Have you ever dreamt of traveling to New Zealand but never were able to choose the city that you will be visiting? Well, I have got you covered! Pack your luggage because we are landing in Christchurch. But where is Christchurch? Among the most unique destinations in New Zealand, Christchurch blends urban regeneration and creativity with history, culture, and thrilling activity. Christchurch is the main city and the capital of the Canterbury District on the South Island of New Zealand. On the South Island’s east coast, just north of the Banks Peninsula, sits the Christchurch metropolitan district. After Auckland and Wellington, the metropolitan town is home to 383,200 people, which makes it the second-most populous city in New Zealand. The Avon River runs through the middle of the city, and along its banks is an urban park. So, in short, we can say that Christchurch is a dynamic town that strives to prove that you can get through the hard times of imagination. Interestingly enough, continuous rebuilding attempts have strengthened the city’s position as one of New Zealand’s top travel destinations since the catastrophic 2011 earthquake that both locals and visitors still remember today. Now that we answered the question of “Where is Christchurch?” it is a perfect time to proceed with our trip. However, today we will not only be talking about things to do in Christchurch or about places to visit in Christchurch, but our main goal is to find all the best Instagrammable places in the city, so welcome, 12 Instagrammable places in Christchurch:
1. Quake City
What to do in Christchurch, the city suffered from an earthquake? Well, visit the Quake Museum. A tiny but unbelievably excellently-curated exhibition that encapsulates the effect on the city and its residents of New Zealand’s second-worst natural catastrophe. It is insightful, engaging, and optimistic, rather than too solemn or morbid. A significant visit to learn how today’s Christchurch has been shaped by the quake. The exhibition features some of the items that have characterized the earthquakes in Canterbury, including that of the Christ Church Cathedral spire and the clocks from the now-demolished old train station, with the encouragement of thousands of people who assisted and the remarkable strength of the neighborhoods of Canterbury. Being completely honest with you, we would not be mistaken if we say that this museum is one of the best things to do in Christchurch.
2. Akaroa Town
The next stop of our Instagram tour during our travel to Christchurch is Akarao. A quaint French-influenced port cradled in the jaws of a historical volcano is the picturesque town of Akaroa. Take in expansive harbor views from a hilltop vantage point to see the outer bays. Spend a relaxing day visiting boutique stores and gourmet eateries in the village itself or swimming with the unusual Hector’s dolphin. The name may be unassuming, but Akaroa Fish & Chips are quite popular, and before your evening activity, you can eat your spread on the waterfront in the heat. A big attraction is the cruises to see penguins, whales, and very rare Hector dolphins. There is a high probability that your next most liked Instagram photo might be taken exactly in this town!
3. Adventure Park
Travelers will enjoy the viewpoints from here and get the ideal selfie. Riders can access a range of trails from beginner to advanced or simply enjoy the experience of the Adventure Park village with a cocktail or tasty food at the Cafes. Experience the greatest adventure in Christchurch on a 4-zip trip, the biggest at 150 meters and the longest at just over 1 kilometer. Another alternative still exists; fans of mountain biking would also enjoy having an option of 50 kilometers of downhill trail to pedal.
4. Christchurch Gondola
Another one of the most interesting things to do in Christchurch is going on a gondola tour. In Heathcote Valley, the gondola base is located, and it crosses the slopes of Mount Cavendish in the Port Hills. Often known as a cable car, the course of the Christchurch Gondola is 1 km in length and can be seen through the city of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains from the summit. The gondola is sometimes listed as one of the main travel destinations in Christchurch for tourists to use the walking tracks on Mount Cavendish. On the side of Mount Cavendish, an 862-meter cable car ride offers breathtaking views across Canterbury. In the end, there is also a time tunnel ride that offers a history of the region interactively. So, if you are a fan of adventures, then make sure you visit the place during your time in Christchurch.
