Tourists to Christchurch enjoy a wide range of attractions that promote the city’s unique heritage, geographic location and indigenous wildlife. A century ago, explorers stopped in Christchurch before continuing to Antarctica, and today the International Antarctic Centre offers insight into this field. Christchurch Cathedral is the city’s key landmark, while themed parks, wildlife reserves, lush gardens and heritage parks are located throughout the metropolitan area.

Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens are an ideal urban escape, and they hold all the manicured beauty visitors expect from New Zealand's Garden City. This is without a doubt New Zealand's most thorough collection of plant species, and you'll find indigenous plant representatives alongside exotic species from overseas. The grounds are split into smaller gardens including rose, rock and herb gardens. An onsite restaurant helps cater for families and couples with time to spare spent dining and relaxing. Phone: +64 3 366 1701; website: www.ccc.govt.nz/parks/botanicgardens/.

Christchurch Cathedral
The city's iconic landmark, this cathedral was begun in 1864, a little more than a decade after the first pilgrims arrived. Consecration ceremonies were held in 1881, and the finishing touches on the building itself were completed in 1904. Ascend 133 steps to the top of the bell tower for some fine panoramas over the Southern Alps. Inside the cathedral are a series of carvings that tell the story of early missionaries from the Anglican Church who struggled to proselytise the indigenous Maori population. An arts and crafts fair is held at the Cathedral square every Thursday and Friday. Phone: +64 3 366 0046.

Ferrrymead Heritage Park
Daily life in 19^th century Christchurch is still in effect in Ferrymead Heritage Park, where visitors are welcomed to relive the old days through a series of attractions. Volunteer colonial re-enactors populate the village, and you’ll find period locals in a variety of locations including the jailhouse, train station, school house, the church and in various tearooms. Visitors are welcome to ride the tram or take the train around town. The latter railway once connected Edwardian township to Christchurch city centre in the mid-19^th century. Phone: +64 3 384 1970; website: www.ferrymead.org.nz.

International Antarctic Centre
For 100 years now, Christchurch has served as a staging ground for Antarctic expeditions. In the 1950s, the US and New Zealand began ‘Operation Deep Freeze’ with hopes of amplifying the scope of future exploratory missions into the world’s southernmost region. Today, the International Antarctic Centre has recreated a striking Antarctic environment that boasts several themed attractions. A sound and light show sweeps spectators through the four Antarctic seasons; an authentic base camp shows visitors what living conditions are like for explorers; and an extremely popular ‘polar room’ lets visitors slide down icy slopes and play in artificially-generated snow. The staff provide warm jackets for visitors. Phone: +64 3 353 7798; website: www.iceberg.co.nz.

Our City O-Tautahi
Originally serving as Christchurch's Municipal Chambers, this Victorian heritage building is now a local icon of the early colonial period. It still functions as a meeting hall for the City Council, but it also doubles a kind of community centre for local events and meetings throughout the year. This is, without a doubt, one of Christchurch's most best-maintained Victorian structures, and is open to the public. Phone: +64 3 941 7460; website: www.ccc.govt.nz/OurCity.

Riccarton House
Located outside the city centre in the suburb by the Riccarton suburb, this historic homestead was built in the mid-19^th century. Today, it offers an exceptional window into early colonial life on the Canterbury plains. Visitors can absorb the sights and sounds of the bygone Victorian age on guided tours of the compound. Onsite you'll also find Canterbury's oldest-remaining pioneer cottage, which was built in 1843. Phone: +64 3 341 1018; website: www.riccartonhouse.co.nz.

Southern Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House
Designed to showcase the South Island’s marine life and indigenous land-based species, the Encounter Aquarium and Kiwi House is situated on Cathedral square. Crayfish, sharks, octopuses and rays are a few of the more than 120 species found in the facility. Visitors are invited to participate in feeding times, providing an outstanding, up-close view of these creatures. There are also a few geckos and Kiwi birds onsite. Phone: +64 3 359 7109; website: www.southernencounter.co.nz

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
One of New Zealand's most outstanding wildlife facilities, the Willowbank Wildlife Reserve boasts the country's largest daytime kiwi observation area. However, those who would like to see kiwis in their element should return after dark for the nocturnal Wildlife by Night tour which features a number of New Zealand's nocturnal species. The reserve also operates a barnyard facility that houses several of New Zealand's important livestock. Phone: +64 3 359 6226; website: www.willowbank.co.nz.

Enjoy a night out. The Strip, on Oxford terrace, is home to the greatest concentration of bars and clubs, and there are a number of exciting places to unwind here. Christchurch’s younger party crowd heads to Manchester and Lichfield streets where the establishments cater to university students.

Go punting on the Avon. Despite what locals may tell you, the Avon is not reminiscent of Shakespeare. Instead, it was named by the Deans family in honour of a stream back home. Book a punt at the i-Site Visitors’ Centre and enjoy a chartered ride with a boatman in uniform.

Join a whale-watching cruise. Seasonal herds of whales frequently arrive in New Zealand’s waters, and a whale-watching cruise is a wonderful family activity. Tour agencies in Christchurch can help you book a seat on one of these amazing tours.

Ride the gondola. Some of the best views over Christchurch can be had from the nearby Port Hills which separates the city from Lyttelton Harbour. As the gondola ascends these hills, passengers also enjoy panoramic views of the Southern Alps. Many mountain biking outfitters offer mixed gondola and cycling packages.

Travel through time. At the terminus of the gondola ride is the Time Tunnel, a creative exhibit that chronicles Christchurch’s history from early settlement to the present time. Before climbing back on the gondola, stop by the Summit Cafe Brasserie for a light snack.

Try your luck at the slots. Enthusiastic gamers will be happy to hear the Christchurch Casino is open 24 hours. Inside, you’ll find more than just slot machines—with baccarat, blackjack and roulette tables on hand, just to name a few. An enforced dress code bars blue jeans.