A Modern Explorers Playground

The Christchurch Botanic Gardens have been a prominent central-city attraction since 1863 when an English oak tree was planted in celebration of the solemnisation of Prince Albert’s marriage with Princess Alexandra of Denmark. It boasts an array of flowering gardens, native trees, New Zealand blooms, and multiple plant conservatories.

Iconic Christchurch’s Attraction Punting on the Avon River should not be missed, summer or winter. as your skilled punter dressed in traditional Edwardian attire propels you slowly along the water quietly past weeping willows, woodlands and the leafy banks of North Hagley Park alongside the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Or take a Punt ride from Worcester Street Bridge through Christchurch’s central city and see the ongoing changes of our city.

The TranzAlpine journey through the Southern Alps is one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Beginning in Christchurch, you’ll travel through the patchwork Canterbury Plains up into Arthur’s Pass National Park. From here, you’ll venture down into the wild beech forests of the West Coast, finishing in Greymouth. The trip takes four hours one way, or nine hours return with a one-hour break in Greymouth.

Sprawling Hagley Park sits at the heart of Christchurch. The park offers green spaces, dotted with century-old trees and stunning floral shows in springtime. Walk, run or cycle its pathways, or hop on an e-scooter and zoom under the blossoms.

New Zealand’s most comprehensive NZ themed wildlife park, the Willowbank experience tells the story of our country’s natural heritage.  Using pioneering and innovative display techniques, with an emphasis on creating a natural environment and an up-close and personal interactive experience, Willowbank showcases one of New Zealand’s best displays of native species.

Located at the top of the Canterbury Plains 30min drive south of Christchurch in the Burnham area. The vineyard was planted in the mid-1980s through to 1992. The estate produces an award-winning range of single-vineyard wines that express our terroir and flavours, giving you great wines that will cellar well.

Skim across the turquoise waters, soak in the towering cliff faces that make up the mountains of the Southern Alps and marvel as waterfalls cascade to join the mighty Waimakariri River at Springfield. Your jet boating experience offers a diverse combination of a scenic sensory experience and adrenaline-pumping exhilaration!

Visit and explore New Zealand's rich cultural and natural heritage. Learn about the past, present and future of Canterbury. There's always lots to see and do at the Museum.

The Gondola allows visitors to experience a truly unique and unforgettable view of Christchurch. As you glide your way over the valleys and see the birds flying below you, the views will take your breath away! From the city itself and the Canterbury Plains to the Southern Alps and Banks Peninsula, the Christchurch Gondola Ride is an experience everyone enjoys in New Zealand's South Island.

Arthur's Pass is the highest route through the Southern Alps, connecting the vast Canterbury plains in the east with the wild and rugged West Coast. Drive this spectacular journey at your own pace, or relax and take the famous TranzAlpine train. Arthur's Pass Village, about 2 hours from Christchurch, is the starting point for hiking and mountaineering adventures into Arthur's Pass National Park. Day trippers enjoy the one-hour return walk to the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls.

Canterbury DHB covers an area of the East Coast of the South Island from Kaikoura District in the north, to Ashburton District in the south, as well as the Chatham Islands. It is responsible for the health of an estimated *589,390 people.

Roughly 80 percent of this population lives in the Greater Christchurch area, with the rest dispersed over a large geographical area. Canterbury DHB is the second largest DHB in terms of population and area.