What are the hidden gems of Christchurch?
Are you wondering if there are any hidden gems in Christchurch?
Christchurch is home to plenty of hidden gems, perfect for relaxing or enjoying scenic walks. The city beautifully combines historical and modern architecture while offering numerous nature trails to explore. Christchurch is definitely not boring to visit!
Here are our top picks for the hidden gems in Christchurch.
View our “The Hidden Gems in Christchurch” list on Google Map
1. Sign of the Takahe
A historic stone building located in the Port Hills, offering stunning views of Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains. It’s a great spot for a coffee, a meal, or just to admire the beautiful architecture and surroundings.
Location: 200 Hackthorne Road, Cashmere, Christchurch 8022
Learn more about the Sign of the Takahe
2. Sign of the Kiwi
(By Allie Hogg – Flickr: Sign of the Kiwi, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=14706471)
Another historic rest house is located on the Port Hills, just a short drive from the Sign of the Takahe. It’s a perfect spot to relax with refreshments while enjoying panoramic views of both the city and Lyttelton Harbour.
Location: Summit Road, Governors Bay 8971
Read more about the Sign of the Kiwi
3. Saturday and Sunday Markets
Farmers’ Market (Saturday)
The Christchurch Farmers’ Market takes place every Saturday from 9 AM to 12 PM and has been running since 2004, making it one of Canterbury’s original food markets. Set in the picturesque open-air grounds of the historic Riccarton House & Bush, the market is also home to Local at Riccarton House Restaurant & Venue.
Location: 16 Kahu Road, Fendalton, Christchurch 8041
Read more about the Christchurch Farmers’ Market
Riccarton Market (Sunday)
Riccarton Market is New Zealand’s largest outdoor market and a popular tourist attraction in Christchurch. Experience the lively atmosphere, browse for bargains, and unwind over lunch with family and friends while enjoying live music from local artists. The market operates nearly year-round, offering free entry, parking, and entertainment every Sunday.
Location: 165 Racecourse Road, Broomfield, Christchurch 8042
Read more about Riccarton Market
4. Lumière Cinemas (The Arts Centre)
Lumière Cinemas is delighted to elevate the magic of movie-going into a truly special experience.
Owners Ōtautahi Christchurch cinephile Nick Paris and former Hollywood screenwriter Max Hoffman bring over 40 years of combined expertise in film and its presentation.
This boutique cinema complex features two theatres—The Bernhardt, with 67 seats, and The Bardot, with 42 seats—blending state-of-the-art technology with a vintage charm, luxurious seating, and exceptional service.
Location: 26 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch 8013
Read more about the Lumière Cinemas
5. The Tannery
The Tannery is a boutique shopping emporium nestled along the banks of the Heathcote River in Woolston, Christchurch. Once a 19th-century industrial precinct, this historic site has been transformed into a vibrant retail and entertainment destination. Showcasing stunning architecture and artistic details, The Tannery is home to a carefully curated selection of boutique shops, artisan crafts, and specialty stores. It has become a hub of creativity, hospitality, and culture, offering a unique shopping and dining experience in a setting rich with character and charm.
Location: 3 Garlands Road, Woolston, Christchurch 8023
6. New Brighton Pier
Officially opened on 1 November 1997, New Brighton Pier stands on the site of the original pier, which was demolished over 30 years earlier. Stretching out into the Pacific Ocean, it is the largest ocean pier in Australasia, offering stunning coastal views and a popular spot for fishing, sightseeing, and leisurely strolls. A beloved landmark in Christchurch, the pier is a favourite destination for both locals and visitors, providing a peaceful retreat by the sea.
Location: Brighton Mall, New Brighton, Christchurch 8061
7. Flower Track
Flowers Track winds its way up Whitewash Head along a narrow, steep, and twisting path. Caution is advised, especially in wet conditions, as certain sections can become quite slippery.
Along the way, take a moment to pause and soak in the breathtaking views over Sumner, stretching as far as the Southern Alps on a clear day.
The track eventually connects with Scarborough Track, leading into Nicholson Park.
From Nicholson Park, you can extend your adventure by joining the Taylor’s Mistake Track, which descends to the picturesque Taylor’s Mistake Beach.
Location: At the junction of Scarborough Road and Whitewash Head Road
8. Sumner Ridge
Sumner Ridge is a scenic walking and biking route that offers breathtaking views over Sumner, Pegasus Bay, and the Canterbury Plains. This elevated track follows the ridgeline above Sumner, featuring a mix of open hilltops and coastal landscapes. Along the way, you might even encounter sheep grazing, adding to the quintessential New Zealand experience. It’s a popular spot for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers who come to enjoy the panoramic vistas and refreshing ocean breeze.
Location: Starts at Summit Road Car Park, Summit Road, Sumner, Christchurch 8081
9. Taylor Mistake Beach
Taylors Mistake is a breathtaking beach just south of Sumner in Christchurch, known for its golden sand, rugged cliffs, and fantastic surf. It’s a favourite destination for surfers, swimmers, and hikers alike.
As one of Christchurch’s most popular surf beaches, Taylors Mistake offers a sandy beach break with both right and left-hand waves. Surfers can catch a strong right-hander off the rocks at the eastern end, while a fun left-hander can appear at the western end during a good swell. The waves here can be powerful and fast, occasionally producing great barrels when offshore winds align. It’s a spot suitable for all levels of surfers, from beginners to advanced riders.
Location: Taylor Mistake Road, Christchurch 8081
10. Corsair Bay
Corsair Bay is a tranquil, scenic beach situated in Lyttelton, just a short drive from Christchurch’s city centre. Tucked away in a sheltered cove, the bay offers a peaceful retreat with its calm waters, beautiful surroundings, and breathtaking views of Lyttelton Harbour.
The small sandy bay was named after a whaling brigantine that ran aground on rocks in 1861 and was wrecked.
With picnic areas, a playground, ample parking, and restroom facilities, it has been a beloved spot for generations. It’s also a popular destination for kayaking, offering a chance to explore the harbour at your own pace.
Location: Corsair Bay, Lyttelton 8082
Brilliant Rentals, ChristchurchNZ, The Art Centre, Christchurch City Council, Wikipedia, and Google Map
Your comfort and safety are our priority!
Come and get our guaranteed models and drive in style with us.
We offer various models to complete your road trip with ease.
Learn more about our fleet
