Location: Christchurch
Top Things to do in Christchurch
Top Restaurants in Christchurch
The 10 Best Specialty Museums in Christchurch, South Island
Christchurch abounds with arts, adventure, and optimism. It's the gateway to the beautiful Canterbury region, featuring dramatic vistas and adventure sports set against a backdrop of lofty peaks. In the central city, more and more attractions and businesses reopen to the public each day.
Restaurants in Christchurch
1. New Zealand Museum of Toys & Collectibles
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
We have moved and expanded. The museum is now NZ Museum of Toys & Collectibles and the Toy Collector operates as the museum shop. The museum display is the result of 50 years of collecting of a broad range of toys as possible. This isn't exactly a museum in that the toys are not all old and they aren't all in pristine condition since toys are meant to be played with. An eclectic collection of toys through the ages designed to put a smile on your face and remind you of childhood days of playing whether recent or very distant. You are sure to find something you had, have or always wanted in the broad range of displays.
Reviewed By magentaunicorn
We had read a little about this place but weren't expecting to find such a gem. Well laid out and a fascinating collection with thousands of Hot Wheels, a room full of diecast cars, a huge lego collection plus Disney and Harry Potter!! The train layout was fantastic. So much to look at we will definitively be back.
2. Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 865 reviews
Free admission* | Discover New Zealand’s military aviation story at the place where it all began. Engage with stories of the men and women who have helped shape New Zealand’s military aviation journey, and reflect on their service and sacrifice through years of war and peace. Explore the diverse collection at your own pace through immersive exhibitions, or join a free, guided ‘Behind the Scenes’ tour. View the historic aircraft on display, embark on a Museum Hunt with the kids, or test your flying skills in the ‘Mosquito Mission’ flight simulator! Price: FREE Admission - *activity charges may apply. Opening Hours: Daily (except Christmas Day), 10.00am - 5.00pm.
Reviewed By supergrumps14 - Durham, United Kingdom
Stopped of here for a brief visit while on a tour of NZ I was impressed by the range of Exhibits on display and the knowledge of the guides friendly staff, and a nice little cafe, and its free, (Donations Welcomed)# well worth a stop off
3. Rutherford's Den
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 27 reviews
Arts Centre's newest attraction, Rutherford's Den - an historic space dedicated to the science of New Zealand's most famous scientist. Ernest, Lord Rutherford, the moustached man on the $100 note, began his education in the very rooms that Rutherford's Den is located. Visitors get to experience not only the historic features of the rooms, but brand new state-of-the-art exhibits as they learn about the science of Rutherford and his peers. The transformation of Rutherford's Den cost $2m and, as an independent charity, the Arts Centre will use some of the money from ticket sales to help pay for this - plus refresh it in future. Online ticketing is now available or you can buy tickets at the on-siteshop.
Reviewed By SRDFrench - Leeds, United Kingdom
This was an informative and well set out exhibit. You don’t need to know the physics to get a lot out of it and use to stand at the front of Rutherford’s lecture theatre (with the benches covered in old student graffiti!) was humbling. And the museum attendant was simply wonderful - hugely friendly and welcoming. At only $10 it’s a bargain!
4. International Antarctic Centre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,724 reviews
It's the ultimate Antarctic adventure! Experience the dramatic seasonal lighting in the four seasons of Antarctica show where it 'snows' every 6 minutes. Venture out on to 'the ice' from Scott Base to play in 'Antarctica' the snow & ice experience and survive an Antarctic storm! How long can you hold your hand in the icy Antarctic water? Hang out with Little Blue Penguins, buckle up for the famously exciting Hagglund ride, take an awesome simulated 4D Antarctic cruise, watch Happy Feet 4D, then watch a stunning movie on a MASSIVE screen! It's the closest you'll get to Antarctica without mounting your own expedition!
Reviewed By vpmuscat - New South Wales, Australia
We visited the antartic centre on our way to Picton so we only had around 3 hours to spare which was perfect for us and we were able to see pretty much everything though you could spend longer there if you wish, coats and shoe covers are provided for the Antarctic experience, the penguin talk is very informative and the penguins are very cute too, and the hagglund ride is a bit of fun as well as educational and the 4D movies are excellent, a must do when visiting Christchurch.
5. Okains Bay Maori and Colonial Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 172 reviews
Reviewed By leoo5o8 - Wellington, New Zealand
Spent an hour or so wandering around the museum. Wished we had more time, you could spend half a day and still not see or read everything. Great experience.
