By MupDay - the planner that does the research for you.
Updated: 2026-07-10
Christchurch is New Zealand's Garden City, blending natural beauty with vibrant culture. Visit to enjoy lush parks, revitalized historic architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere along the Avon River.
Plan a trip to Christchurch →The must-see places in Christchurch include Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Akaroa Village, International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch Cathedral (Ruins), Canterbury Museum and more. Here is the full list, with a short note on each:
A beautiful park with diverse plants, pathways, and the Avon River flowing through it, perfect for a relaxing stroll for the whole family.
An interactive and fascinating experience simulating life in Antarctica, including penguins and a snowstorm simulator.
A fascinating museum showcasing the natural and human history of the region, including Maori and Antarctic exhibits.
The Christchurch Gondola is a tourist attraction service offered by Christchurch Attractions in Christchurch, New Zealand. The gondola base is located in Heathcote Valley, and it traverses the slopes of Mount Cavendish in the Port Hills. Also known as a cable car, the Christchurch Gondola's course is 1,000 metres (1,100 yd) in length, and from the summit it is possible to see across the city of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps in the north and west, and down into Lyttelton Harbour and Banks Peninsula in the south and east. Sometimes used as a transport method for visitors who use the walking tracks on Mt Cavendish, the gondola is ranked as one of the top tourist attractions in Christchurch by TripAdvisor. The summit is 445 metres (1,460 ft) above sea level.
A unique open-range zoo allowing visitors to see animals in their natural habitat, including a lion safari.
A classic and romantic experience of gliding along the Avon River in a flat-bottomed boat, surrounded by lush gardens.
A popular golden sand beach, perfect for swimming, surfing, and strolls along the promenade.
A unique and impressive architectural structure, built from cardboard and serving as a transitional cathedral after the earthquake.
A moving and informative exhibition telling the story of Christchurch's earthquakes and the city's recovery.
A charming Spanish Mission-style shopping street with boutique shops, cafes, and colorful architecture.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Akaroa Village, International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch Cathedral (Ruins), Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Gondola
Any season works - MupDay plans around opening hours and the weather, and rebuilds your days as you add or remove places.
Most travellers spend between two and five days in Christchurch. MupDay builds a full itinerary for whatever length you pick - two days, three, four or a week - splitting the places across the days by proximity and opening hours, so each day stands on its own.
Pick places in MupDay and it auto-builds a day-by-day route with no zig-zag, weather-aware.