We had a day to spend in Christchurch and we plan to visit some of the attractions that interest us. We decide not to wander too far off where we are staying and our hotel is near to all these attractions which made it easier for us to explore around. This post will cover on what method of transport to use and where are the places of interest that might be worth visiting if you had little time lastly, some of my 2 cents opinions.
After the earthquake in 2011, Christchurch has been continuously changing and rebuilding now filling with new urban centres and street arts filling the streets.
Walking Route
The walking route that we had done that day for your references.
Transportation
Walk or take the tram if you are interested to have a different experience.
Tram tour pricelist
Tram route map
1. Christchurch Cathedral
During the 2011 earthquake, it toppled the tower of Christchurch Cathedral which caused severe damage to the main building. There was a huge dispute, in 2012 on whether to demolish the church and rebuild a new cathedral, however, after much debate and decision in early 2017 the reinstate of the cathedral has been confirmed and estimated that the project would be completed within 10 years. Now the cathedral is cover by hoarding wall giving us the aftermath of how the damage of an earthquake had caused to the cathedral.
Where?
Operating hour
24/7
Time needed?
15 Minutes for photo taking
2-cents opinion
It is worth to spend some time over here even though you are not able to see much except for the damage that has been done to the cathedral and some of the information put up for visitors to read about. Standing over there does give us the thought of how massive the earthquake is that caused such huge damage to this iconic cathedral in Christchurch.
For more information on the reinstate of the cathedral, visit reinstate.org.nz.
2. Bridge of Remembrance
One of the war memorials in Christchurch that serves as a memorial to those servicemen and women who participate in two World Wars and as well as the subsequent conflicts in Borneo, Korea, Malaya, and Vietnam. Following the earthquake in 2011, the memorial was structurally damaged, strengthening work and repairment was done. It was reopened to the public in 2016.
Where?
Time needed?
15 minutes for photo taking, you will need more time if you wanted to have a sit at the Avon River Terraced Seating. It is a peaceful and relaxing place where you are able to have a chat with your friends or even spent some time alone.
2 cents opinion
We are walking towards the botanic garden which we will need to pass through this place. Felt that it would be nice to walk over here as there are some cool restaurants and bars along the riverfront and not only that, it is also a great way to spend your afternoon if you have nothing in mind or not in a rush.
3. Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Christchurch Botanic Gardens was founded in 1863 when an English oak was planted. Over the years, the botanic garden has grown from a small garden to a 21-hectare park with more than 10 different gardens planted with mature trees and expansive lawns, a much-loved destination for the locals and tourists alike.
Where?
Operating hour
07:00~18:30
Cost
Botanic Gardens
Free Entry
Caterpillar tour
Get your tram ticket with Christchurch Attractions or KLOOK.
Adult: 20 NZD
Child: 9 NZD
Time needed?
1-2 hours
Garden tour starts here.
2 cents opinion
The park is huge you might need a longer time to stroll around and enjoy the beautiful flower and plants there. Taking the caterpillar tour would be a good choice if you do not wish to walk and to have an in-depth tour with an audio guide when having a ride through the park. It is a pity that we did not have enough time to explore more in this park.
To know more information visit Christchurch botanic gardens.
4. Canterbury Museum
Next to the Botanic Garden is the Canterbury Museum, for museum lovers, please do not miss this beautiful museum which was first opened since 1870. A museum that showcases and introduce the natural history of Canterbury, the people who have made their homes here and their connection to Antarctica.
Where?
Operating hour
09:00~ 17:00 (April – September)
09:00~17:30 (October – March)
Cost
Free Entry
Time needed?
1 hour or less
What to see?
2 cents opinion
An interesting museum where we are able to know more about the history and culture of the Canterbury and Maori the indigenous Polynesian people of New Zealand. It is worth visiting to look at the exhibition and collection here.
5. Cardboard Cathedral
Cardboard Cathedral is also known as the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, it was built to replace the Christchurch Cathedral, due to the earthquake in 2011 that had significantly damaged the Cathedral. It is the only cathedral in the world made substantially of cardboard and it was designed by the world-renowned Japanese architect Shigeru Ban.
Where?
Opening Hour
09:00 ~17:00 or at the conclusion of the evening service, whichever is later.
For more information, visit cardboard cathedral.
Cost
Free entry
Time needed?
15mins – 30 mins
2 cents opinion
When we were there, there was a choir service going on and we thought that it is closed to the public. However, after a while, the staff opens the door and let us in. The interior is simple and beautiful, we did not stay for too long as the cathedral was going to close soon.
6. Friday Street Food Market
Food trucks that are in the city only on Friday and we were so lucky to catch it.
Operating hour
11:00~20:00
*Visit their Facebook page to know the latest news.
Time needed?
1 Hour or more
Cost?
10~15NZD per person
Had the Pork spare rib and the salad is from the supermarket nearby.
2 cents opinion
The BBQ Pork Rib was tender and juicy nothing to complain about it, as our hotel is just opposite and there are not a lot of seats. I brought it back to our hotel room to eat, there are around 10 stalls selling all kinds of international cuisine. If you are not staying around the cathedral square I don’t think that it is necessary to make a special trip here just to have your meal.
7. New Regent Street Precinct
A pedestrian mall that is built as a private development in the early 1930s with 40 shops in Spanish Mission architectural style, it is one of the city’s major tourist attractions.
Where?
Operating hours:
09:00~16:00
**Different store operating hour varies
Time needed?
30 Mins ~ 1 hour
2 cents opinion
If you are here to take photos of the colourful building, you will not need to stay for too long. However, there are some famous restaurants and stores around here which you could spend more time here. It was not so crowded here around 5 pm as most of the stores were closed and do visit the yummy gelato dessert cafe there.
8. Cathedral Junction
Holding a special place in the heart of Christchurch city centre, Cathedral Junction is a unique shopping arcade and indoor tram stop that links Cathedral Square to historic Regent St.
Where?
Operating hour
24/7
What is inside?
Shops and the main station for tram
2 cents opinion
This place is quite interesting if you are to see the tram pass through this sheltered mall. You are able to find international cuisine here, for instance, Japanese cuisine and Chinese. Otherwise, it is just a normal attraction, which you can skip if you do not have enough time.
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