Christchurch 1-day itinerary

Start at the Transitional Cathedral — known globally as the Cardboard Cathedral — designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban after the 2011 earthquake destroyed the original ChristChurch Cathedral. The A-frame structure uses 98 cardboard tubes as its primary structural material, proving that temporary can be beautiful. Walk through Cathedral Square to see the original cathedral's ongoing restoration, then explore the city centre on foot. The rebuild has transformed Christchurch into an open-air showcase of contemporary architecture, street art, and innovative urban design born from necessity.

Spend the afternoon in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens — 21 hectares of curated gardens and native bush in the heart of the city, founded in 1863 and untouched by the earthquakes. The heritage rose garden, the native plant section, and the conservatories housing tropical and alpine species are all free to explore. Afterwards, take a flat-bottomed punt along the Avon River that winds through the gardens and the city — a punter in Edwardian dress poles you along the willow-lined river while narrating the history of the city. It is quintessentially Christchurch and genuinely relaxing.

End the day at the Riverside Market on the banks of the Avon — a modern food hall with over 30 vendors selling everything from wood-fired pizza and craft beer to dumplings and Canterbury lamb. The building itself is a symbol of the rebuild, designed with the river flowing through its ground floor. After dinner, walk through the surrounding streets to see Christchurch's street art — large-scale murals painted on earthquake-damaged buildings and blank rebuild walls. The Canterbury Museum and Arts Centre precinct are beautifully lit after dark.