Christchurch: Heritage & Arts Walking Tour
Guided tours
Culture & history
Landmarks & monuments
Tours
Neighborhood tours
Art
Hidden gems
Educational activities
Churches & cathedrals
Architecture
Sightseeing
Museums & exhibitions
Discover Christchurch’s heritage, architecture and creativity on a 3 hour guided walking tour. Enjoy behind the scenes in the Court Theatre, access into the Christ Church Cathedral and Ravenscar House
Highlights
- Step inside the Christ Church Cathedral and learn about its restoration
- Discover the city's heritage, architecture, and creativity on a guided tour
- Enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of the Court Theatre
- Walk through the 4 rooms of Ravenscar House full of art and hidden treasures
- Explore the Arts Centre of Christchurch and its Gothic Revival architecture
Description
Start the journey in the Court Theatre, New Zealand’s largest producing theatre company and a cornerstone of Christchurch’s performing arts scene. Enjoy a behind-the-scenes introduction to the theatre’s new central-city home, an inspiring example of the creative energy that fuels Christchurch’s regeneration.
From there, your guide will lead you to Cathedral Square and the highlight of the tour, guided entry into Christ Church Cathedral, currently undergoing one of the most complex heritage-restoration projects in New Zealand. While most visitors can only view the restoration from outside the construction barriers, this tour takes you inside the cathedral with an authorised guide. You need closed footwear to access the Cathedral
Step into a sacred space filled with history and symbolism, learn about the painstaking craftsmanship behind the rebuild, hear stories of the building’s past, and gain a rare perspective on what the final restored cathedral will look like. This behind-the-scenes entry is a unique, premium experience not available to the general public.
Continue through the cultural precinct, passing by Te Pae, the convention centre, down to the Otakario River. View STAY by Anthony Gormley standing in the river, pass the Kate Shepherd memorial and onto the beautifully restored Worcester Boulevard, a walkway that links many of the city’s most important heritage and arts precincts.
As you walk, your guide will share stories of the buildings, the people who shaped them, and the extraordinary efforts that have gone into their restoration following the Canterbury earthquakes. Learn about the Art Gallery and the art that sits outside of the building, the Arts Centre of Christchurch with its Gothic Revival architecture, bustling maker spaces, galleries, studios and iconic courtyard. The Boulevard also showcases some of Christchurch’s most memorable public art installations, including works created in response to the earthquakes—timeless reminders of the city’s resilience.
Step into the Arts Centre Quad and see the second of the Anthony Gormely's STAY and Neil Dawson's suspended Echo. Step into the Great Hall, a chance to breathe in the history housed in the walls.
Step out to see the marvellous Botantical Gardens, The Peacock Fountain, walk down Rolleston Ave, and be guided through Ravenscar House Museum, home to a remarkable private art and sculpture collection that perfectly complements the themes of heritage and creativity woven throughout your walk. Your tour finishes in the Library, where you can relax and see the original Goldies on the wall.
Includes
Guided walking tour of Christchurch by Court Theatre Guides
Ear Piece for ease of listening
Entry to back stage at Court Theatre
Visit to Cathedral Square
Entry into Christ Church Cathedral
View Te Pae Convention Centre
View of Otakario River
View of STAY by Anthony Gormley
Visit to Kate Shepherd memorial
Walk down Worcester Boulevard
View the Art Gallery and the Art on the Building
Walk past the Arts Centre of Christchurch
View of public art installations
Visit to Arts Centre Quad
View of Neil Dawson's suspended Echo
View the Botantical Gardens
View of The Peacock fountain
Walk down Rolleston Ave
Entry into Ravenscar House Museum
Important Information
- The tour involves walking, so comfortable shoes are recommended.
Entry into Christ Church Cathedral is a unique experience not available to the general public.
The tour provides insights into Christchurch's heritage, architecture, and resilience.
The tour involves around 2.5 - 3 hours walking, so a moderate level of fitness is required
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund