Christchurch Sightseeing

The Christchurch area was first settled by moa-hunting tribes. Maori oral history relates that humans began living in the area around AD1000. These first inhabitants were followed by the Waitaha who are thought to have migrated from the east coast of the North Island in the 16th century. This migration was joined by the Ngati Mamoe and Ngai Tahu and continued until about 1830.

Although there were European settlers from the 1830s, the first English settlers to Lyttelton Harbour arrived in December 1850. Christchurch became a city by Royal Charter on 31 July 1856, making it the oldest city in New Zealand. The country's first public railway line was opened from Ferrymead to Christchurch a few years later in 1863.

You can enjoy Christchurch's vibrant city centre on a two-day historic tram ticket, stopping off to visit the Cathedral Square with its aquarium and kiwi house, punting on the Avon River, touring the Arts Centre and Contemporary Art Gallery, the Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum and Tamaki Heritage Village. In this quaint, very English town, you can even see Christmas carollers in Victoria Square in December.

The International Antarctic Centre is a graphic reminder of the close proximity of the world's southern ice cap. Enjoy spectacular views of the Southern Alps and Canterbury Plains on the gondola ride to the Port Hills summit. Not too far afield explore the Tasman Glacier, Mt Cook, beaches and bays on the Banks Peninsula, whale watching, white-water rafting and jetboating, skydiving or hot-air ballooning.

Christchurch and Canterbury Visitor Centre
Old Chief Post Office Building
Cathedral Square
Tel: (03) 379 9629.
Website: www.christchurchnz.com

The award-winning visitor centre offers a wealth of information on Christchurch and the region, and a free booking service.

There are currently no tourist passes in Christchurch.