New Zealand · Canterbury & Kaikōura
Christchurch — The Garden City
A reborn city of street art, Botanic Gardens, punting on the Avon and a thriving food scene.
About Christchurch — The Garden City
Christchurch was reshaped by the 2010–11 earthquakes and has emerged as one of the most creative, walkable cities in the country. Striking new architecture sits alongside Gothic survivors, 1,500+ public artworks and Hagley Park's century-old gardens.
It's the natural starting (or finishing) point for South Island tours, with direct international flights, the TranzAlpine railway, and easy reach to Akaroa, Kaikōura and the high country.
While You're There
What to See & Do
- Christchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park
- Punting on the Avon River
- Cardboard Cathedral and Quake City exhibition
- International Antarctic Centre
- Riverside Market and the SALT District street art
How We Can Arrange It
We'll Take Care of the Details
As your booking agent, Mercury Pacific can include Christchurch — The Garden City in your tailored itinerary. Here's what we'll handle and advise on so you can simply enjoy the experience:
Pick up the free street-art map from i-SITE
Tram pass is the easiest way to loop the city centre
Most South Island tours start or finish here
Every detail — bookings, timings and transfers — is arranged for you as part of your Mercury Pacific tour.
When to Visit
Year-round; gardens at their best November to April.
Include Christchurch — The Garden City in Your TourKeep Exploring
More in Canterbury & Kaikōura
Kaikōura Whale Watching
Year-round sperm whale encounters in one of the richest marine ecosystems on earth.
Akaroa & Banks Peninsula
A French-flavoured village inside an ancient volcanic harbour, home to the rare Hector's dolphin.
TranzAlpine Scenic Railway
One of the world's great train journeys — Christchurch to Greymouth across the Southern Alps.