Tours (Updated September 2011)
Listed are a number of attractions and historic areas which can be incorporated into your tour:
Port Hills
If you have just disembarked from a cruise liner you can view the city from the Port Hills and take in the majestic splendors of the Southern Alps.
Garden City Tours: Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens include:
- Monavale Historic Homestead
- The Avon River (punting available)
- Rose Gardens and Woodlands
- The Sanitarium Garden
Wine Trails
Waipara Valley is 45 minutes north of Christchurch and is one of the premier cool climate wine growing areas in the country. Winery tours are available; these include wine growing commentaries and lunch at the vineyard.
Canterbury Museum
Canterbury Museum is open every day except Christmas day.
Summer hours (October to March ) 9am- 5.30-pm
Winter Months (April to September) 9am- 5pm
Tamaki Heritage Village
The award winning Tamaki Maori Village operates every evening except Christmas Day.
This innovative attraction offers the unique experience of historical re enactments of Maori at the landing of Captain Cook.
Willowbank
Willowbank features a re-creation of a traditional Maori Pa. Performances include Hakas, and Poi dances. Customers can also view the Kiwi, Kea and Tuatara in their natural habitats and enjoy eating a traditionally cooked hangi.
Antarctic Centre
Penguins, Snow and Ice!
Explore the Antarctic Center, a building packed full of informative displays showcasing modern day Antarctica. The gallery area encourages touching of most of the exhibits to ensure visitors experience Antarctica in a fun and interactive way. The Antarctic Center aquarium also displays some actual specimens from the Antarctic Ocean floor in McMurdo Sound.
Visitors conclude their Antarctic journey with a 14 minute sound and light show. This majestic audio visual show captivates the audience and leaves visitors with a moving experience of 'having been there'.
Orana Park
Set in 80 hectares of park-like grounds, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand's only open range zoo. We offer a range of exciting animal encounters on a daily basis. The Park is located within ten minutes drive of Christchurch International Airport and 25 minutes drive from the City Centre.
The Park has been developed as an open range sanctuary for endangered animals, providing them with enclosures as close to their natural habitat as possible. Streams, moats and banks are used as barriers to allow visitors the opportunity to see the animals in a natural manner. Come and see over 400 animals from 70 different species!
Christchurch Gondola & Time Tunnel
Unfortunately, The Christchurch Gondola is closed until further notice.
Riccarton House
After the February earthquake Riccarton House is currently closed to the public. We have had the house surveyed by structural engineers and have been given a yellow sticker – which means we have restricted access to the building. At this stage the house is closed for casual dining, functions and heritage tours, until we start on the repairs. We hope to be up and running again by September 2011 but we will keep updating everyone as more information comes to hand
Arts Center
Unfortunately, The Arts Centre is closed until further notice.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura is fascinating. Remnants of the Maori and European settlement of the area and Kaikoura's whaling history can still be seen today by visiting the Kaikoura Museum and the historic Fyffe House. Tours are also available. Conducted by Kaikoura Maori guides, they focus on Kaikoura's Maori history and culture.
The town is also home to numerous artists and craftspeople, all of whom creatively incorporate local flavour into their designs. Wonderful local products can be seen in several galleries in and around the town, including gold gilding, pottery, paintings and prints, jewelry, wood turning, knitted garments and much more. Join the Art Trail starting at the Visitors Centre and see the artists at work.
Akaroa
Just 75 kilometers from the City of Christchurch, Akaroa is a historic French and British Settlement nestled in the heart of an ancient volcano. Explore the village with its colonial architecture, craft stores and cafes, relax in the sun at French Bay or find a secluded beach of your own in one of the neighboring bays. If you want to get out on the ocean, take one of a variety of cruises which explore the stunning wildlife and Hector dolphins.
The Christchurch Art Gallery
The largest art institution in the South Island, the Gallery replaces the Robert McDougall Art Gallery (est. 1932) as the home of one of New Zealand's most important public art collections.
With a delightful cafe where you can relax after discovering the wealth of art Christchurch has to offer, the Christchurch Art Gallery is a 'must see' attraction.
www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz
Sign of the Takahe
Whilst the Sign of the Takahe has only suffered minor damage in the February Earthquake, new building codes and consents imposed by CERA have delayed this repair work. Due to this the Sign of the Takahe will unfortunately be closed until February 2012 to ensure it can remain a Christchurch icon for generations to come. We apologise for any inconvenience & look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Mark Bouvet, General Manager 07/07/2011
Christchurch Tramway
Unfortunately, The Christchurch Tramway is closed until further notice.
Punting on the Avon
Come aboard a classic punt at either the historic Antigua Boatshed landing or at the Worcester Street Bridge landing site. Enjoy an authentic Edwardian punt ride along the Avon River. Punting on the Avon has been one of Christchurch’s icon attractions since 1986.
