Things to do in Canterbury
Discover the best attractions and experiences Canterbury has to offer
Historic Monuments
Explore Canterbury's history through enduring structures and commemorations, from cathedrals to riverside landmarks.
ChristChurch Cathedral
Iconic Gothic Revival cathedral in Christchurch's Cathedral Square, a symbol of the city’s history.
Bridge of Remembrance
Riverside war memorial and landmark honoring New Zealanders who served in conflicts.
Lyttelton Timeball Station
Historic timekeeping station with harbor views and maritime history.
Museums
Discover natural history, aviation heritage, and local stories across Canterbury's museums.
Canterbury Museum
Natural and cultural exhibits in central Christchurch, highlighting Canterbury's natural history and Māori heritage.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
A large aviation collection near Christchurch featuring aircraft, artifacts, and interactive displays.
Quake City
Exhibition that tells the story of the 2010–2011 earthquakes and Christchurch’s resilience.
Religious Monuments
Visit the region's sacred sites, from grand cathedrals to modern chapels.
ChristChurch Cathedral
Iconic cathedral serving as a centerpiece for Christchurch's spiritual and architectural history.
Cardboard Cathedral
Temporary cathedral crafted from cardboard and shipping containers, symbolizing resilience.
National & Theme Parks
See dramatic alpine landscapes in national parks and enjoy a wildlife park experience.
Arthur's Pass National Park
Alpine scenery, wildflowers, and hiking routes between the Southern Alps.
Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
New Zealand’s highest peaks, glaciers, and iconic trekking routes.
Orana Wildlife Park
New Zealand’s wildlife park offering native and exotic species in a family-friendly setting.
Neighborhoods
Stroll through Canterbury's varied neighborhoods, from city centers to seaside villages.
Christchurch Central City (CBD)
The urban heart with cafes, shops, and cultural sights.
Lyttelton
Historic port town with hillside views, winding lanes, and a lively waterfront.
Sumner
Coastal suburb with a sandy beach, clifftop walks and seaside dining.
New Brighton
Long beach and promenade with a relaxed coastal vibe and eateries.
Free Things to Do
Enjoy many free ways to experience the region's scenery, parks, and rivers.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Stroll through beautifully landscaped gardens and glasshouses.
Walk along the Avon River
Pleasant riverside paths and scenic spots for a leisurely stroll.
Hagley Park
Expansive green space ideal for picnics, runs, and people-watching.
Port Hills viewpoints
Free scenic drives and walkways offering sweeping views over the city.
Gastronomy
Taste a mix of wine, seafood, cafe culture, and farm-fresh dairy across Canterbury.
Waipara Valley wine tastings
Sample cool-climate wines from the Waipara region's vineyards.
Akaroa seafood & French-inspired dining
Fresh seafood and European-influenced dining with harbor views.
Christchurch cafe culture & craft beer
Vibrant café scene and local breweries across the city.
Canterbury cheeses & dairy tastings
Try artisanal cheeses and dairy products from regional producers.
Nightlife
Evenings offer bars, live music, and waterfront venues across the region.
Pubs and live music in Cathedral Square
Lively bars and venues with occasional street performances.
Lyttelton waterfront bars
Casual pubs with harbor views and relaxed vibes.
Addington nightlife
Bars and nightspots clustered around the Addington area.
Entertainment
Catch live performances, theatres and arts venues across Canterbury.
The Court Theatre
A leading Christchurch venue offering plays, musicals, and performances.
Christchurch Arts Centre
Historic campus hosting concerts, theatre, and arts events.
Isaac Theatre Royal
Heritage theatre hosting touring shows and productions.
Sports
Active options include cricket, skiing, and outdoor golf.
Hagley Oval
Iconic cricket ground hosting domestic and international matches.
Mount Hutt Ski Area
Popular alpine slopes for winter skiing near Methven.
Clearwater Golf Club
Relaxed parkland golf course with views over the plains.
Off the Track
Venture off the beaten path with scenic drives, dolphin watching, and day trips.
Akaroa Harbour dolphin watching
Boat tours from Akaroa to spot Hector's dolphins and seals.
Arthur's Pass scenic drive & short hikes
Dramatic alpine scenery with accessible walks.
Kaikōura Whale Watching
Coastal town offering whale watching and marine encounters.
Port Hills scenic drive & sunset viewpoints
Drive up for sweeping views over Christchurch and the plains.