6. Quake City
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,692 reviews
Quake City tells stories of heroism, hope and loss from the Canterbury earthquakes. This special exhibition from Canterbury Museum explains the science and the phenomenon of liquefaction – when the shaking liquefied the ground and it bubbled up burying street and sinking buildings. Quake City charts the aftermaths of the September 2010 and 22 February 2011 earthquakes and the extraordinary response of the emergency services, international rescue teams, the thousands of volunteers who pitched in to help – construction workers, the Student Volunteer Army, the Farmy Army – and the incredible resilience of Canterbury’s communities. Exhibition includes some of the objects which have defined the Canterbury earthquakes including the spire of Christ Church Cathedral and the clocks from the former railway station.
Reviewed By IanStrat - St. Albans, United Kingdom
Quake city was well worth the visit...especially as the entry fee goes to help support some of the contuinued rebuilding of christchurch Despite it appearing quite small from the outside, it was easy to spend an hour or more walking through the exhibits,,, you could spend longer listening to the various stories...some of which are heartbreaking. The technical details on the earthquake were also fascinating - especially how the mud shifted from solid to liquid via liquifaction. For me the most poignant exhibit was the cathedral cross...as was seeing the rose window... so much more powerful after visiting the hulk of the cathedral site as well Very definitely a worthwhile destination for any visitor
7. Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By milliesmum2016 - Christchurch, New Zealand
I didn't even know of the existence of this little museum which houses exhibits from the Logie Collection held by the University of Canterbury. It just takes up one room in the Old Chemistry Building at the Arts Centre but is really worth visiting as the classical exhibits are first class and quite exciting. The host on duty this morning was pleasant and well versed in her field and there is a free activity station or visiting children. AND - one final attraction always very dear to my heart when travelling - a very salubrious public toilet just across the hallway. I parked in the free car park off Armagh St in the Botanical Gardens and walked through. It takes minutes and is a very pretty walk. Entrance is by koha or donation and you can even donate by eftpos so there's no dodging it!
8. Mike Pero Motorcycle Gallery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
A unique display of 60+ Japanese classics from 70s', 80s and 90s' - a chance to stroll down memory lane. Road & Race. Open Wednesday to Sunday 10am-5pm.
Reviewed By AaronK2136 - Nelson, New Zealand
I was in town on a family holiday when I got a spare hour. So I took the opportunity to have a look at some old bikes. Not a big place but plenty of bikes squeezed in and some were on loan ; from other collectors; which is pretty cool. Every bike has a small plaque telling you about the bike and it’s history. I saw bikes I’ve owned or ridden and the memories came flooding back. Some highlights for me where: Yamaha RD350, Suzuki 1100 Katana, 500cc rotary, GT 380 & 550. All bikes are beautifully presented. There are films of races projected onto the walls to give a sense of the time when these machines ruled road and track. A limited supply of souvenirs are available and barista made coffee. Off street parking with a ‘Motorcycles Only’ parking space. Allow at least an hour. If you’re with mates, allow two hours. Once the memories come back the stories will flow.
9. Yaldhurst Museum of Transport and Science
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 26 reviews
Yaldhurst Museum is a hidden gem, just 20 minutes from Christchurch city centre. Our display of Classic cars spans 101 years, our historic racing cars forms part of a fascinating collection of over 150 vehicles from horse and buggy to classic cars, printing presses to fire engines all set in the grounds of the original homestead of built 1876. For 50 years the museum has been committed to offering a unique experience of New Zealand’s technological past, close to the center of Christchurch and International Airport, Find us signposted just off SH73. We are open 10 am to 5 pm, 5 days a week Wednesday to Sunday. Please note last entry to the Museum is 3:45 pm.
Reviewed By steventaylorphoto - Christchurch, New Zealand
I loved this museum for it's take on New Zealand's history. Some exhibits are indoors and look like they have been well used, which gives them a more historical feel. The outdoor exhibits are deteriorating and as you look at them you feel like an Urban Explorer getting inside a derelict building. Looking through the often broken windows of the vehicles you can see the decay and rust of the interiors and if you touched them they could crumble so easily. I would like to see a bigger gap between the exhibits, but apart from this it is a fascinating place to visit.
10. Mike Pero's Real Estate Company
We are a boutique collection of Japanese machines from the 70's 80's & 90's. There will generally be around 60 bikes ranging from scooters to large road and off-road (racing) machines from this bygone era.
