Christchurch City – Guide for Backpackers

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Art and Cultural Fix

The arts are well and truly alive in Christchurch! Experience art galleries, shows, street art and more when visiting the South Island’s largest city on a backpacking trip; all without breaking the bank.

Christchurch Art Gallery

Whether you’re ducking indoors to escape the rain or seeking cultural inspiration, the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū offers a vibrant and free experience perfect for budget-conscious backpackers.

Inside its striking glass-fronted building, you’ll discover ever-changing exhibitions showcasing New Zealand artists, including Māori and South Island art, as well as international works.

Free guided tours run daily at 11 am and 2 pm, led by enthusiastic local guides. These 45-60 minute walkthroughs provide insightful context to the exhibits.

For night owls, the gallery opens late on Wednesdays until 9 pm, with a special tour starting at 7:15 pm. We love browsing the superb design store and relaxing in the café space after exploring the artwork.

For more all-weather activities, check out the 20 Things to Do in Christchurch on a Rainy Day.

Evening Shows and Entertainment

Take the opportunity to experience some Kiwi theatre at The Court Theatre (129 Gloucester Street, Christchurch). This iconic venue reopened in May 2025 in a stunning purpose-built facility in the Christchurch Performing Arts Precinct, offering two theatres and multi-purpose spaces.

It features a diverse range of productions, from classic drama and musicals to Māori and Pasifika shows.

Don’t miss “Scared Scriptless”, the Court Jesters’ iconic weekly improv comedy show, running almost every Friday at 10:15 pm. It’s the longest-running comedy show in Australasia and, according to our editor-in-chief, Laura, “a must-see for any comedy lover visiting Christchurch”.

For genuine local flavour and free or low-cover entertainment, head to Darkroom (336 St Asaph Street). This intimate R18 venue showcases original Christchurch artists and touring acts, from indie and punk to electronic and jazz. With a top-quality sound system and a cosy vibe, it’s a hub for underground music lovers.

For more evening antics, check out the 10 Things to Do in Christchurch at Night.

Christchurch Street Art

Lastly, when walking in the city centre it doesn’t take long to spot huge street art. Artists have used every building wall available as their canvas to create a contrast of colourful and grungy artwork. This is just a taste of the amount of awesome street art there is to see in Christchurch:

• Riverside Mural (Lichfield Street)
• Kaikiaki Mural (YMCA Building, Hereford Street)
• Three Lips Mural (Peterborough Street)
• Tui and Titipounamu (Lichfield Street)
• Alice in Wonderland (Tuam Street)
• Kowhai and Silvereye (Ibis Hotel, Hereford Street)…

There is even a ‘street art gallery’ on Brockworth Street.

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Gardens, Parks and Reserves

How can two completely different worlds be sitting next to each other? In the city centre, you have a concrete jungle and then moments later, you can be in one of the beautiful gardens and parks of Christchurch.

Botanic Gardens

Although a lot of New Zealand cities have botanic gardens, nothing compares to Christchurch Botanic Gardens‘ vast area of different themes. Walk through the gardens about three times, taking different routes, and we bet you’ll find something new each time! Find access of Rolleston Avenue in the city centre.

Spanning over 21 hectares (52 acres) within a loop of the Avon River, these gardens boast more than ten themed collections. We personally love the colourful “Central Rose Garden” and long “Herbaceous Border”, as well as the serene “New Zealand Garden” showcasing native species like rimu, silver fern and kōwhai.

For a quick taste, wander the easy 800 m “Taste of the Gardens” loop (about 15-30 mins) past the Curator’s House, Peacock Fountain and herbaceous borders.

Alternatively, take the 1.5 km River Walk along the Avon, passing the “Temperate Asian Collection” and “Azalea & Magnolia Garden”. Kids will enjoy the play area near Armagh carpark.

Don’t miss architectural highlights like the historic Curator’s House (now a café) and the optical-illusion staircase sculpture “Diminish and Ascend” rising above Kiosk Lake.

Mona Vale

A picturesque English-style garden, Mona Vale is an easy walk or bus trip from the city centre and well worth the visit. The garden once belonged to Annie Townend, thought to be the richest woman in New Zealand during her time.

Spanning 4–5.5 hectares along the Avon River, Mona Vale boasts magnificent seasonal displays. Highlights include a large rose garden with heritage and hybrid roses, an iris collection dating from the 1970s, and stunning magnolias, camellias, conifers and maples.

Colourful annual bedding, refreshed twice yearly, adds vibrant charm to this tranquil oasis in the Riccarton suburb.

See more like this in the 10 Beautiful Gardens & Parks in Christchurch.