5. Hagley Park
Hagley Park is next to the Botanic Gardens of Christchurch and is the city’s largest open area. It has 164.6 hectares of parkland, which makes it significantly bigger than Hyde Park in London, which has 142 hectares. Since the 1850s, Hagley Park has become an important part of Christchurch, hosting many activities as well as giving its tourists plenty of leisure facilities. The Christchurch Botanic Gardens are located within this loop, and frequent bridges provide connections. A selection of exquisite flowers and plants from around the world can be found in the Botanic Gardens. The gardens draw many birds to the area and to see the plants and the animals; sightseers also visit the park. No doubt that this park is one of the most Instagrammable places to visit in Christchurch!
6. Cathedral Square
Are you looking for things to do in Christchurch? Shopping and breathing - in the atmosphere of the city! And that is why we are heading to Cathedral Square. Popularly called simply as the Square, Cathedral Square is the territorial core and center of Christchurch, New Zealand, where the Anglican cathedral of the region is situated, Christ Church Cathedral. The square is at the theoretical crossing of the two major orthogonal streets of the area, Colombo Street and Worcester Street, but both were either closed off or detoured across the square itself, in fact. The cathedral was severely affected by the Christchurch earthquake in February 2011. The square was the main gathering spot of the city for individuals taking a break from their jobs or just visiting the city and is a frequent location for street performers and speakers of all sorts.
7. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Made for animal-loving Instagrammers, the reserve will win over your heart with its cute residents! Established over four decades ago by the Willis family, Willowbank is now owned and run by members of the founding family. Willowbank is popular with state, national, and foreign tourists, with more than 120 000 annual visitors, and is growing. The Willowbank experience reveals the story of the natural heritage of our world, New Zealand’s most extensive themed nature park.
8. International Antarctic Centre
In the neighborhood of Christchurch opposite the Christchurch International Airport, the International Antarctic Centre is situated. It is one of the town’s main tourist destinations. The center is host to the Antarctic Programmes of New Zealand, the United States, and Italy and includes administration offices, warehousing, a clothing shop in the United States and New Zealand, a post office, and a travel agent, the Tourist Centre, now known as ‘The Antarctic Attraction.’ So, if you have always wanted to travel to one of the furthest points of our planet, make sure you do not miss this opportunity during your time in Christchurch!
9. Bridge of Remembrance
One of the two principal war memorial statues in Christchurch is the Bridge of Remembrance. On 11 November 1924, the bridge linking Oxford and Cambridge Terraces to Cashel Street across the Avon River was opened in memory of all those who served in the First World War. It closed for maintenance briefly in 2013 and opened to the public again on 25 April 2016.
10. Victoria Clock Tower
The Victoria Clock Tower is a heritage-registered clock tower, also known as the Diamond Jubilee Clock Tower, situated in Christchurch, New Zealand. Built by Benjamin Mountfort, the New Zealand Historic Sites Trust registers it as a “Historic Place, Category I.” The Clock Tower has moved to Victoria Street once again in 1930, where it continues to remain today.
11. New Regent Street
The next Instagrammable place to definitely stop is one of the main streets of Christchurch, New Regent Street. New Regent Street is home to some outstanding restaurants and pubs, apart from being one of the most picturesque locations in the area. Without a return to Rollicking Gelato on New Regent, no voyage to Christchurch is complete. Get dinner at the excellent Gray Robin or Twenty Seven Measures or a drink at The Last Term or The Institution. The Laboratory of Caffeine serves some of the best coffee in the whole city, if not the country.
12. Isaac Theatre Royal
In 1908, the Isaac Theatre Royal was officially founded, and it is the only operating Edwardian-style theatre in New Zealand. On the same lane, it replaced another Theatre Royal that had originally been built in much the same location as the first version of the theatre. The Isaac Theatre Royal has undergone numerous refurbishments and upgrades throughout its existence, including a major post-quake reconstruction project that was finished in 2014. Apply for a New Zealand visa today and experience charming Christchurch!
