Christchurch & Canterbury
Christchurch is the South Island's gateway, and Canterbury its varied heart. The "Garden City" has reinvented itself since the earthquakes into a creative, green and walkable place, framed by parks and the Avon. Around it, Canterbury runs from the dolphins of Akaroa's harbour, across patchwork plains, to Arthur's Pass and the alps — crossed by the famous TranzAlpine train. Here's how to explore it.
Christchurch reborn
Christchurch blends heritage and renewal. Punt on the Avon, ride the restored tram, and stroll the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, then explore the creative post-quake city — street art, the Riverside Market, the Transitional Cardboard Cathedral and the Quake City story. The gondola lifts you to views over the city and Lyttelton Harbour. See our in-depth Christchurch guide.
Akaroa, Arthur’s Pass & the TranzAlpine
Canterbury reaches from sea to summit. On the volcanic Banks Peninsula, Akaroa charms with its French heritage and Hector's dolphin cruises; inland, soak at Hanmer Springs or cross the alpine drama of Arthur's Pass. Best of all, ride the TranzAlpine train from Christchurch to Greymouth — one of the world's great rail journeys across the Southern Alps. See our West Coast & Glaciers guide.
Cathedral Square
The heart of the old city, Cathedral Square, is anchored by the stone ChristChurch Cathedral — damaged in the 2011 earthquake and undergoing a long reinstatement, so do check its current status before visiting. Nearby, the innovative Transitional (Cardboard) Cathedral is open and moving, as is the 185 Chairs memorial. Together they tell the city's story of loss and renewal. See our Christchurch guide.
Christchurch & Canterbury: your questions
Christchurch, the "Garden City", is the South Island's main gateway — reborn after the 2010–11 earthquakes with a creative, walkable centre. Punt on the Avon River, ride the historic tram, wander the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, see the transitional Cardboard Cathedral and the moving 185 Chairs memorial, and take the gondola for city and harbour views. See our in-depth Christchurch guide.
Beyond the city, Canterbury spreads from the Pacific to the Alps. Visit French-flavoured Akaroa on its volcanic harbour (with Hector's dolphin cruises), soak at Hanmer Springs, cross Arthur's Pass, and ride the famous TranzAlpine train across the Southern Alps to the West Coast. The patchwork Canterbury Plains lead to big-sky high country. See our West Coast & Glaciers guide.
The stone ChristChurch Cathedral in Cathedral Square, badly damaged in the 2011 earthquake, has been undergoing a long reinstatement, so please check its current status before visiting. In the meantime, the striking Transitional (Cardboard) Cathedral nearby is open and well worth seeing. See our Christchurch guide.
The TranzAlpine is one of the world's great rail journeys — from Christchurch to Greymouth on the West Coast, climbing across the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps through Arthur's Pass, with viewing carriages and spectacular gorges and river valleys. It's a superb day trip or a scenic way to cross the island. See our getting around guide.
Yes — Akaroa, about 90 minutes from Christchurch on the volcanic Banks Peninsula, is a charming village with a French heritage, a pretty harbour, and cruises to see the rare Hector's dolphins and other wildlife. It makes a lovely day trip or overnight from the city. See our marine wildlife page.