Christchurch in New Zealand is a city of resilience, creativity and hope. I visited three years after 2011’s devastating earthquake and found a city in mourning and transition. Now, over a decade later, it’s enjoying big new hotel openings and growing tourism. Many travellers spend one day in Christchurch, as part of a stopover or short visit to New Zealand’s South Island. This is the perfect complete one day Christchurch itinerary so you can discover this remarkable city, even if you’re only here for a short time.
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Quick overview of the perfect one day in Christchurch itinerary
- Morning: Historic tram tour with live commentary
- Lunch at the Riverside Market
- Early afternoon: Ride the Christchurch Gondola for panoramic views
- Late afternoon: Explore the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park (or visit Quake City if it’s raining)
- Evening: Dinner and drinks in the city centre
Planning your one day in Christchurch itinerary
This route covers Christchurch’s essential experiences: the historic tram tour that tells the city’s recovery story with live commentary, lunch at the bustling Riverside Market, spectacular panoramic views from the gondola summit, peaceful moments in the beautiful Botanic Gardens, and ends with dinner in the heart of the rebuilt city centre.
Morning: Historic tram tour
Kick off your one day Christchurch itinerary with one of it’s most popular activities – a ride on the Christchurch Hop-On Hop-Off Tram. These heritage trams tour the city centre, while the driver shares live commentary about the sights, for an entertaining and informative ride.
The full circuit takes 50 minutes and includes Riverside Market, the Botanic Gardens, the Bridge of Remembrance and New Regent Street. Your ticket is valid for the full day, allowing you to jump on and off at the various stops around the route.
For the best deal, book a combined ticket to the Christchurch gondola and tram city tour here.
My experience in Christchurch – old and new cathedrals
One of the things you’ll see from the tram ride are the remains of its iconic 19th century cathedral. Sadly it suffered a great deal of damage in the earthquake. Despite attempts to raise funds to repair the much-loved building, it’s still in a state of ruin.
It was poignant seeing this once-beautiful building so soon after the devastating earthquake. Then, I noticed that it still harbours life. A flock of birds were sitting wing-to-wing along the roof and every so often they rose up and swirl in formation, swooping around the sky, as you can see in my photo below.
After Christchurch Cathedral was destroyed, locals constructed a transitional cathedral using materials including recycled timber, steel, shipping containers and cardboard tubes – hence its name, the ‘Cardboard Cathedral‘. I went to see its cheerful triangle-shaped stained glass windows a few months after it opened in August 2013, and it still welcomes worshippers today.
Lunch: Riverside Market
Hop off the tram at Riverside Market, a buzzy indoor market with retailers selling locally sourced food, plus restaurants, cafes and bars. to sample local produce, street food, and artisan goods. Budget around £10-15 for a satisfying lunch and take your time to enjoy the atmosphere.
Early afternoon: Enjoy the views from the Christchurch Gondola
Take a scenic ride to the summit of Mount Cavendish and enjoy panoramic views of Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour and the Southern Alps.
Take the direct Gondola Shuttle from Cathedral Square, which runs every half an hour until around 3pm.
After riding to the top on the gondola, you’ll find walking tracks, a café and the Christchurch Discovery Ride, which gives you more insights into the area’s history.
The shuttle returns from the gondola on the hour – the last shuttle back to the city centre is at 4pm in summer and 3:30pm in winter.
Book your ticket to the Christchurch gondola and the tram tour in one great value combo here.
Late afternoon: Explore the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park
From Cathedral Square, it’s a 15 minute walk or short tram ride to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. These beautiful gardens showcase diverse flora and peaceful walking paths. From here, take a relaxing stroll through adjacent Hagley Park, perfect for unwinding after your day of sightseeing.
If the weather isn’t cooperating, visit Quake City instead. This interactive museum tells the compelling story of Christchurch’s earthquakes through gripping exhibits and survivor stories to deepen your understanding of the city’s resilience.
Evening: Dinner in the city centre
End your perfect one day itinerary in Christchurch with dinner in the city centre. There are plenty of restaurants choose from around Riverside Market area or New Regent Street. Try the top-rated Manu restaurant in the city centre, which serves a fusion of Asian, Pasifika and Māori flavours.
What to do at night in Christchurch
New Regent Street is a colourful heritage precinct that comes alive at night with its pastel-coloured buildings beautifully lit. Several bars and restaurants line the street, perfect for evening drinks. Try the popular O.G.B Bar & Cocktail Bar, which is set in a historic building and has a great speakeasy vibe.
