Activities in Christchurch

Christchurch Gondola

For unmatched views of the city and its surrounds, a ride on the Christchurch Gondola is essential. The 10-minute, 945m journey to the top of the Port Hills is only half the fun. It's here the CBD, the Canterbury Plains across to the Southern Alps, Pegasus Bay, Banks Peninsula, Lyttelton Harbour and the crater rim of the city's extinct volcano can be taken in. The views are enhanced at sunset and there's plenty of time to greet nightfall as a restaurant and cafe are situated at the top. The more adventurous can enjoy numerous walks that begin from this vantage point.

Held every Sunday at Riccarton Park, just 15 minutes drive from Christchurch city, the Riccarton Rotary Market is the biggest market of its kind in New Zealand. It's a great place to shop with over 300 vendors selling a variety of goods, from fresh fruits and vegetables to secondhand goods, furniture, clothing, art, plants and trees, food and beverages. You name it and the market probably has it! Join in the fun along with the 10,000-plus patrons each week. The entertainment is provided by local artists.

Welcome aboard Punting on the Avon! Sit back and relax as your authentic Edwardian punter gently takes you down the Avon River highlighting points of interest along the way. All punt rides take 30 minutes return. With city, park and Mona Vale landing sites available you choose what part of the river to explore.

New Zealand's only open-range zoo, Orana Wildlife Park encapsulates an extremely diverse range of animals and what's more, you have the chance to enjoy a rare, up-close encounter with some of them. More than 400 animals of 70 different species are on show here, all within 80ha of park-like grounds. Animals from all over the world are gathered at the sanctuary, which aims to provide enclosures that replicate natural habitats. Endangered animals predominate at the park as much emphasis is placed on captive breeding programmes. All this makes for an intimate experience.