Two days in Christchurch

Two days is enough to see the best of Christchurch. This plan starts at our motel, and day one needs no car.

Day 1: the central city on foot

• Morning: walk 7 minutes to the tram at Victoria Square and ride the loop. Get off at the Botanic Gardens and the Art Gallery, which is free. See our tram, Botanic Gardens and Art Gallery guides.
• Lunch: Riverside Market, by the river. See our Riverside Market guide.
• Afternoon: go punting from the Worcester Street bridge, then visit Quake City. See our punting and Quake City guides.
• Evening: dinner on New Regent Street or nearby, or a show at the Town Hall or the Isaac Theatre Royal. See places to eat and Christchurch events.

Day 2: up the hills and out of town

• Morning: ride the Christchurch Gondola for views over the city and the harbour. In summer a shuttle leaves from Cathedral Square, 10 minutes' walk from our motel. See our Gondola guide.
• Afternoon, pick one:
• see kiwi at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
• meet penguins at the International Antarctic Centre
• soak in the He Puna Taimoana hot pools at New Brighton
• Evening: back in the city for dinner.

Got a third day?

Akaroa, Hanmer Springs and Lake Tekapo make great day trips. See the day trips on our things to do page.

Questions

Is two days enough in Christchurch?

Yes, for the main sights: the central city on foot on day one, and the Gondola and a wildlife park or the hot pools on day two.