10 Best Things to do in Christchurch that are Instagram Worthy
Christchurch is a fantastic place to visit because it has a vibrant mix of art, culture, relaxation and adventure within a safe and welcoming environment. Other than that, it has excellent public transport. Get your smartphones ready as we’ve listed down the 10 best things to do in Christchurch if you want to fill your Instagram feed with breathtaking landscapes, vibrant city life, powerful history and architecture.
Sight-seeing on the Classic Tram
Taking the Classic Tram is one of the best things to do in Christchurch if you want to capture the city and its heritage. The tram itself is a vintage beauty. You can get the all-day ticket, which gives you access to some of Christchurch’s iconic prime spots such as Cathedral Square, Botanic Gardens, New Regent Street, Avon River, The Arts Centre and Victoria Square.
Hop on the Gondola
Immerse yourself in the beauty of the stunning views of the city, the Canterbury Plains and the dramatic Southern Alps by riding the Gondola. This is perfect for capturing those breathtaking landscape shots. As you ascend, you’ll get incredible angles of the harbour and surrounding hills. The natural beauty and the unique perspective from above add a fresh, scenic vibe to your travel photos!
Stroll The Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens is a part of Hagley Park that dates back to the early 1860s when the first plantings were made. You’ll see well-tended, towering century-old trees, a symphony of scents and colours from seasonal flowers and rose gardens that change throughout the year, plus other plants from Asia are displayed in a natural setting. Stroll along the vibrant, blooming flowers, lush greenery and tranquil landscapes from 10 distinct themed gardens, and create picture-perfect backgrounds for your Instagram feed.
Taste Different Cuisines at the Riverside Market
Being one of Time Magazines’ Worlds’ 100 greatest places of 2021 and winning several awards, Riverside Market is a cool thing to do when you’re in Christchurch. This bustling indoor market is a hotspot for locals, travellers and foodies. Many influencers have featured locally sourced food, from artisan baked goods and coffee to international cuisines. Open 7 days a week and public holidays, the Riverside Market also holds live music and events all year round. Engulf yourself in a delicious blend of local culture and culinary treats – it’s a perfect spot to capture Christchurch’s eclectic mix of energy and character.
Visit Canterbury Museum
If you want a historical touch to your profile, visiting Canterbury Museum is the place to be. Housed in a beautiful Gothic revival building, it gives striking architectural shots to capture. Don’t miss Quake City, as it offers powerful stories and artefacts from the 2010-2011 earthquakes, interactive exhibits and displays of the city’s reconstruction efforts that will not only enrich your understanding of Christchurch’s history but also offer you visually compelling content to share.
Punting on the Avon River
Sit back, relax and escape with the drifting waters, framed by the generous greenery, historic bridges, and picturesque pathways as you glide along the Avon River on a hand-crafted boat in an Edwardian-style punting. Capture the beautiful surroundings as the ride will bring you to the stunning scenery of the Botanic Gardens, Christchurch’s heritage buildings and urban landscape.
Stargazing
It’s not just about the visuals – it’s the experience. The Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve is the largest dark sky in the world. With its minimal light pollution, it provides crystal-clear views of the stars, planets, and even the Milky Way. If your camera is capable of long exposures, you’ll be able to take stunning astrophotography of the vast starry expanse that looks unreal against the night sky.
Swimming with the dolphins
Swimming with the dolphins in Akaroa (just an hour away from Christchurch) is an unforgettable experience that will give you an up-close encounter with these amazing creatures. Imagine capturing the experience of dolphins around you in Akaroa Harbour’s clear, turquoise waters. It’s the best thing to do in Christchurch if you love the waters and marine life. It’s a way to connect with wildlife in their natural environment, making your experience more meaningful and authentic, it’s a fantastic post to your feed.
“Fly” at the Air Force Museum
The Air Force Museum is where New Zealand’s military aviation took place. You will not only explore historic aircraft, vintage aviation equipment and interactive displays, but you will also get to test your flying skills through flight simulators and join a guided Behind the Scenes tour. Whether you take selfies inside the cockpit, the hands-on exhibits or the expansive aircraft hangars, your photos will stand out from the typical travel shots.
Explore New Regent Street
New Regent Street is a pastel-coloured pedestrian mall in the centre of Christchurch City. What makes it unique is its restored Spanish Mission architectural style. All the buildings are listed as Category I by Heritage New Zealand, and the entire street is a historic area listing. This is one of the cool things to do in Christchurch, as you’re surrounded by an exciting range of businesses like gourmet food, bars, cafes, and quirky boutique shops that add character to your Instagram feed.
While you are out doing the best things in Christchurch, staying at Parkview On Hagley is an excellent choice for your trip because of its prime location, which is only a few steps away from Avon River, the mall, the events centre, and the Christchurch Art Gallery. After a day of adventures, you can unwind in our spacious, modern rooms that offer great comfort and luxury. With easy access to nearby restaurants, cafes, and transportation, Parkview On Hagley will keep you close to your itinerary while offering a peaceful retreat.