Air Force Museum
Experience the adventure of the history of flight in New Zealand. Air Force Museum is located on the old RNZAF Base Wigram, one of the earliest airbases in the country.

Air Force Museum is open every day from 10am until 5pm

Main South Road, Wigram (15 minutes drive from City Centre)
Telephone: (+64 3) 343 9532
Website: www.airforcemuseum.co.nz

Arts Centre Te Pokapū Toi o Ōtautahi
Christchurch‘s hub of arts and crafts, featuring art galleries, craft studios and shops, theatres, cinemas, a selection of cafes, restaurants and bars and an exciting colourful weekend market and ethnic food fair. Lunchtime concerts feature every Friday and live music every weekend in summer.

Open every day.

2 Worcester Boulevard
Telephone: (+64 3) 363 2836
Website: www.artscentre.org.nz

Botanic Gardens
Christchurch’s reputation as the Garden City is truly reflected in the Botanic Gardens.

Undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants found anywhere in New Zealand, the Gardens provide spectacular displays all year round.

You can’t help but be impressed with the large majestic trees and sweeping lawns providing a wonderful backdrop to our feature gardens including rock, water, rose and herb gardens.

Also featured are herbaceous borders, woodland areas and a conservatory complex, open daily from 10.15am until 4pm. Relax and let the kids play in our play area next to the Gardens Restaurant.

The Information Centre is open from 10.15am - 4pm, from September to April, and 11am - 3pm, May to August. The grounds open at 7am and close one hour before sunset.

Rolleston Avenue
Telephone: (+64 3) 366 1701
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz/parks/BotanicGardens

Canterbury Museum
Canterbury Museum is renowned for having some of the finest cultural and natural collections in New Zealand, as well as for its creative and imaginative displays. Housed in one of Christchurch's finest historic buildings, Canterbury Museum has world class displays of geology, zoology, Maori, Asian and European collections.

Canterbury Museum is open every day (except Christmas Day) from 9 am until 5.30 pm (October to March), and 9am until 5.00pm (April to September). Guided tours are available. Entry by donation. Discovery $2 per person.

Rolleston Avenue
Telephone: (+64 3) 366 5000
Website: www.canterburymuseum.com
Email: info@canterburymuseum.com

Cathedral Square Market
The Cathedral Square Market is located in the heart of the city, Cathedral Square. An outdoor market with stalls offering handcrafted and imported goods such as New Zealand wood-ware, handknitting, jewellery, pounamu, paua, bone carvings, possum fashions, sheepskins, clothing, healthcare products, sunglasses, t-shirts and much more. Grab something to eat at one of the food vendors and enjoy the atmosphere which makes the Square unique.

Open Wednesday to Saturday, 10am-4pm (with extra days for visiting Cruise Ships)

Telephone/Fax: (+64 3) 365 2632

Centre of Contemporary Art
The largest selection and display of contemporary art can be found at 66 Gloucester Street in downtown Christchurch. Five galleries and over 60 exhibitions per annum will enable you to gain an in-depth understanding of both New Zealand and Cantabrian Contemporary Art.

Open Tuesday to Friday, 10am-5pm
Saturday and Sunday, 12pm-4pm (telephone for information about CoCA's lunch hour and city weekend tours)

66 Gloucester Street
Telephone: (+64 3) 366 7261
Email: art@coca.org.nz
Website: www.coca.org.nz

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu
Open 10 May 2003. Located in the heart of the City's cultural precinct, bounded by Worcester Boulevard, Gloucester and Montreal Streets.

The Christchurch Art Gallery is the city's public art museum and is the home of Christchurch’s public art collection, including international and New Zealand historical and contemporary pieces.

Montreal Street
Telephone: (+64 3) 365 0915
Website: www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz

Christchurch Casino
When you’re ready for indoor adventure, treat yourself to a visit to Christchurch Casino!