Hiking Trails in the Port Hills

In true backpacker style, there are plenty of free walks among the exposed hilltops of the Port Hills, each boasting magnificent city, coast and harbour views.

You can even get up there via the Christchurch Gondola. Otherwise, some of the best Port Hill walks include:

• Godley Head Loop Track (3 hours, Taylor’s Mistake)
• Bridle Path (1 hour one way, Heathcote)
• Sign of the Bellbird to Ahuriri (1 h 30 mins, Ahuriri)
• Tawhairaunui Trail (20 mins return, Victoria Park)
• Sugarloaf Circuit (1 hour return, Victoria Park).

And for more walks to sample during your travels, check out The Top 50 South Island Walks.

Otukaikino Wildlife Reserve

Finally, on walks and reserves, a walk around the wetland Otukaikino Wildlife Reserve is an easy boardwalk track amongst bird wildlife. Allow 30 minutes to complete this loop walk.

This 13-hectare freshwater wetland reserve, nestled beside Christchurch’s northern edge, doubles as a “Living Memorial”. The 1.2 km flat loop weaves through raupō reeds, harakeke flaxes, and native grasses via gravel, grass, and boardwalk sections—perfectly stroller- and wheelchair-friendly in dry conditions.

We truly appreciate the strategically placed benches that offer opportunities to spot eels (tuna), pukekō, and wetland birdlife, including paradise shelduck, scaup, and herons.

© Nancy Zhou - ChristchurchNZ

Shopping in Christchurch

The Christchurch city centre shopping precinct is changing all the time with new developments. Even if you don’t have the budget to splurge, just checking out the shopping culture of Christchurch is an experience.

Take a stroll around Christchurch CBD with The Crossing (166 Cashel Street) anchoring a stylish mix of boutiques and international brands.

Don’t miss Ballantynes, the city’s iconic department store offering top-tier fashion, homewares and cosmetics.

Explore the elegant heritage boutiques along New Regent Street, known for beautifully restored Spanish Mission-style architecture.

The buzzing Riverside Market at Oxford Terrace is a must-visit food hall and artisan market with around 100 local vendors.

Outside of the city centre, The Tannery (3 Garlands Road, Woolston) fuses style and heritage in a restored industrial hub brimming with Kiwi-made boutiques and cafés.

For suburban shopping, try The Palms (Corner Marshland & New Brighton Roads, Shirley) with over 80 stores including Countdown and Farmers.

Finally, for bargain hunting, head to Dress Smart in Hornby, the only designer outlet mall on the South Island.

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Go to the Beach

When summer comes, it’s easy to be drawn to the sandy beaches on Christchurch’s coast.

Sumner Beach

Sumner Beach is great for swimming and surfing, the latter outlined in the 10 Top Surf Breaks in Christchurch. Don’t miss the iconic Cave Rock (Tuawera), a volcanic outcrop with a tidal tunnel you can explore at low tide.

Surf schools offer year-round lessons and gear hire. After your beach adventure, treat yourself at the charming cafes and ice cream parlours lining Sumner’s streets.

New Brighton

New Brighton has always been a favourite for shopping, swimming and surfing. A visit isn’t complete until you walk the New Brighton Pier, rebuilt in 1997 and relit after earthquake repairs in 2018.

For a truly relaxing experience, soak in the He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools, opened in 2020. This complex features five heated salt-water pools, a cold plunge, sauna and steam room, all with stunning ocean views.

Booking ahead is essential for this classic Christchurch beach experience.

Find out what to do in New Brighton in the 10 Free & Cheap Things To Do in New Brighton.

Lyttelton and Quail Island

A ferry can take you from Lyttleton to Ōtamahua / Quail Island for a scenic day trip. The island’s walk loops past historic quarantine sites, Antarctic-era kennels and shipwreck remains.

We love the secluded beaches, perfect for a picnic or swim. Keep an eye out for native birdlife as you explore this fascinating sanctuary.

Learn more about it in the 10 Best Things to Do in Lyttelton.

© ChristchurchNZ

If You Have More Time in Christchurch…

• Go punting or kayaking down the Avon River
• Visit an Edwardian township at Ferrymead Heritage Park
• Have a 4D Antarctic experience at the International Antarctic Centre
• Like planes? Visit the free Air Force Museum of New Zealand
• Explore the forest on the Riccarton Bush Walk
• Do some sightseeing on the Christchurch Tramway
• Ride the chairlift to the Christchurch Adventure Park…

… And much more, as listed in the 30 Free & Cheap Things to Do in Christchurch with more experiences on a backpacker budget.