Christchurch

The largest city on New Zealand’s beautiful South Island, Christchurch has more than enough sights and activities to keep visitors entertained, before heading to adventure capital Queenstown. Much of the historic centre that was flattened during the quakes have been rebuilt. There’s a resilience and a charm to Christchurch with an eclectic café and restaurant scene, and great shopping, alongside its inspiring galleries and street art. Take the hop-on, hop-off historic tramway to see the sights such as the Botanic Gardens and hire a boat on Avon River, before taking the famous Gondola to the top of Mount Cavendish for stunning views across the city. And don’t forget Christchurch’s beautiful coastline and hiking trails.

This is a city with a strong personality and the perfect arrival point for your chartered jet service.

Here are 5 Christchurch attractions to visit during your stay.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch is blessed with many parks and gardens, the most famous of which is the Botanic Gardens on Rolleston Avenue. Built in 1863 to celebrate the marriage of Prince Albert with Princess Alexandra of Denmark, the 21-hectare Botanic Gardens actually comprises ten separate spaces, many stocked with rare plant species from across the globe, as well as many native New Zealand trees and flowers – including an incredible 250 rose varieties. Stop for refreshments at the café and gift shop. Entrance to the Botanic Gardens is free.

International Antarctic Centre

The fabulously interactive International Antarctic Centre is located at Christchurch Airport. Based in an indoor ‘polar’ room that’s kept at a cool -5 degrees, the experience includes a freezing polar plunge ice water challenge, and a ride on the all-terrain amphibious Hagglund vehicle that will take you across simulated Antarctic terrain. Sit back in comfort on an Antarctic Cruise in the 4D cinema before saying ‘hello’ to the resident blue penguins. The museum here provides a fascinating insight into the brave Antarctic explorers who risked their lives in pursuit of this mysterious continent.

Join a Lord of the Rings Tour

Dive deep into Middle Earth on an exciting full-day Lord of the Rings Tour. Several companies run tours out of Christchurch and will collect you from your hotel. Discover the film locations for the Shire, Helms Deep, the Gardens of Isengard and Edoras. You’ll be transported in comfort in a 4WD to Mount Potts high country station, which was the backdrop to Edoras, the fortress city of the Rohan. Discover how the clifftop set was built during your guided walk, and enjoy the spectacular 360-degree views from the top. You’ll also visit the dramatic Misty Mountains which was the location for the battle of Helms Deep.

Ride the Christchurch Gondola

For the best 360-degree views over Christchurch enjoy an exciting ride on the Christchurch Gondola. Park your car at the base station in Heathcote Valley, and hop aboard the cable car which will take you to the top of Mount Cavendish in only 10 minutes. Vistas from the summit are spectacular: you’ll see as far as the Canterbury Plains towards the majestic Southern Alps and the Banks Peninsula. There’s free Wi-Fi and you can enjoy brunch or lunch at the Red Rock Café, before a mooch for souvenirs at Shop at the Top. Take the Time Tunnel ride on an electric cart and discover more about the history of the region, while Spring and Summer are ideal to take advantage of the many bike and hiking trails.

Ko Tane Maori Experience

To learn more about the Maoris – the first inhabitants of New Zealand – and their rich culture, head to the Ko Tane Maori Experience located on the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve out in Harwood. Centred around an interactive replica of a traditional Maori village, visitors get to enjoy a 45-minute performance by Maori artists in traditional dress: expect songs, games, dances and even displays of weaponry, followed by a traditional Maori hangi feast. Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is home to more than 100 species of wildlife, including the kaka (rare bush parrot), kiwi, the kea (mountain parrot) and the extraordinary tuatara – aka the living dinosaur.

Best Time to Visit Christchurch

New Zealand is located in the southern hemisphere, so its seasons are the exact reverse of the northern hemisphere. New Zealand’s temperatures tend to get cooler the farther south you travel. Spring is probably the best time to visit Christchurch: the city’s trees are blossoming, there are fewer tourists, and the sea is just about warm enough to swim in. The mountains may well have some snow too, so skiing is an option. Summer is usually the warmest time to visit Christchurch, with warm seas, hot sand and the city’s sights look spectacular, as do the region’s renowned wineries. The foliage in autumn is beautiful, providing a stunning backdrop to hiking and biking, as well as exploring the city’s sights. In Winter, Christchurch regularly receives snow – head to the Alps for some skiing or kick back with a hot toddy in one of the city’s many cosy bars.

Why Visit Christchurch

Instead of heading directly to Queenstown, why not stay a few days in Christchurch? This beautiful oceanside city is surrounded by stunning nature: lakes, rivers and undulating hills that lead to the stunning Southern Alps. A city for all seasons, you can be on the beach in the morning and ski in the afternoon, before exploring Christchurch’s famed cultural and gastronomic delights. Take in a movie at one of the quirky indie cinemas, after a morning exploring The Tannery shopping centre with its unique boutiques. Recommended day trips include a two-hour drive to Arthur’s Pass, and a little farther the beautiful seaside town of Kaikoura where you can watch whales and dolphins.

Book your private jet charter and get to know this stunning city.