Christchurch Casino offers twenty four hour gaming entertainment to visitors to Christchurch. The casino has 428 gaming machines and a wide variety of Table Games including Blackjack, American Roulette, Mini Baccarat, Midi Baccarat, Tai Sai, Money Wheel and Caribbean Stud Poker as well as The Racing Game and Live Keno.

Christchurch Casino is centrally located and is easily accessible from all inner city hotels and motels. and is open 24 hours a day. You must be 20 years or over to enter Christchurch Casino, Restaurants or Bars. The Dress Code requires smart casual attire, no blue or black jeans. Free Shuttles operate to and from local hotels and motels each evening.

Christchurch Casino is open 24 hours a day.

30 Victoria Street
Telephone: (+64 3) 365 9999
Website: www.chchcasino.co.nz

Christchurch Gondola
Unique 360-degree panoramic views of Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains and Lyttelton Harbour unfold as you rise to the summit of Christchurch's famous extinct volcano. Relax and enjoy a snack at the Summit Cafe, shop at Discover New Zealand and visit the Heritage Time Tunnel Experience.

The Christchurch Gondola Base Station is located 15 minutes drive from central Christchurch.

Open daily, from 10am

10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote
Telephone: (+64 3) 384 0700
Facsimile: (+64 3) 384 0703
Email: gondola@gondola.co.nz
Website: www.gondola.co.nz

Christchurch Leisure Centres
Enjoy Christchurch’s world-class leisure facilities; QEII Park, Pioneer, Cowles, Sockburn and Centennial Leisure Centres (with Centennial located just minutes from Cathedral Square). Feeling sluggish after a long journey? Why not get energised by hitting the gym or a few laps in the pool? Hectic itinerary? Unwind and recover with a spa and sauna! If you are travelling with children the new ‘Atlantis’ themed pool (at QEII Park) will amaze them! Featuring a sunken ship and stone ruins with a wave pool, lazy river, vortex and bubble pools.

For information contact Christchurch City Council. Telephone: (+64 3) 941 8383.

Christchurch Tramway
Christchurch's heritage trams are a great way to experience the heritage and charm that makes Christchurch special, with an informative and entertaining commentary.

The tramway offers a quality inner city tour experience that combines the heritage of the trams, attractions and historic buildings with the culture of the Garden City.

The trams follow a 2.5 kilometre loop around central Christchurch taking in some interesting sites. These include Cathedral Square, Southern Encounter Aquarium, The Arts Centre, Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, Punting on the Avon, Victoria Square, and New Regent Street to name just a few.

The beautifully restored heritage trams are also available for cocktail functions or a unique la carte dining experience on the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant.

The operating hours of the trams are: 9am - 6pm (1 April - 31 October) and 9am - 9pm (1 November - 31 March) with the last tram leaving Cathedral Square 30 minutes prior to closing time.

Tramway Lane or PO Box 872, Christchurch
Telephone: (+64 3) 366 7830
Facsimile: (+64 3) 366 6943
Email: enquiries@tram.co.nz
Website: www.tram.co.nz

The Circuit
Science Alive!, Supa Kart Raceway, Laserstrike, Garden City Bowl, Aimtru’s Indoor Archery and Alpine Ice Sport Centre make up ‘The Circuit’; six action-packed, fun entertainment venues all located within a small distance of each other.

Challenge your body and mind through the interactive experience of Science Alive!, skate hard or just chill out at Christchurch’s only ice skating arena or take-on all, or any, of the Circuit attractions.

All attractions on, or near Moorhouse Avenue.

Website: www.thecircuit.co.nz

Clearwater
Centrepiece to the resort and home of the ING NZPGA Championship is the international resort standard, 18-hole golf course designed by John Darby in consultation with New Zealand golfing legend Sir Bob Charles. With a choice of five tee positions the course can be both challenging and enjoyable for players of all levels. Playable year-round, it is set amongst extensive lakes and clear-flowing streams, native fauna, grassland and native trees.

Clearwater is situated 15 minutes from the city centre and 7 minutes from Christchurch International Airport.

The golf course offers but one of many lifestyle pursuits available at Clearwater – walking, fishing, tennis and petanque are added attractions. A public driving range, the Golf Shop and restaurant and bar are also available.

