Christchurch: Gardens, City History and Culture
Accommodation in Christchurch
Discover Christchurch from different perspectives: through the plant collections of the Botanic Gardens, the history of historic buildings and experiences on the Avon. You’ll also find places exploring New Zealand’s history of women’s suffrage and the Canterbury earthquakes. Which of these aspects interests you most may also influence your choice of where to stay.
Gardens and Historic Details
The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are in the heart of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Their significant collections of exotic and native plants give a visit to the gardens a distinctive focus: here, you can encounter a variety of plant worlds in one place. If you like to set aside time in green spaces during your stay, you can consider the gardens as one of several possible highlights for your trip.
One striking feature of the gardens is the Peacock Fountain on Armstrong Lawn. The fountain was originally imported from England and installed in the gardens in the early 20th century. It also tells a small story about the design of the place: its origins and when it was installed are part of what makes it special, whether your main interest is plants or historic objects.
Buildings and Stories of the City
The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora site comprises 23 buildings. Of these, 22 are listed by Heritage New Zealand, and 21 are classified as Historic Place Category One. The figures describe two different categories: listing by Heritage New Zealand and classification as Historic Place Category One. The Rauora/Revival exhibition at the Arts Centre tells the story of the site’s restoration. If you’re interested in how historic buildings are cared for, the restoration story offers a way to explore the site.
The Official Arts Centre Guided Walk takes you to areas of the Arts Centre that are not normally open to the public. This makes it a distinct way to explore the site: unlike the exhibition, the guided walk focuses on areas that are usually not accessible to the public. If you’d rather explore Christchurch’s history at individual memorial sites, you can choose a different focus.
The Kate Sheppard National Memorial explains Christchurch’s role in the women’s suffrage movement. Kate Sheppard and other women collected more than 31,000 signatures in support of the cause. In 1893, New Zealand became the first country to grant women the right to vote. The Bridge of Remembrance commemorates those who served in both world wars. Quake City, a special exhibition by the Canterbury Museum in Christchurch, explores the Canterbury earthquakes and the stories of people who experienced them or helped with the response. Together, these places open up different historical themes without reducing them to the same story.
River Experiences and Exploring the City
Punting on the Avon is a 30-minute river tour. It starts at the historic Antigua Boat Sheds in central Christchurch and returns there. During the trip, passengers experience the scenery of the Botanic Gardens and the river’s wildlife; they can also listen to the punter’s commentary. The tour combines riverside scenery with information during a set-length ride.
The restored historic trams in Ōtautahi Christchurch offer another way to explore the city. They provide hop-on, hop-off sightseeing, and the drivers share their knowledge of the city. A Christchurch Attractions electric shuttle also offers a guided tour of the Christchurch Botanic Gardens with live commentary. Each option has its own focus: city views from the tram, a guided garden tour or a river trip.
The covered Riverside Market, with local shops and market stalls, is also in central Ōtautahi Christchurch. The city centre is easy to get around by car, public transport, e-scooter or on foot. If you’re looking for holiday accommodation with city experiences in mind, you can factor in how easy it is to get around the city centre. When planning your trip, it’s also worth weighing up your different interests: gardens and plants, city history, a market visit or a narrated river trip.
Discover More Places
Other destinations in this location guide include Addington and New Brighton.
For the main travel overview: Christchurch.
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