Botanic Gardens
The grounds of the Botanic Gardens, which were established in 1863, encompass an area of 30 hectares (74 acres), the majority of this being within the loop of the Avon River. Contained within this area is undoubtedly the finest collection of exotic and indigenous plants to be found anywhere in New Zealand.

Rolleston Avenue
Tel: (03) 941 7590.
Website: www.ccc.govt.nz/parks

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu
Opened in May 2003, this stunning modern building houses the largest art institution in the South Island. Two floors of exhibition space showcase contemporary and historic displays in a collection totalling more than 5,500 paintings, sculptures, prints, drawings, and crafts.

Corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal Street
Tel: (03) 941 7300.
Website: www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz

Christchurch Cathedral and Cathedral Square
The spire of Christchurch Cathedral, the heart of the city, once dominated its skyline, and the Cathedral, which opened to the public in 1881, is still the best-known and most visited church building in New Zealand (it receives a whopping 500,000 visitors per year). The arrival of the first settlers who landed in Lyttelton Harbour in 1850 is recorded in mosaics on the tiled floor of the cathedral. There is a market on the iconic square everyday, and the main tourist centre is located right by the cathedral.

Cathedral Square
Tel: (03) 366 0046.
Website: www.christchurchcathedral.co.nz

Canterbury Museum
Housed in an exquisite historic building, this museum features stunning displays covering themes as varied as Maori culture, Antarctic exploration, Asian decorative arts, New Zealand birds and transport. There is also an interactive natural history Discovery Centre, and The Christchurch Street, a recreation of the city during the Victorian era, a local favourite.

Rolleston Avenue
Tel: (03) 366 5000.
Website: www.canterburymuseum.com

International Antarctic Centre
Located right by the airport, the International Antarctic Centre (twice voted ‘Best Attraction in New Zealand') features an indoor Snow & Ice Experience, an exciting Hagglund all-terrain vehicle ride and an award-winning indoor exhibit of Antarctic themes. Audio-guides for multi-lingual commentary are available.

38 Orchard Road
Tel: (03) 353 7798 or 0508 736 4846/PENGUIN.
Website: www.iceberg.co.nz

Willowbank
Wildlife reserve featuring exotic animals such as wallabies, otters, ostriches, lemurs, gibbons; native animals, and a variety of domestic animals (check out the weird looking Kune Kune pig). There is an extensive selection of native wildlife, including the rare tuatara (threatened with extinction), and a large nocturnal kiwi house. Good onsite restaurant.

60 Hussey Road
Tel: (03) 359 6226.
Website: www.willowbank.co.nz