Popular things to do

Christchurch Botanical Gardens:

Christchurch Botanical Gardens is a prominent attraction in New Zealand. It was founded in 1863 when an English oak was planted in the garden to commemorate the marriage of Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark. The scenic location of the garden is close to Hagley Park and is contained within the loop of the Avon River. The Botanical Garden is rich in elegantly cultivated lawns and roses, which makes it a year-round fragrant place. It also boasts an array of flowering gardens filled with native trees and flowers. The Botanical Garden also hosts various events throughout the year, educating the public about the native flora and fauna. Dogs are not allowed entry at the park.

Avon River:

Avon River flows through the center of Christchurch and meanders into the Pacific Ocean through the Avon Heathcote Estuary. The river is natively called Otakaro (literal meaning: Place to Play), after the children who used to play on the river bank while the food was being gathered during the old times. The river passes through Riccarton Bush, Mona Vale, and Victoria Square and is one of the favorite spots of tourists for recreation and leisure. The river also passes through the Botanical Garden, Hagley Garden, and Millbrook Reserve to offer picturesque views to the onlookers. Punting and Fishing are two of the most attractive activities you can enjoy here.

Port Hills:

Port Hills, located in the Canterbury Region, is a range of hills between Christchurch and Lyttelton Port in New Zealand. One interesting story about the Port Hills is that it formed after a volcano erupted millions of years ago. The Port Hills is an important recreational site for the locals of Canterbury, with various trails for hikes and biking. The place is also rich in native flora and fauna – some include Bellbird, Fantail, Grey Warbler, Shining Cuckoo, Hebe, etc. Port Hills is popular for its tracks, which can be explored by walking, biking, or driving.

Hagley Park:

Hagley Park is a large open space in New Zealand adjacent to the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. It is also the largest open space in Christchurch, even larger than London’s Hyde Park. The place is dedicated to the recreational purposes of the locals. The park is open to dogs and pets; therefore, it is the best place to spend some time with your fur friend. The Park also facilitates outdoor sports such as Golf, Netball, Petanque, Croquet, Tennis, etc. The park also offers plenty of trails to enjoy cycling and walking.

Sumner Beach:

Sumner Beach is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Christchurch. The beach has plenty of restaurants, cafes, and souvenir shops for tourists to enjoy. A tour of Christchurch is incomplete without basking in the sun at Sumner Beach. Some popular recreation activities on the beach are Surfing, exploring Cave rocks, Fishing and Sunbathing.

If you are looking for an entertainment-filled night with friends or family, these casinos are the must-go places in New Zealand. Casinos filled with colorful chiming slot machines and an endless supply of liquor are a great way to end the night in New Zealand. Apart from gambling, these places often host shows and events to entertain guests. Although gambling is a legal activity in New Zealand, it is to be noted that only adults older than 20 are permitted to enter land-based casinos. Here are some of the best casinos to visit in New Zealand.

SkyCity Casino, Auckland:

The SkyCity casino in Auckland is one of the most popular casinos in New Zealand. The SkyCity casino is located the most magnificent venue in Auckland; therefore, finding it won’t be a difficult task. The land-based casino also operates its online casino and provides gamblers with over 150 table games and machines. The casino is a pinnacle of luxury to its VIP members, with the provision of a private, intimate setting to play Baccarat, Roulette, and other games. The SkyCity casino also provides a separate room for Baccarat which is open for 24 hours to play with the dealers. The casino prides itself as a responsible and warm host, offering visitors live entertainment events and delicious meals. You can also expect a constant supply of liquor for enjoying a night with your friends. The casino also provides educational classes for beginners to learn the basics of gambling.

Grand Casino, Dunedin:

The Grand Casino, located in the center of Dunedin, is an exciting entertainment venue if you are looking for all-night fun. The casino is known for its world-class gaming tables, delicious dining, and exquisitely designed gaming rooms covered in extravagant mosaic flooring. The casino provides over 180 gaming machines with Slot, Roulette, Poker, Blackjack, and Baccarat. It is important to note that the Grand Casino provides an American version of Roulette. The specialty of the Grand Casino in Dunedin is the availability of an on-site Grand Bar and Restaurant, which specializes in the native New Zealand cuisine. You can also plan events with the casino in the VIP room Book 118, where you can plan an interactive gaming experience alongside the events team.

Queenstown Casino:

SkyCity casino at Queenstown is a popular place among gamblers. It is the ultimate fun and entertainment destination in Queenstown. It is located close to other attractions on the waterfront and is a great place for an extravagant night out. The casino offers live music events and entertainment shows for visitors. Queenstown Casino has all your favorite table games – Baccarat, Blackjack, and Roulette and has over 100 different gaming machines. The casino also offers delicious food from Wild Thyme Bar and Kitchen, the on-site restaurant. Visitors can enjoy native cuisine menus like Pinor Noir, Burgers, Beef Hot Pot, cocktails, and champagne.

