Free Things to See and Do in Christchurch

If you are looking to stretch your travelling budget a bit further, here is a list of things you can do for free in Christchurch.

Stroll through the Botanic Gardens. Next to the Canterbury Museum you will find these spectacular gardens, founded in 1863 the gardens provide a plethora of exotic and native New Zealand plantings. The known Avon River flows through the Gardens and there are numerous bridges crossing it to view the native bird life.

Riccarton House and Bush. It's easy to forget you are in a city when you walk in the native forest reserve with its old Kahikatea trees sheltering you inside what is left of the original forest that covered the Canterbury region. The reserve is home to two historic buildings - Riccarton House and Deans Cottage.

Visit the Air Force Museum of New Zealand. If you are into a bit of miliatry or aviation history this is well worth the visit. To get here from Christchurch Airport, drive your car rental toward the south on Russley Road, onto Carmen Road, turning left onto the Main South Road, right onto Springs Road and then a final left onto Henry Wigram Drive where you will arrive at the Museum. Give yourself some time to explore the collections which include more than 17 aircraft, an extensive medal collection and uniforms and such like to name a few.

Discover the natural Beauty of Banks Peninsula. Get off the beaten track to places where you can enjoy stunning scenery and the turquoise blue harbours and bays.