Location: Christchurch
Top Things to do in Christchurch
Top Restaurants in Christchurch
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. Supa Karts Indoor Raceway
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By F4838CSjoel - Mornington Peninsula, Australia
My partner and I went to Supa Karts during the week and loved every minute of it. We were very impressed with the quality of the indoor track. The staff were friendly and accommodating, especially Mitch who took some photos/videos of our time there. The owners Nick and his wife were lovely to chat to and made our day extra special. Thanks again!
3. Cracroft Chase Vineyard
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 23 reviews
Cracroft Chase vineyard is in a picturesque cul-de-sac valley nestled at the foot of the Christchurch Port Hills. Since 1998 we have been making our award winning Pinot Gris (Wood's Edge and Grey Pearl). Our Cellar Door and Wine Tastings are from Friday to Sunday from 2-3pm, for group bookings or other hours please contact us directly.
4. Exchange Christchurch (XCHC)
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 27 reviews
Welcome home! Our industrial creative space hosts a funky cafe, on-site artist studios, and regular creative events. Exchange is one of many projects born out of the earthquakes that still reveals an emerging creative side of the city. Artists need places to connect with each other & the public in an easy, unintimidating way. So we make, perform, experiment, and showcase in the open here. Our once-abandoned Old Pickle Factory/heritage building is now a hotspot for locals and visitors; spend a day relaxing in the cafe, get some work done, bring some art/craft supplies, watch artists in their studios, or buy a 1-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. Visit, grab a coffee, and ask for Preston, he'll show you around this hidden gem and tell you a story; why Christchurch is 1 of the most exciting cities in the world to be in! • 20+ practicing artists from a wide range of creative practices • Creative events almost every night. • 2 apartments above our venue/cafe that you can stay in!
Reviewed By Fuentes_Nata
This is an amazing place where food and coffee are amazing and you can appreciate residents artist work or you can bring your art supplies and make some art right there! so inspiring! :)
5. Turanga
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 58 reviews
Reviewed By 277PeterC277 - Seattle, United States
What a terrific surprise recommended to us by one of the market place dinner vendors. I would not have put that I should go visit a library while on holiday- this is an exception! We could have spent hours here, hats off to the people of Christchurch for the vision to put together such a great space. We had to explore top to bottom and found such wonderful spaces everywhere. The learning environment this creates for young people will have a generational impact. Another great bonus is the views of the Cathedral Square- here is where you want to take your photos vs through all the construction gates. How do we get one of these where we live? Staff were great at answering our very touristy questions and sharing there amazing work space with us. I'd actually put this on my "Must see" list for Christchurch.
6. 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
7. Canterbury Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,769 reviews
Free entry (donations appreciated) where you can experience New Zealand's rich cultural and natural history. See rare Maori artefacts and more than 1,000 paua shells adorning the walls of the famous Paua Shell House. Walk down the Christchurch Street and be transported back in time with the sights and sounds of the city's pioneering days. Discover one of the world's most significant collections from the heroic age of Antarctic exploration and discovery. Regular temporary exhibitions.
Reviewed By pancj2018 - Lima, Peru
This is a terrific local/regional museum. It has one of the best Maori exhibits in all of New Zealand, which in itself is enough to justify a visit. They have an excellent discussion of jade/nephrite, which can be very helpful for future shopping, as well as wonderful presentations of Maori art and material culture. They also have traditional natural history exhibitions of NZ birds and wildlife which we found highly informative. I spent my career working in a natural history museum and found the Canterbury Museum a good representative of the type. Admission is free!
8. TranzAlpine Train
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,436 reviews
The TranzAlpine is a long-distance train between Christchurch and Greymouth, from one coast of New Zealand to the other. Unlike normal passenger trains, the TranzAlpine is designed to provide a window to New Zealand's best scenery, with large reclined seating and huge panoramic windows. The spectacular TranzAlpine journey begins by roaming through the vast farmsteads of the Canterbury Plains to the spectacular gorges and valleys of the Waimakariri River. The TranzAlpine then ascends into the majestic Southern Alps to Arthurs Pass National Park, before descending through lush beech forest to the West Coast town of Greymouth - a great base for visits to Punakaiki and the always-popular glaciers. All services feature panoramic windows, reclined seating, GPS triggered at-seat commentary, a fully licensed cafe, toilets, and open air viewing decks. The TranzAlpine is operated by The Great Journeys of New Zealand, and runs daily throughout the year.
9. The Court Theatre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 157 reviews
Hidden in Christchurch’s suburb of Addington is New Zealand’s largest theatre company. In its post-earthquake refuge - an old grain shed – is a magical world of happiness, laughter, drama and intrigue, where numerous productions are staged each year. The Court Theatre is your theatre. Whoever you are.
Reviewed By chrishL8568UL - Bristol, United Kingdom
Whilst visiting family in Christchurch we were treated to an evening at the Court Theatre. What a lovely place – easy access, easy parking, nice spacious area for drinks and a freshly made pizza before the show and an excellently produced and acted production – Easy Money.
10. Pegasus Bay Winery
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 227 reviews
Pegasus Bay is a family owned and operated winery in North Canterbury’s Waipara Valley. The unique setting operates as a premium events venue. The winery cellar door is open Saturday and Sunday
Reviewed By AllanJGJ - Wellington, New Zealand
It's been some years since we visited any of the North Canterbury wineries and weren't sure what to expect when we booked for a wine tasting and lunch here - and I have to say we were mightily impressed. A rustic building in an attractive setting with beautiful gardens added to excellent wines and a quite superb lunch sitting in the sun. The food was a genuine surprise; an interesting menu with quality fresh ingredients superbly cooked and beautifully presented. We enjoyed our dishes of fish, duck breast and wagyu beed plus some lovely desserts. Clearly a quality chef in the kitchen. And our server, a pleasant, professional and friendly lad from Canada was another plus. A great experience all round. Highly recommended.
