Since 2010, Christchurch has suffered the devastating effects of a series of earthquakes. Not willing to let these natural disasters hinder its spirit, the city has risen from the rubble with determined courage. Coordinated by Canterbury Museum, the Quake City Exhibition is an interactive attraction that details the historic moment the ground shook beneath Christchurch. It is located within the Re:START Mall and tells the powerful stories of those who came to the rescue; it is a tribute to the city’s enduring optimism. A couple of blocks away is the main building of the Canterbury Museum where Egyptian, pre-historic and Māori artefacts offer insight into New Zealand’s rich cultural and natural heritage.
A short walk brings you to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens within Hagley Park, an oasis of calm unscathed by seismic activity. Take a leisurely stroll around kaleidoscopic flowerbeds, pause for thought beneath magnificent trees or follow the meandering loops of the River Avon to exotic greenhouses. At the very edge of the gardens, take a punting tour or hire a row boat from the Edwardian-themed Antigua Boat Sheds for some old-fashioned fun on the water.
Beyond the city centre, you’ll find a variety of interesting sights, including two nature parks in the north. Spot a kiwi bird and explore the Ko Tane Māori village at Willowbank Wildfire Reserve or enjoy an up-close and personal animal encounter at Orana Wildlife Park. At the nearby International Antarctic Centre, embrace a unique opportunity to learn about expeditions to, and the extreme conditions of, this southerly continent. In the south, take a gondola ride to the summit of Mount Cavendish for panoramic views or catch a ferry from the famous Lyttelton Harbour to birdwatch on the historic Quail Island.
Which cruise lines sail to Christchurch?