Canterbury Museum:

Located at the center of Christchurch City, Canterbury Museum is one of the most important cultural and heritage sites in New Zealand. The Museum was established in 1867 and had one of the world’s largest collections of Antarctic artifacts. The museum building is characterized by a Victorian-era Gothic style. Canterbury Museum is one of the prime locations for tourists to visit, owing to its large, curated collections. Some notable artifacts and objects in the collection include Sno-Cat Tractor, Moa Skeletons, Victoria Cross awarded during WW1, Bohemian Glass Vase dating back from the 19th century, and the bronze statue of Roald Amundsen. The Museum has amassed its large, diverse collections through exchanges with other museums and auctions from around the globe.

Christchurch Art Gallery:

Christchurch Art Gallery, a public art gallery in New Zealand, has a substantial collection of art and artifacts. The gallery opened in 2003, is funded by Christchurch City Council, and is known for its International Art exhibitions. The gallery building boasts a large sculpture known as the Reason for Voyaging. The Art Gallery also collaborates with artists to extend its collections and influence. The Christchurch Gallery is also popular for its exhibitions and events for visiting families and tourists. Some of the most popular collections hosted by the Art Gallery include Cheryl Lucas and Xoe Hall.

Travis Wetland Nature Heritage Park:

Travis Wetland is the largest freshwater wetland in Christchurch and is located close to the sea levels. Dogs and other pets are not permitted in the Heritage Park to protect the native wildlife and small birds in the region. Tourists are also prohibited from using Bikes or Skateboards in the location. The Heritage Park is an important conservation site for native plants like Manuka, Flax, and birds. The Travis Wetland Heritage Park also provides tourists with educational programs and classes. You can also enjoy some quiet thinking on one of the trails or gravel pathways. The wetland also hosts a number of group activities such as Planting days and Workdays for the community to participate.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve:

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is a nature reserve located in Christchurch, New Zealand. The Wildlife reserve, founded in 1974, is responsible for the conservation of native species such as Tuatara, Kiwi, Brown Teal, etc. Visitors can see native species such as Kiwis in their natural habitat in the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve. Willowbank houses more than 90 different animal species, which include exotic and native species of New Zealand. The Wildlife Reserve also hosts programs to educate the children about the life of a Keeper by helping them feed and care for the animals. The Reserve also brings the local Maori culture to the forefront by hosting educational programs such as Ko Tane.

Gambling is one of the popular leisure activities in New Zealand. Gambling activities in New Zealand come under the Gambling Act of 2003, in which all online and offline gambling activities were recognized and made legal. In New Zealand, gambling activities are considered a hobby; as such, there are no taxes imposed on the winnings. The legalization, lack of gambling tax, the increase in mobile users, and technological advancements have significantly contributed to the rise of gambling activities in recent years in New Zealand. Xtreme Entertainment, Christchurch Casino, and Addington Raceway Casino are the three casinos at the forefront of the gambling industry in Christchurch. These casinos offer some of the best gameplay and gambling experiences in New Zealand.

Gambling is still a controversial pastime in the mainstream media, and for a good reason. At first glance, gambling activities might not seem beneficial to anyone except the casino providers, who are gaining huge profits from the citizens. One might wonder if there are any advantages to the economy or community by having a local casino. Any coin has two sides, and this is especially true for the controversial topic of casinos. Casinos benefit the economy in many ways – they create job opportunities, attract gamblers and tourists to the region, and generate revenue for the community. As the day-to-day operations of a casino require manual labor, they increase the job employment rates of the locality, providing ample opportunities in the field of accounting, security, and hospitality.

Governments also benefit hugely from casinos, as these big businesses generate huge revenue, which in turn helps the local community projects such as public infrastructure and facilities. Additionally, casinos promote tourism and provide recreational opportunities for visitors. Examples of casinos promoting tourism can be seen in many big cities of the World, such as Las Vegas, New Orleans, Atlantic City, etc.

Christchurch Casino in New Zealand is quite popular for slot machines and table games. This is the place to be if you want to spend a luxurious evening with your friends or family. The Casino features Poker lounges, an electronic sports arena, and a live casino room. E-Sports are all the rage now, and Christchurch casino is well aware of that. The Electronic Sports Arena is the Christchurch Casino that features gaming consoles to play some computer games free of cost. The Casino also has some favorite games such as Roulette, Blackjack, Poker, and Baccarat. The casino also has a Sports Bar that serves authentic Cantonese food, delicious and mouth-watering dumplings, and spicy noodles. Visitors can also enjoy ample alcoholic beverages while playing some of their favorite casino games. The casino also hosts various events and live entertainment shows throughout the year. The casino also offers visitors a chance to go on an international trip to New York, Japan, and Hawaii, during the holidays.

Visit The International Antarctic Centre:

The International Antarctic Centre in Christchurch is a must place to visit while in New Zealand. Established in 1922, the Centre is close to the International Airport. The Centre educates people about the Antarctic Continent by offering a huge range of experiences to entertain visitors. The Antarctic Centre teaches visitors about the human impact on the content while immersing in an exciting world with penguins and huskies. Visitors can brave an Antarctic Storm without going to Antarctica in the Storm Dome. The Centre also provides educational programs and conducts special events and workshops for children during the holidays.

