Christchurch - Key Attractions

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu
Opened in May 2003, this stunning modern building houses the largest art institution in the South Island. Two floors of exhibition space showcase contemporary and historic displays in a collection totalling more than 5,500 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and crafts.

Corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street
Tel: (03) 941 7300.
Website: www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz

Christchurch Cathedral and Cathedral Square
The spire of Christchurch Cathedral, the heart of the city, once dominated its skyline. The arrival of the first settlers who landed in Lyttelton Harbour in 1850 is recorded in mosaics on the cathedral's tiled floor. There is a market on the iconic square every day.

Cathedral Square
Tel: (03) 366 0046.
Website: www.christchurchcathedral.co.nz

Canterbury Museum
Housed in an exquisite historic building, this museum features stunning displays covering themes as varied as Maori culture, Antarctic exploration, Asian decorative arts, New Zealand birds, and transport. There is also an interactive natural history Discovery Centre, and The Christchurch Street, a recreation of the city during the Victorian era.

Rolleston Avenue
Tel: (03) 366 5000.
Website: www.canterburymuseum.com

Adrenalin Forest
The park is an aerial obstacle course up to 17m (55ft) high, with five pathways of progressive difficulty. Negotiate 80 challenging activities along rope bridges, flying foxes, and Tarzan swings through the tree canopy. Safe for all ages, with full harnesses and instruction.

105A Heyders Road, Spencer Park
Tel: (03) 329 8717.
Website: www.adrenalin-forest.co.nz

Willowbank
Willowbank is a great wildlife reserve featuring exotic animals such as wallabies, otters, ostriches, lemurs, gibbons, indigenous animals and a variety of domestic animals (check out the weird-looking Kune Kune pig). There is an extensive selection of native wildlife, including the rare tuatara, and a large nocturnal kiwi house.

60 Hussey Road
Tel: (03) 359 6226.
Website: www.willowbank.co.nz

Botanic Gardens
The grounds of Christchurch's Botanic Gardens, which were established in 1863, encompass an area of 30 hectares (74 acres), the majority of this being within the loop of the Avon River. Contained within this area is undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand.

Rolleston Avenue
Tel: (03) 941 8999.
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz

International Antarctic Centre
Located right by the airport, the International Antarctic Centre (twice voted Best Attraction in New Zealand') features an indoor Snow & Ice Experience, an exciting Hagglund all-terrain vehicle ride and an award-winning indoor exhibit of Antarctic themes. Audio-guides for multi-lingual commentary are available.

38 Orchard Road
Tel: (03) 353 7798.
Website: www.iceberg.co.nz