3 Things to Do in Christchurch

If you didn’t know, Christchurch has been recovering from a massive Earthquake since 2011.

While the city is small and not as touristy as places like Queenstown or Auckland, there are still a handful of things you can (and should) do while you’re there.

My dad and I had the opportunity to stay with friends that I met with my mom while we were in Italy, so we got to see solely from a local’s perspective.

What Should I do in Christchurch?

1.     Visit Cathedral Square

Cathedral Square in Christchurch, New Zealand; January 2019

The city is in the midst of being rebuilt and re-modernized more than ever before. Aside from the square’s nifty center piece, you can walk by to where the Christ Church Cathedral is currently being rebuilt.

Learning about the 2011 earthquakes in Christchurch; January 2019

2.     Walk Through New Regent Street

As my dad said while we were walking down this beyond picturesque street…

New Regent Street in Christchurch; January 2019

“This street is the definition of ‘charm’. If the dictionary had pictures, and you put a picture of this street underneath the word, ‘charming’… you wouldn’t even need words, anymore.”

3.     See New Brighton Beach

Everyone’s knows that I firmly believe that Australia takes the crown when it comes to beaches, but the color of New Brighton Beach is up there with the other out-of-this-world bodies of water my dad and I saw in New Zealand. 

New Brighton Beach in Christchurch is worth a visit!

If you’re looking for other things to do in New Zealand, click here.

Additional articles you might find helpful include:

• 5 Things You Didn’t Know About New Zealand

• Your Ultimate Guide to Auckland

• Your Ultimate Guide to Queenstown, New Zealand

• Why You Should Drive the South Island: Hidden Gems in New Zealand

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About the Author

Hi, I'm Stephanie Safdie, a travel writer and content creator based in Paris. Since living here, I've spent years exploring the city and regularly update my Paris travel guides with firsthand experience while also exploring destinations across Europe and beyond as a solo female traveler. I've been solo traveling for the past decade, having visited more than 70 cities and nearly 30 countries before turning 30.

Before moving abroad, I grew up moving all around the United States, having lived in New York City, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, and Tampa – which sparked my desire to discover and experience new places and cultures from a young age.

As a true writer at heart passionate about being open-minded, adventurous, and diaristic – it's my goal to share honest, practical travel advice, local insights, detailed itineraries, and real-life experiences that go beyond typical tourist recommendations. With over 200 guides published on Destination Dreamer Diaries, I’m here help you plan the most memorable trip of a lifetime with confidence.

When I'm not traveling or working professionally in content creation, you'll find me doing just about anything creative: writing, practicing my photography skills (the large majority of photos featured on this blog were taken during my own travels), playing my music at open mic nights, editing videos for my YouTube channel, cooking, or creating travel content.

Last updated: June 1, 2025