Christchurch Things to Do Tips by knerten

The library itself is really small, but it's right on the beach and has a great view of the sea with comfy chairs where you can read and listen to music. The Children's section has interactive games and playstations. There's 2 cafes in it, you can have a walk on the pier, or do a 10km beach walk around the South Shore split and come back to where you started from. There's also the New Brighton Mall, an attempt at making a shopping street.

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Address: New Brighton
Directions: About 8km east from city centre. Bus no. 5, 40, 42, 43, 51 or 60. Route no. 5 takes the most straight route to New Brighton

Enjoy a fantastic 360 degree view of Christchurch, the Alps, Lyttelton Harbour and the Port Hills.
Eat at the cafe.
Shop at the souvenir store.
Visit the mini-exhibition ("time-tunnel") on how the Banks Peninsula was formed.
Walk down the Bridle Path to Lyttelton and take the bus home if you don't want to take the Gondola down again.
Or, take the bus to Lyttelton, walk up the Bridle Path, and take the Gondola down.
Time needed: approximately 3-4 hours for an enjoyable trip.

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Directions: Bus no 28 from the bus exchange will take you right to it, you can't miss it.
The Gondola runs from early morning until late (whatever that means).
NZ$10 one way, NZ$17 return

Botanic Gardens are probably not the first thing you think of visiting in winter, but in Christchurch they're definitely worth it. Well kept, an oasis in the centre of the city, you can simply go for a stroll, or visit many of the hot houses to view the winter flowering plants.

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Address: 5 mins on Worcester Blvd from Cathedral Square

A cultural and historical cross-section of New Zealand and Christchurch. The Maoris, the Early Settlers, Antarctica, Arts and Crafts. I spent 2 hours here, but it still wasn't enough. This is a museum you need to visit many times to fully see what it offers.
When I weas there they had an Asian Arts exhibition, with ivory carvings, which where the photo is from.

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Phone: +64 3 366 5000
Address: Rolleston Ave
Directions: Next to the Botanical Gardens. At the far end of Worcester Blvd. from Cathedral Square.
Website: http://www.nzmuseums.co.nz/

This is a vibrant and exciting venue for a huge range of arts and crafts, entertainment and shopping. On the weekends, year-round, there is a bustling Art, Craft and Produce market. There are over 40 speciality shops, bars, cafes, art house cinemas...all set in the beautiful surroundings of the old University of Canterbury.
It's easy to get lost in the maze of buildings and venues, but you can watch artists at working crafting jade, wood, bone, pottery and fine wools.

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Address: 2 Worcester Blvd
Directions: Follow Worcester Blvd. from Cathedral Square. It's on the left. You can't miss it.
Website: www.artscentre.org.nz

After walking 133 steps in a narrow spiraling staircase, you are rewarded with a great view of the city. Mind you, this will cost you 2.50 dollars, 1.50 if you're a student. I almost wanted to put this in my Tourist Trap tips, but actually, it's worth it.

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Address: Christchurch Cathedral on Cathedral Square

If you own a DK Eyewitness guide, open it to page 27 (2003 edition), and you'll spot this building. The only place to get a really good shot at it is from the Cathedral Tower (admission 2.50). You can do it from below, but you'll have to make do with an akward angle.

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The landmark of Christchurch. For being a relatively young building, comapred to most European cathedrals, this is actually quite a nice church, with nice ornaments and stained windows. Mind you, a photo permit will cost you NZ$ 2.50, and it's not worth it just for a couple of shots, so you better bring a tripod.

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Address: Cathedral Square, city centre