Clearwater Avenue, (off Johns Road) Harewood, Christchurch
Golf Shop Hours: 7 am - 8 pm
Telephone: 360-1103
Fax: 360-1115
Website: www.clearwaternz.com

Cultural Precinct
Christchurch's Cultural Precinct occupies a unique position in the life of the central city.

Vibrant sites of culture and learning, entertainment, shopping, leisure, history and heritage can all be reached easily on foot or by historic tram. Sites include: Art Gallery, Botanic Gardens, Our City O-Tautahi, Provincial Chambers, Arts Centre, Canterbury Museum, i-site Visitor Centre, Christ's College, Cathedral and CoCA.

The Precinct is easy to walk around, or you can travel by tram and hear stories about the area's history and personalities from a friendly tram driver.

We invite you to experience our Cultural Precinct: expand your cultural horizons, enrich your senses, and explore the heart of Christchurch.

Most Cultural Precinct activities are free.
Website: www.culturalprecinct.co.nz

Ferrymead Heritage Park
The sights and sounds of a bygone era come alive at Ferrymead Heritage Park. Ferrymead marks the site of the first New Zealand railway, which operated between the park and the city from 1863. Today the park comprises an Edwardian township and an exhibition area. Step back in time to experience the streets, buildings, fashions and transportation of colonial Christchurch.

Open daily, 10am-4.30pm.

Ferrymead Park Drive.
Telephone: (+64 3) 384 1970
Fax : (+64 3) 3841725
Email: info@ferrymead.org.nz
Website: www.ferrymead.org.nz

International Antarctic Centre
The World's Best Antarctic Attraction - A Unique Experience.

Christchurch is the world's aerial gateway to the Antarctic and has been proudly associated with the Antarctic since the early heroic era when Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton visited Christchurch on their way down to the Ice.

The International Antarctic Centre is a modern day working Antarctic campus and is home to the United States, the Italian, and the NZ Antarctic Programmes.

The Antarctic attraction is located in the heart of this campus and has twice been voted the best attraction in NZ. It is a fun interactive and hands on experience the whole family will enjoy. Slide down a snow slope in the world's first indoor Snow & Ice Experience, throw a snowball, or try on your own Antarctic clothing at the Camp Site area. The audio visual and interactive presentations are fantastic and the children will enjoy meeting "Pom Pom" the penguin and "Slip" the seal! The outdoor Antarctic Hägglund Ride is a "must do"- a 10 - 15 minute Adventure Course ride on a genuine Antarctic vehicle. Set aside 2-3 hours for your visit and make time to have a meal in the Antarctic Café & Bar.

The attraction is open seven days a week from 9am.

Orchard Road (next to Christchurch Airport, 15 minutes drive from the city)
Freephone: 0508 Penguin
Telephone: (+ 64 3) 358-9896
Website: www.iceberg.co.nz

Harbour Cruises

Christchurch Wildlife Cruises: Discover rare Dolphins just 15 minutes from central Christchurch. Cruise the scenic Lyttelton Harbour aboard the sleek new 20-meter vessel, the Black Cat. You'll catch a glimpse of one of the world's rarest and smallest dolphins - the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin. You'll also discover Little Blue Penguins and other coastal marine birdlife such as breeding spotted shags, white fronted terns and numerous species of gulls. As well as the natural wildlife, you'll see evidence of the harbours violent, volcanic past. Lyttelton also has a fascinating history, and your skipper will point out the many significant sites including those of the early Maori and European settlers. There's also the stories from the historic Lyttelton township, the legends of Ripapa Island and more. Winner: Best Activity and Attraction, NZ Tourism Awards 2002/3

Swimming with Dolphins - Akaroa: Akaroa Harbour is the only place on the planet where you can swim with the world's smallest and rarest Dolphins - the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin. Akaroa is a delightful scenic township about 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. The Hector's Dolphins frequent the sheltered harbour all year round. Dolphins Up Close operates a jet-powered catamaran for ultimate safety for you and the dolphins. Everything is provided including wetsuits, masks, snorkels, hot showers, hot chocolate and a free gift pack. Ask about our dolphin guarantee. You can also watch the dolphins from the vessel. We look forward to welcoming you aboard.

