English gardens, street art and Antarctic gateway
Christchurch
Christchurch · Garden city reborn
The largest city of the South Island has reinvented itself since the 2011 earthquakes, blending English heritage — punts on the Avon, botanic gardens — with bold street art and inventive new architecture. It’s the gateway to the Canterbury plains and alps.
Top sightsSights
Botanic Gardens
Sprawling riverside gardens in Hagley Park.
Punting on the Avon
A gentle boat ride poled through the center.
Cardboard Cathedral
A transitional cathedral built after the quakes.
Quake City
A museum on the 2011 earthquakes and recovery.
TranzAlpine train
A scenic rail crossing to the West Coast.
What to eatFood
Canterbury lamb
Lamb from the surrounding plains.
Whitebait fritter
A West Coast delicacy of tiny fish in egg batter.
Cheese rolls
A southern favorite of cheesy rolled toast.
Good to know
- The TranzAlpine is one of the world’s great train journeys.
- Explore the rebuilt center on foot or by tram.
- Use it as a base for Akaroa and the alps.
Getting there
Christchurch Airport (CHC) is the South Island’s main hub, 20 minutes from the center.
Next city
Rotorua