[NZ; 2023] 1-Day Itinerary for Christchurch City

This itinerary will be helpful if you just have a day to explore Christchurch City!

#1 - Hagley Park North

Hagley Park North

https://maps.app.goo.gl/r8mWe4vJ24juaZnX6

There is two side of Hagley Park - South and North. I decided to go North for my morning walk, and return back via South through the Botanic Gardens.

It was such a pretty walk even though there wasn't much to see. Just healing. 

I loved the moments just staring at the ducks and doing nothing.

It was early spring (August), hence I chanced upon a Cherry Blossom :) Lucky me!

#2 Mona Vale Garden Park

Mona Vale Garden Park

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Dp9WfVaVNSZJVafp7

I crossed the road over to this garden park from Hagley north, it was quite a "private" type of garden.

This is an old bath house!

There is a cafe where you can grab some nice food.

There was a lady feeding the wild ducks with her leftover carrots. She was rather friendly and we had a great chat while watching the ducks.

This is like a painting:

The sun was slightly out, and it gave a good sparkle with the wild silver grasses.

#3 Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

https://maps.app.goo.gl/VzbtHnn2VKM4v7xr9

I crossed back to the road and headed to the Botanic Gardens direction.

It was also quite a nice walk around, but I think I preferred Hagley & Mona Vale.

Plenty to see and explore!

Wild ducks are really cute!

#4 The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora

https://maps.app.goo.gl/tztvEeM2btwQdMVm6

The arts centre are formed by a series heritage buildings. Just pop in and you may meet a someone that will give you a guided tour - it has quite an interesting history!

#5 Bridge of Remembrance

Bridge of Remembrance

https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ne41QMxPedeoqnF6A

Crossing the bridge of remembrance, it will be the city center where you can find the shopping district. I have to say that all the gift shops were pretty decent, and the prices are quite affordable!

#6 Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square

https://maps.app.goo.gl/DqrtQGR6m1RCPiU86

Passing through all the shops, and navigating a few streets, you will see the Cathedral Square. Quite a nice place to do people-watching.

#7 New Regent Street

New Regent Street

https://maps.app.goo.gl/LA68NSRjzZgPBfbUA

If you are someone who loves tram, you should go for this ride! There is a ticket counter over here at New Regent Street.

Otherwise this street is rather "hipster". Probably all the cool food, cafes are all located around there.

You can hop in any of the cafes and take the outdoor seats, and watch the tram passby!

#8 Cardboard Cathedral

Cardboard Cathedral

https://maps.app.goo.gl/s7UVPdPANJSFu3wH9

It is interim cathedral, constructed from cardboard to replace a church damaged in a 2011 earthquake. It gave me a very Japanese zen vibe. Although it is not my religion, but the structure is rather amazing and how the community came together in times of need.

#9 New Brighton Pier

New Brighton Pier

https://maps.app.goo.gl/PcYNSnZFgPpQmuiWA

If you are feeling a little adventurous, you can take a bus and catch the sunset at a nearby Pier! 30-40 minutes bus ride. If you paid cash, do keep the bus receipt so you can transfer to another bus for free within the transfer period.

If you are an early / morning person, this spot will be good for sunrise instead of sunset. There is even a He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools where you can enjoy the sunrise while dipping in the warm water. How nice it will be!

This is my one day itinerary for Christchurch City and I hope it is helpful for you!