Christchurch: Heritage & Arts Walking Tour

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
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.

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.