Christchurch, the 2nd largest city in New Zealand, is considered a tourist-favorite because of its spectacular landscapes, amazing coastline, and widely popular wineries and gardens. Before you get started looking for available cheapflights to Christchurch, here are top 7 tourist favorites you can explore when you visit this unique city.

1 Botanic Gardens

The city council’s ambitious project to build “a garden in a city” has definitely paid off because of the popularity of the city’s Botanic Gardens. A trip to the gardens is surely a treat for nature-lovers, history enthusiasts, and the whole family. This botanical garden was built in the 1860s as a commemoration of Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra’s solemnization of marriage. This small paradise offers you an interesting exploration of various exotic and indigenous plants of the country.

2 Travel Day Tours

Travelling on small group day tours is one great way to explore Christchurch’s top attractions. These tours usually offer trips to popular destinations like Waipara wineries, Hanmer Springs, Arthurs Pass, and Akaroa. There are also available cruise ship trips, as well as various activities for the whole family. The personalized tours are highly recommended by travellers, along with the exciting activities included in the package, such as encounter with the dolphins, trip to TranzAlpine Train, whale watching, winery visits, and jet skiing.

3 Banks Peninsula

If you’re fond of hiking and nature trips, you’ll definitely love what Banks Peninsula has to offer. You can explore the best surf in the southern bays, access the Little River Rail Trail, and visit the Little River Campground and ‘the silos’. A fun exploration of the town will also lead you to their various amenities, such as art galleries, craft shops, museum, and a pub.

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Banks Peninsula, by jossallen

4 Punting on the Avon

Are you a history buff or simply a nature-lover? If you happen to be both, you’re in for a treat when you go punting on the Avon River. A trip aboard a classic Punt to the historic Antigua Boat Sheds landing, this is also a learning and informative experience perfect for the whole group.

5 TranzAlpine train tours

Commonly known as one of the great train journeys in the world, going through this trip is a much-worthy experience to consider because of the scenic views and amazing train ride that it offers. From stunning beaches to panoramic rivers and lush forests, you can have a unique experience of a lifetime feasting your eyes with remarkable sceneries while being aboard a comfortable and world-class train carriage.

6 Adrenaline forest

Go on a physical and exciting adventure with the whole family in this widely popular theme adventure park. A perfect place for adventure lovers, this top tourist attraction is a multi-level aerial obstacle course, offering visitors an assortment of physical activities that will test their limits. You can even discover a stunning beach view when you walk a bit through the forests.

7 Lake Pukaki

With its outstanding lake view and spectacular alpine mountain surrounds, it’s no surprise many visitors keep coming back to Lake Pukaki. Its quiet beauty always manages to capture the interest of travellers, particularly on a sunny day where you can see its exceptional beauty clearly. With the striking backdrop, it’s hard not to take a good picture to document your extraordinary visit in the place.

About the author: Sofia Angeli is a PR & communications consultant for companies in various industries. She also brings her writing skills and passion for culture and travel to the online world. If she isn’t travelling somewhere, she writes freelance for sites like cheapflights.com.au.