Akaroa Harbour Cruises: The historic French Village of Akaroa is 90 minutes drive from Christchurch. Here you can cruise around an extinct volcanic crater. Experience majestic scenery and stunning wildlife on daily Canterbury Cat harbour cruises. You'll see the rare, native dolphin - the Hector's or New Zealand Dolphin. There's also the chance to spot the world's smallest penguin, the White Flippered Little Blue Penguin, and other sea birds. Other cruise highlights are a working salmon farm, Cathedral Cave and signs of Akaroa's fascinating past including early Maori, French and British settlements. Cruises depart daily at 1.30pm.

Island Adventures: Lyttelton Harbour, just 15 minutes from Christchurch, is home to two islands, each with an incredible link to Canterbury's past. Ripapa Island Historic Reserve was originally a Maori pa before it became home to Fort Jervois, built in 1860. The island then housed the famous prisoner Count Felix Von Luckner. Today guided tours explore this historic island. The early European settlers first used Quail Island as a leper colony and a quarantine station. The famous Antarctica explorers, Scott and Shackleton, trained their sled dogs and ponies there. Today the island is ideal for a half-day freedom walk.

Black Cat Group
PO Box 87, Lyttelton
Telephone: (+ 64 3) 329 9078
Fax (+64 3) 328 8699
Email: info@blackcat.co.nz
Website: www.blackcat.co.nz

Lyttelton Harbour Cruises
Enjoy wonderful scenic views and great cafes in Lyttelton, just twenty minutes from the centre of Christchurch city. There is a choice of short excursions from Lyttelton Port, and a launch ferries passengers to Diamond Harbour (opposite the Port). Enjoy the scenery of the harbour on a cruise, hear the history of the area, see a wide variety of coastal marine bird life and you may get a glimpse of the world’s smallest and rarest marine dolphin - the Hector’s Dolphin. Vessels depart daily. Catch a shuttle from Cathedral Square or combine your cruise with a scenic coach tour.

Website: www.blackcat.co.nz
Website: www.sea-cruises.co.nz

Mona Vale Gardens
The late-Victorian homestead of Mona Vale is a delightful place to combine a garden tour with a lunch or tea break, a ride in a punt and a look through the Bath House Souvenir Shop. It is within short driving distance of the central city and was once owned by the Deans, one of Christchurch’s first settler families.

Open: Restaurant daily 9.30am-4pm (Summer), Wednesday-Sunday 9.30-3.30pm (Winter).

63 Fendalton Road, Riccarton.
Telephone: (+64 3) 348 9660
Fax: (+64 3) 348 7011
Email: monavale@continental.co.nz

Nga Hau E Wha Marae
Nga Hau E Wha National Marae is the largest Urban Marae in NZ and literally means 'Marae of the Four Winds' where people from all points of the compass meet, and all cultures are welcome.

The Marae is a place of great prestige and spirituality, where Maori customs and culture and preserved and practiced. As such there is no better place to visit to find out more about Maori culture and traditions. The Marae has two spectacularly carved meeting houses name Aoraki, which is carved and intricately decorated in the traditional styles of the Maori and Te Aritaua Pitama which preserve and share the rich oral history of Maori myths and legends.

The Marae offers a numbers of cultural experiences for all people including; daytime guided tours, self guided tours, specialised workshops, Marae stayovers and catering, offsite performances, Maori movement tutorials, Powhiri - welcome ceremony. A Night of Maori Magic and Marae Tour and Concert operate in the evenings beginning at 6.45pm. These include Marae Tour, Traditional welcome ceremony, Cultural performance and Hangi (earth oven) dinner meal (optional).

Bookings are essential for many of our cultural experiences.