Ride the Christchurch Gondola:

Christchurch Gondola is one of the top tourist locations in Christchurch, New Zealand. Visitors can travel more than 1000 meters over Mount Cavendish in Port Hills over cable cars. The journey offers some of the most stunning scenic landscapes – including Christchurch City, the Southern Alps covered in snow, and the sparkling blue waters of Pegasus Bay. The cable car journey is a bucket list item; however, be sure to enjoy every minute of it, as the ride is extremely short, lasting only about 15 minutes. Tourists can also enjoy some fresh mountain air by walking some of the trails available.

Enjoy the View from TranzAlpine Train:

For those who want to enjoy a pleasant journey appreciating the beautiful Alpine landscapes, taking a TranzAlpine Train is a must-do item. TranzAlpine train is an inter-city train service that runs across the East and West coasts of New Zealand. The journey starts from Christchurch and ends in Greymouth and is considered one of the most iconic train journeys in the World. You can bask yourself in the beauty of Canterbury Plains and river valleys of Waimakariri River and enjoy the scenic mountain views of the Southern Alps during the journey. The journey takes four and a half hours; however, travelers can enjoy delicious snacks and light meals. TranzAlpine Train is a great way for sightseeing if you don’t have enough time.

Take the Christchurch Tramway:

Christchurch Tramway holds the record of being one of the oldest trams that pass through the urban area of Christchurch. The system operated during the 1800s with steam-operated and horse-pulled trams. The present-day trams in Christchurch operate on electricity. The trams are a great way to tour the city; the tour guides often offer history lessons and interesting facts during sightseeing. You can visit all the city’s key landmarks by purchasing an all-day ticket; visitors can hop on and off anywhere they like. During the ride, you can visit the Canterbury Museum and Botanic Gardens, Cashel Street, New Reagent Street, etc.

Shopping at New Regent Street:

New Regent Street is one of the best places to shop for friends and family back at home. It is a historic pedestrian mall that features a Spanish Mission architectural style. The iconic spot opened in 1932 and is renowned for its pastel-colored buildings and ornate facades. New Regent Street is regarded as the forerunner to the modern-day shopping malls in New Zealand. You can go to bars and restaurants with friends or enjoy light shopping in several boutique shops lined up across the street.

Air Force Museum of New Zealand:

Air Force Museum of New Zealand, located at Wigram, is responsible for preserving the country’s military and aviation history. The museum consists of six buildings featuring an extensive collection of aviation relics, including objects from former enemy forces. The museum collection primarily consists of objects and aircraft operated during the earlier years of aviation in the country and from WW2 when New Zealanders fought alongside the Allied Forces. If you are visiting with family, look out for events such as Scavenger Hunts, which offers a fun way to explore the Museum. Visitors also have an opportunity to climb into the cockpit of the iconic Skyhawk aircraft.

Isaac Theatre Royal:

Isaac Theatre Royal, located in Christchurch, is a significant place of heritage founded in 1908. It is the only operational Edwardian-style theatre in New Zealand. One of the must-attend functions hosted by the Issac Theatre Royal is the Christmas Function. The theatre also hosts drama workshops and musicals throughout the year to bring young artists together. Visitors can purchase snacks and beverages such as wine and alcohol from any of the bars located on the premises. Isaac Theatre is also accommodative to people of various disabilities – with the provision of wheelchair and bariatric seating.

Victoria Clock tower:

Victoria Clock tower is an important heritage site located in Christchurch. One of the interesting facts about the Victoria Clock Tower is that it was manufactured in England and was delivered to New Zealand in 147 packages in 1860. The Clock Tower, designed by Benjamin Mountfort, was erected in memory of Queen Victoria, who passed away in 1901. While it was temporarily erected on top of the Provincial Council Buildings, it was moved to Victoria Street, where it remains to this day. The Victoria Clock Tower is a must-see place in Christchurch, owing to its great historical importance and attractive architecture.

Bridge of Remembrance:

Bridge of Remembrance, located in Christchurch, is a memorial remembering the soldiers of the First World War. It is one of Christchurch’s two main war memorials and serves as a reminder of the worst results of War crimes. In the past, the archway of the Bridge of Remembrance stood at the end of the east side of the Cashel Street Bridge, which was over the Avon River. The location was opened officially in 1924 on Armistice Day. However, the traffic through the bridge was closed in 1976, and now motorized traffic through the bridge is obsolete. Bridge of Remembrance is one of the must-see locations in Christchurch; you can enjoy a family picnic on the spot.

Transitional Cathedral:

Designed by the Japanese architect Shigeru Ban, the Transitional Cathedral was officially opened to the public in 2013. The new church replaced the popular Christchurch Cathedral, which was significantly damaged in the 2011 earthquakes. One of the interesting facts about the Cathedral is that it is made of cardboard tubes and steel shipping containers, the most earthquake-resistant material ever. Because of the materials used in the construction, locals have an unusual name for the church – Cardboard Cathedral.