As the world is all too aware the city of Christchurch, the operational base and home of PureTrails and it's team, has been severely damaged by two major earthquakes in September 2010 and February 2011. 181 people lost their lives following the February quake, many people have lost their homes, jobs and livelihoods, and many of the heritage buildings that our lovely city had become known for, built back in the 1860's by our city forefathers, have crumpled beyond repair.

One of the few positive outcomes of this natural disaster has been to draw our local community together, closer than ever before, to support one another as we start down the long road to rebuild our community and our city. PureTrails was very fortunate to come through both quakes relatively unscathed, and we now turn our attention to helping the rebuild process, by supporting other tourism business who have made Christchurch their home. By travelling with PureTrails and helping us support local businesses, you too can contribute to the rebuild of Christchurch.

This page features local sightseeing activities and recommended accommodation options which would welcome your custom during your stay in Christchurch. Further information can be found at the official Christchurch Tourism website.

Christchurch Cathedral The most iconic building of our city, the Christchurch Cathedral circa 1864, was severely damaged in the earthquakes, however the local community is commited to it's rebuild. Visit their website to find out how to make a donation. It is likely to be off limits to the public for a number of years.

Arts Centre Formally the buildings of the Canterbury University, the Arts Centre was the heart of the cultural precinct, and sadly also suffered extensive damage in the quakes. A rebuild is expected to take a number of years, and the site remains off limits to the public in the meantime. The Arts Centre/Cathedral Square Markets have been resurrected however, and are now located in the closeby YMCA carpark (Cnr Cashel & Rolleston Ave) on Fridays and Saturdays 9am - 3pm.

Canterbury Museum Miraculously the Canterbury Museum, first opened in 1870, came through the quakes almost completely intact and is now open.

Christchurch Art Gallery This modern glass building has received a lot of publicity following the quakes as it became the home of the massive Civil Defence base. While the city demolition continues, this continues to be the case, and the Gallery remains closed to the public. The Gallery is expected to open to the public again by late 2011/early 2012. With it's modern 'earthquake proof' architecture, this striking building could be a sign of what's come when the rebuild process begins?!

Christchurch Botanic Gardens The Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, the 'heart' of our garden city, did lose a number of trees during the quakes, but continues to be a relaxing and peaceful place to visit. Most of the garden facilities/buildings including the cafe are open.

Punting on the Avon This quintessentailly English experience is a reminder of our city's heritage, and is a wonderfully relaxing activity to undertake on your visit to Christchurch. The experience is now up and running, 7 days a week (10am - 4pm), from the Antigua Boatsheds on the edge of Hagley Park.

Riccarton House & Bush Riccarton House & Bush is one of the city's treasures well frequented by the local community. Guided tours are available of the House, a grand Victorian/Edwardian homestead built in 3 stages from 1856 for the pioneering Dean's family, at 2pm everyday except Saturdays. The adjacent predator-proof enclosed bush, featuring a 20 minute walk through a grove of ancient kaihikatea trees that once populated the plains, is open daily (entry free). Riccarton House and Bush has a cafe open daily and is home to a farmers/craft market, often featuring live music, every Saturday and Sunday.

Christchurch Bike Tours A local company offering guided city and surrounds tours on retro style bikes. A great way to see the sights and learn more about the city at the same time. Tours are now up and running, albeit with a few tweaks to their standard routes due to the current closure of the CBD area.

Christchurch Gondola The gondola ride to the summit of the Port Hills provides spectacular views of the Christchurch and Canterbury Plains to the distant Southern Alps, as well as great views of Lyttleton Harbour and Banks Peninsula. The summit facility sustained some damage during the quakes, and is expected to reopen in Feb/Mar 2012.

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve For international visitors to Christchurch, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve offers the opportunity to get up close to some of our native birds, including kiwi and kea. Tours are available throughout the day and evening, and they also have a Maori Cultural Experience available in the late afternoon/evenings. Open daily from 9:30am.

Scared Scriptless Despite losing many theatre/event venues following the quakes, the iconic 'Scared Scriptless' comedy show is up and running again. For culture vultures looking for some evening entertainment, this will be just the ticket. Shows run every Friday and Saturday nights, featuring fast paced improvised comedy with plenty of audience interaction and 'razor sharp' wit. Door sales available for $15.

The Grange B&B 56 Armagh Street (city centre) 0800 932 850	Centrally located Victorian Mansion with beautifully refurbished en-suite rooms. Also new apartment style self contained rooms available. Excellent friendly hosts and a great breakfast.
Christchurch YMCA 12 Hereford Street (city centre) 03 366 0689	The YMCA has quality accommodation in Christchurch to suit any budget with modern facilities and friendly service in the heart of Christchurch city.
Airport Lodge Motel 105 Roydvale Avenue (airport) 0800 256 343	Older style motel but affordable, with well priced rooms and a free airport shuttle available. Close proximity to the airport and the PureTrails depot.
Airport Delta Motel 61 Roydvale Avenue (airport) 0800 800 825	Modern motel facility in close proximity to the airport and the PureTrails depot. Provides a courtesy shuttle to and from the airport.
Glenveagh B&B 230c Clyde Road (Fendalton) 0800 000 107	Modern home featuring 3 guest bedrooms and separate guest lounge. Close to Fendalton Village restaurants.
Heatherston B&B 46 Searells Road (Papanui) 03 355 3239	Modern home featuring well priced en-suite rooms in a quiet location, handy to local shops and restaurants.
Ashleigh Court Motel 47 Matai Street West (Riccarton) 0800 274 534	A motel in a quiet central location, close to the Riccarton shops and restaurants etc, as well as Mona Vale and Hagley Park.