Where to stay in Christchurch
If you’re staying overnight in Christchurch, check out the fabulous Distinction Christchurch Hotel. This contemporary hotel in the city centre has high-tech rooms and a stylish restaurant and bar. Alternatively, try the Sudima Christchurch City, which has a fitness centre and spa treatments.
Explore the interactive map below to find the best hotels in Christchurch for your dates:
Travellers on a budget, like I was, may want to consider spending the night in a cell… at the award-winning Jailhouse Accommodation. Set in a former prison, this unique hostel is about 40 minutes’ walk or a 15 minute bus ride from the city centre, and it’s surprisingly friendly and comfy. I loved it!
Otherwise, a more central hostel is Haka House Christchurch, while LyLo Christchurch is close to the airport, so perfect if you have an early flight.
The best day trips from Christchurch
Christchurch is a great base for day trips to some of the South Island’s iconic destinations, as it’s only a few hours’ drive away.
Arthur’s Pass National Park
A popular day trip from Christchurch is to Arthur’s Pass National Park for alpine landscapes and hiking trails. It’s two hours from Christchurch, but there are organised tours to transport you there.
You’ll travel on the Great Alpine Highway across braided rivers and past famous filming locations to see Castle Hill and Arthur’s Pass. Highlights include the panoramic views from Bealey Spur Track, alpine parrot (kea) spotting and the Devil’s Punchbowl Falls – see photo below.
Book your place on a full-day guided tour from Christchurch to Arthur’s Pass.
Kaikoura
Kaikoura, around 2.5 hours’ drive from Christchurch, is a coastal town known for its remarkable and abundant marine life. Here, you’ll have a good chance of spotting fur seals, whales and dolphins. The town is also a seafood lover’s paradise. I spent some time in Kaikoura and it was incredible – see my photo below and read my full review of all the amazing things to do in Kaikoura.
Book your place on a once-in-a-lifetime Kaikoura whale watching tour from Christchurch here.
Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook
Lake Tekapo is famous for its stunning turquoise waters, while the nearby Mount Cook (Aoraki) is New Zealand’s tallest mountain with outstanding alpine scenery and hiking trails. It’s three hours by car from Christchurch, but for the utmost convenience, a guided tour can take you to both of these destinations in one day.
I went to Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook as part of my tour of the South Island and both of them blew my mind. You can see me at Mount Cook below and discover my full South Island itinerary.
Book your place on the popular day trip from Christchurch to Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo here.
Frequently asked questions about Christchurch
Is it worth spending a day in Christchurch?
Absolutely. One day in Christchurch allows you to experience the city’s remarkable recovery story, take in panoramic views from the gondola, explore beautiful botanic gardens and enjoy excellent dining. The city’s compact size makes it perfect for a day visit.
How many days should you spend in Christchurch?
One day in Christchurch will cover the main highlights. However, many travellers find two days in Christchurch is ideal – one for the city and one for a day trip, such as to Akaroa, Arthur’s Pass, Hanmer Springs or Kaikoura.
Is it easy to get around Christchurch without a car?
Yes, Christchurch is very manageable without a car. The city centre is compact and walkable, the Metro bus system connects all major attractions, and the historic tram covers key landmarks. Many hostels rent bikes, and the city has excellent cycling infrastructure with dedicated bike lanes.
Is Auckland or Christchurch better for tourists?
Both cities serve different purposes. Auckland is New Zealand’s largest city with more urban attractions, while Christchurch serves as the gateway to South Island adventures. For nature lovers planning South Island exploration, Christchurch is typically the better choice and it’s also more affordable than Auckland.
Is it better to start in Christchurch or Queenstown?
This depends on your itinerary. Christchurch works well as a starting point for exploring the upper South Island (Arthur’s Pass, Kaikoura and Abel Tasman). Queenstown is better for adventure activities and accessing Milford Sound. Both cities have excellent international flight connections.
Final thoughts on the perfect one-day Christchurch itinerary
Christchurch is a city that has risen from tragedy with a spirit of creativity and resilience. From its innovative recovery story and cultural landmarks to its stunning natural surroundings, spending one day in Christchurch will leave you with lasting memories.
The city’s compact size and excellent infrastructure make it perfect for a day visit, while its proximity to incredible day trips means you could easily extend your stay. One day in Christchurch serves as an excellent introduction to the South Island’s charm and sets the stage for further New Zealand adventures.
Next, read more about my journey around New Zealand’s South island.
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