250 Pages Road, Aranui
Telephone: (+64 3) 388 7685
Email: nhewmarae@xtra.co.nz
Website: www.nationalmarae.co.nz

Orana Wildlife Park
New Zealand’s largest wildlife reserve, Orana Wildlife Park is set on 80 hectares of park land. The Park is internationally recognised for its breeding of rare and endangered New Zealand and African animals.

You can experience the feeding of the magnificent Rothschild giraffe, see cheetah in full chase, feed the lions, enjoy the antics of monkeys, lemurs, porcupines and servals, and be amazed at the African Plains exhibit featuring white rhino and zebra.

Be sure not to miss out on New Zealand’s own symbol, the Kiwi in the nocturnal house, as well as other native birds and our rare reptile, the Tuatara. You can relax and enjoy the view of all this from our fully licensed Serengeti Restaurant. Private functions available by arrangement.

Orana Wildlife Park is open every day of the week (except Christmas Day) from 10am - 4.30pm.

743 McLeans Island Road, (10 minutes drive from Christchurch Airport)
Telephone: (+64 3) 359 7109
Website: www.oranawildlifepark.co.nz

Our City O-Tautahi
Our City O-Tautahi is housed in one of city’s finest Victorian Buildings. Built as the Christchurch City Council’s original Municipal Chambers, the building now provides an accessible space for the City Council and the people and communities of Christchurch to meet to present and exchange ideas and knowledge about the city and important development, environmental and social issues, as well as celebrate its life, colour and creativity.

Open Monday-Saturday, 10am-4pm

Admission free

Corner of Oxford Terrace and Worcester Boulevard
Telephone: (+64 3) 941 7460
Fax: (+64 3) 941 7465
Email: OurCity@ccc.govt.nz
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz/OurCity

Punting
Sit back, relax and just drift along through parks and gardens, under shady trees and enjoy the tranquillity of your own punting journey on the Avon River. Each punt is custom-built, fully upholstered and comes complete with its own boatperson to do all the work. All you have to do is enjoy the ride.

Punting businesses include: Mona Vale Homestead, Antigua Boat Sheds, Punting On The Avon, Punting in the Park For more information: www.christchurchnz.net

Riccarton House & Bush
Riccarton House and Bush are located in the Christchurch suburb of Riccarton, just 3.5 km from the city centre.

Guided tours of the historic 1856 homestead provide an insight into early life in Canterbury - through the Deans Family. Step back in time to a world of Victorian and Edwardian splendour. See the oldest European pioneers cottage in Canterbury, built in 1843, and take a walk in the last native kahikitea forest on the Canterbury plains.

Guided Heritage Tours are offered at 2pm every day except Saturday.
The fully licensed restaurant is open every day from 10am till 4pm for coffee, morning/afternoon tea and lunch.

16 Kahu Road, Riccarton, Christchurch
Telephone: (+64 3) 341 1018
Facsimile: (+64 3) 341 6839
Email: info@riccartonhouse.co.nz
Website: www.riccartonhouse.co.nz

Riccarton Market
The Riccarton Market is the biggest market of its kind in Christchurch - and is a great place to shop! Each week over 300 vendors are there selling a wide variety of goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables to second hand goods, furniture, clothing, art, food and beverages. There is plenty of parking and is just 15 minutes drive from the central city.

Open every Sunday (excluding Easter Sunday, then open Easter Monday), 9am-2pm. Riccarton Racecourse, Riccarton Park, Racecourse Road.
Telephone: (+64 3) 339 0011

Science Alive!
Located in a heritage building close to the central business district Science Alive! offers a truly unique visitor experience.

The ever-changing exhibition environment hosts up to four exhibitions per year with science and technology related themes, often supported by our own collection of exhibits. Challenge yourself on New Zealand’s highest vertical slide; at 5.2m high this popular exhibit can test the will of the strongest adventure seeker!

At the entrance to Science Alive! you will also discover The Science Shop and the adjacent Galileos Café

Science Alive! Hands on fun for everyone!

