Free things to do in Christchurch

May 3, 2018

Nicole Ellwood

When you are not on a Crater Rim Walk with us, here is a fabulous way to spend a day in the beautiful garden city of Christchurch. All of these activities are FREE, and within a short walk from each other, leaving your pockets full to spend on filling your tummies!

Start the day with a coffee at Bunsen, then head to the museum for a couple of hours. Take a stroll around the gardens located beside the museum to work up an appetite for lunch at either Universo or Lux Expresso. After lunch head to the Art Gallery, and CoCA beside it, then have a look through the Art Centre and finish up with a drink at Fiddlesticks – a perfect day! Here are the details:

1. Canterbury Museum

Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central (https://www.canterburymuseum.com/)

This really is a treasure to Christchurch, so many wonderful rooms to wonder through. Start your day here and learn all about NZ history, art and the natural world.

2. Christchurch Art Gallery

Cnr Worcester Blvd and Montreal St (https://christchurchartgallery.org.nz/)

A peaceful treasure trove of interesting art. Before you step inside take a moment to appreciate the sculpture out the front. This is Graham Bennett’s Reasons for Voyaging.

3. The Art Centre

The Arts Centre is just opposite the museum on Worcester Boulevard (https://www.artscentre.org.nz/)

A collection of heritage buildings rich history that the people of Christchurch are very proud of. It is a hub for arts, crafts and entertainment and well worth a look.

4. CoCA (Centre of Contemporary Art)

66 Gloucester St (http://www.coca.org.nz/)

A curated art gallery showcasing contemporary art to provoke new thinking and conversations.

Our Favourite Cafes

Bunsen, 2 Worcester Blvd in the Art Centre (https://www.facebook.com/BunsenLtd/)
Universo - the café in the Art Gallery (https://www.universo.co.nz/)
Lux Espresso – 66 Gloucester Street, on the ground floor of CoCA (https://www.facebook.com/LuxEspressoBar/)
Fiddle Sticks – Cnr of Worcester Blvd & Montreal St (https://fiddlesticksbar.co.nz/)

While you are in Christchurch make sure you book in for a stunning guided walk in the port hills with Crater Rim Walks, available from September 2018.