchurch, you can be skiing or snowboarding surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery in New Zealand. The skiing season runs from June to October. Mount Hutt, Craigieburn, Porter Heights are the best known local skifields
Wildlife
Christchurch offers several opportunities to experience wildlife - both New Zealand own and endangered species from around the world.
Orana Park
This zoo without cages is home to breeding programmes for many endangered species such as cheetahs and rhinos, as well as native New Zealand birds and reptiles.
Beaches
Christchurch Pacific coastline is popular at any time of year. Sumner Beach features a promenade, cafes and caves for the kids to explore. New Brighton Beach is a great spot for a walk, with its pier providing a good vantage point to watch surfers in action.
Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House
In the middle of Cathedral Square you can watch sharks being fed and see New Zealand shy iconic native bird.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
View New Zealand's fascinating and varied wildlife, experienced in daytime or evening.
Day Trips
A drive or bus tour to nearby Banks Peninsula provides a wide range of attractions. The French settlement of Akaroa offers colonial architecture, craft stores, cafes and wineries. Relax in the sun at French Farm or head out onto the harbour, where scenic, fishing and wildlife encounter cruises are available.
To the north of Christchurch is the Waipara wine-growing region, where you can enjoy wine tasting and gourmet meals at one of several vineyard restaurants.
Further inland you will find the alpine thermal resort of Hanmer Springs, where you can relax in hot pools, enjoy spa facilities or more active pursuits such as mountain-biking and forest walks.
Further north still is the town of Kaikoura and its world-class whale watching facilities.