Opening hours: 10am to 5pm daily (Closed Christmas Day & exhibition changeover)

392 Moorhouse Avenue
Telephone: (+64 3) 365 5199
Facsimile: (+64 3) 365 5189
Email info@sciencealive.co.nz
Website: www.sciencealive.co.nz

Slingshot - Vertical Bungee Rocket
The human Slingshot, also known as the vertical bungee rocket, is the only one of it's kind in NZ, firing thrill seekers 50 metres skyward in one second at 160kph! Giant bungee cords give up to six G's acceleration, weightlessness, 360 degree rotation and a 50 metre free falling "ground-rush". After repeating the process several times the rider capsule is lowered safely to the launch pad. The Slingshot is suitable for all ages. Alternatively the Slingshot offers a slow "scenic" ride giving remarkable views of the beach, Pier and coastline. Participants are able to film or photo these views from 30 metres in the air and t-shirts and videos of the ride available for purchase. Group bookings and discounts available.

Open 7 days 10am till late
New Brighton Mall

Telephone: (+64 3) 3828 333

Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House
Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House is New Zealand’s newest and most unique visitor experience. Located right in the heart of Christchurch’s Cathedral Square, Aquarium of Discovery takes you on a southern encounter across the South Island.

As you travel from the East Coast to the West Coast you will experience the diverse wonders of the South Island’s freshwater and marine species. Discover the rocky shore, lakes and rivers, the fishing lodge with fly tying demonstrations and the swing bridge, waterfall and glowworm cave. View gigantic eels, trout, marine fish and sharks and watch as divers hand feed eels and sharks daily.

Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi Houseis open every day of the year. Summer hours are from 9.00am until 9.00pm. Winter hours are from 10.00am until 6.00pm

Cathedral Square
Telephone: (+64 3) 377 3474
Website: www.southernencounter.co.nz

Tranz Secnic Unique Train Journeys
Travelling around New Zealand by train means seeing it all. From the Overlander to the world famous TranzAlpine, your train is sleek, comfortable and relaxing.

Two spectacular South Island unique train rides including the TranzAlpine, rated one of the top six journeys in the world. Travels daily from Christchurch to Greymouth on the West Coast through the massive Southern Alps.

The TranzCoastal travels daily between Christchurch to the pretty port of Picton where it connects with the InterIslander. The journey travels along the rugged Pacific Ocean on one side and the steep mountains on the other. Stop at Kaikoura for a day or more and enjoy amazing activities such as whale watching.

Phone: (04) 495 0775 or free phone within New Zealand: 0800 872 467
Email: bookings@tranzscenic.co.nz
Web: www.tranzscenic.co.nz

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
New Zealand’s premiere wildlife park showing one of the most complete selections of native and introduced wildlife in their natural environment, as well as a wonderful farmyard and exotic display.

You can also enjoy the rare experience of New Zealand’s largest and most unique daytime Kiwi viewing area. Willowbank places special emphasis on spacious surroundings and animal contact. Experience Wildlife by Night. See many of New Zealand’s rare nocturnal animals and birds, including kiwis in their natural environment. Buffet dinner and BBQ lunches available.

The park is open from 10am until 10pm daily

60 Hussey Road (off Gardiners Road), Harewood, 5 minutes drive from Christchurch Airport,
Telephone: (+64 3) 359 6226
Website: www.willowbank.co.nz

Yaldhurst Museum of Transport and Science
Set in the grounds of the original homestead of 1876, this hidden gem is just 20 minutes from the city centre. View over 100 vehicles, from horse and buggy to classic cars, printing presses to fire engines, racing cars to military displays. Shrouded in mystery and surprises, the atmosphere captures the essence of the past. First turn right past Yaldhurst Hotel on Main West Road Christchurch (close to Christchurch International Airport ).

The Museum is open every day (except Christmas Day) 10am to 5pm

26 School Road , Yaldhurst, Christchurch
Telephone: (+64 3) 342 7914
Fax: (+64 3) 342 7916
Email: enquiries@yaldhurstmuseum.co.nz
Website: www.yaldhurstmuseum.co.nz