How to Spend One Day in Christchurch
Christchurch is the South Island’s largest city and a major hub for starting (or ending) a New Zealand road trip.
While you’re probably visiting New Zealand for its epic natural landscapes rather than its cities, it’s well worth spending a day in Christchurch, especially if you’ve just stepped off a long international flight and need to wear off jet lag.
The city continues to rebuild after the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, and the Christchurch of today is thriving. It’s a lovely city with a mix of modern architecture, restored heritage buildings, colourful street art, leafy parks, and great food.
I live in the South Island and visit Christchurch several times a year. In this guide, I’m sharing my favourite one day Christchurch itinerary, including the top sights, plenty of fresh air, great local places to eat and drink, and some hidden gems I think you’ll love.
With one day in Christchurch, you can easily explore the city centre’s highlights at a relaxed pace, and you won’t even need a car. I don’t know about you, but the last thing I want to do when I’m tired from travelling is drive around an unfamiliar city!
Here’s how to spend a fantastic day in Christchurch.
One Day in Christchurch Itinerary
Morning
Start your day with breakfast at one of Christchurch’s excellent cafes (honestly, I think the cafe scene here is the best in the country!).
My top pick is Child Sister, where you’ll find an inventive Korean-inspired menu and beautifully-brewed coffee from local Lyttelton Coffee Co. I almost always order their kimchi rice omelette—it’s ridiculously good, and will fuel you up for a day of exploring the city.
After breakfast, hop on one of the historic Christchurch trams. The trams loop around the city centre, with friendly commentary from the driver and lots of little insights into the city’s past and present. It’s the perfect way to get your bearings.
Your tram ticket gives you all-day hop on, hop off access.
I suggest first doing one full circuit on the tram (which takes about 50 minutes), then using the tram as transport whenever you want a break from walking. The city centre is flat and very easy to explore on foot, but the tram makes getting between sites even easier.
Once you’ve done the full tram loop, hop off at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens, a leafy, free park that’s beautiful for a long, leisurely wander. I can easily spend a couple of hours in the gardens, and think this is easily one of the best things to do in Christchurch.
In summer, the rose garden is especially lovely, and I love visiting the Curator’s House gardens for vege garden inspiration.
Just behind the Curator’s House you’ll find the tranquil Avon River, which has a pretty walking path alongside it. If you’re keen for a relaxing activity, you can even go punting on the Avon for a mellow float down the river.
Afternoon
Once you’ve walked around the Botanic Gardens, I’m guessing you’ll be ready for lunch. Luckily, I know just the spot: the incredible Riverside Market.
The Riverside Market is a bustling indoor market with food vendors and eateries. It’s such a fun, lively spot and I really can’t recommend it enough.
Take your time exploring the stalls and pick a lunch spot that calls to you. My personal favourite is Dmitri’s Greek Food, which does some of the best souvlaki in the city.
Once you’ve bolstered your energy with some lunch, spend the rest of the afternoon exploring the city centre at your leisure. Here are some places I recommend visiting:
- The Arts Centre: This precinct is home to heritage buildings and some lovely boutique shops. Frances Nation is an awesome local shop to pick up NZ-made souvenirs. On a hot day, I love getting an iced matcha or coffee here from Quad Eatery.
- Turanga: The city’s main library, Turanga, is an impressive architectural feat with a “Harry Potter” staircase and lots of bright natural light. If you’re a booklover—or simply want to see a neat building—you’ll enjoy a visit here.
- Scorpio Books: Head to this stellar bookshop to browse their wonderful selection, and maybe buy a book to take home with you as a souvenir.
- The Welder: This indoor space is an oasis in the middle of the city, with a collection of different businesses creating a relaxed community feel. Grab an afternoon treat at Grizzly Bakery and relax in the plant-filled seating area.
Evening
After a day of exploring Christchurch, it’ll be time for a relaxed drink and dinner.
Start your evening on New Regent Street, Christchurch’s prettiest street. Lined with pastel-coloured buildings and charming bars and eateries, it’s a great place for a pre-dinner drink.
Grab a cocktail at either Gin Gin or the Last Word, two cosy spots with excellent cocktails.
For dinner, head to Little High Eatery, an upscale food hall with a wide selection of cuisines, including dumplings at Eightgrains and woodfired pizzas at Base. It’s perfect if you’re travelling with others because everyone can choose what they want.
And if you’re not too full afterwards, finish the night with dessert at Rollickin Gelato. They have locations on New Regent Street and Cashel Street, and their gelato is always a treat.
Where to stay in Christchurch
I recommend staying in the city centre so you can easily access Christchurch’s top attractions. Here are my favourite places to stay in Christchurch.
The Drifter: Part hostel, part hip hotel, this modern property is located right in the heart of the city and has unique amenities like yoga classes and movie nights.
West Fitzroy Apartments: This apartment-style hotel is my go-to when I’m visiting Christchurch and have a car with me. They provide a secure parking spot for you and the rooms include kitchenettes and laundry facilities—such luxuries when you’re away from home!
The Observatory: If you enjoy boutique hotel stays, this is the spot for you. Located in the Arts Centre near the Botanic Gardens, this luxurious hotel is packed with historic charm.
Have more than one day in Christchurch?
If you have more than a day for Christchurch—or like to pack a lot into your travel days—here are some additional ideas for fun things to do in Christchurch.
- Get a gorgeous view from the Christchurch Gondola. You can book a combo pass for the tram and gondola; or the tram, gondola & punting on the Avon.
- Go for a soak in the He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools in New Brighton.
- Visit the seaside suburb of Sumner, one of the best beach towns in New Zealand.
- Hike the Taylor’s Mistake to Godley Head loop track.
- Go on a day trip from Christchurch to Akaroa or Arthur’s Pass.
Thanks for reading my one day Christchurch itinerary!
I truly hope this has helped you plan your visit to Christchurch.
As always, please leave a comment if you have any questions or feedback for me—I really love hearing from you!
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