Historical, Heritage & Earthquake walking tour of Christchurch

4.9 (37 reviews) 2 hours Free cancellation

out of 5

37 reviews

4.9

Historical, Heritage & Earthquake walking tour of Christchurch — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Historical, Heritage & Earthquake walking tour of Christchurch, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

Discover Christchurch on a small-group walking tour led by a knowledgeable local guide who brings the city’s story to life.

This experience goes beyond a typical sightseeing walk.

You’ll hear first-hand accounts of the 2011 earthquake, understand how the city has rebuilt, and explore the ideas shaping Christchurch’s future.

As you walk through the central city, you’ll visit key landmarks while also uncovering hidden gems that most visitors miss. Along the way, your guide shares engaging stories, local insights, and personal perspectives that make the experience both informative and memorable.

With a small group size, the tour is interactive and relaxed, giving you the chance to ask questions and get tailored recommendations for your stay.

This tour is ideal for first-time visitors wanting an authentic introduction to Christchurch, as well as returning travellers looking to better understand the city’s unique character.

Private and Luxury Cultural Tours Historical Tours Walking Tours Excellent Quality Best Conversion Low Supplier Cancellation Rate Low Last Minute Supplier Cancellation Rate

At a glance

Duration: 2 hours
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 16 people
People per booking: 1–10
Guide: English
Operated by: Christchurch ESSENTIALS Walking Tour

Ages: Infants (0–3 years) · Children (4–12 years) · Youth (13–18 years) · Adults (19–120 years)

What is included

Included

Included: All the areas and sites we visit are free of any additional charges.

Itinerary

Bridge of Remembrance

3 min Admission included

to be entered
Stop 2

3 min Admission included

to be entered
Riverside 3d Mural

2 min Admission included

to be entered
Stop 4

3 min Admission included

to be entered
Cathedral Square

7 min Admission included

to be entered
Turanga

5 min Admission included

to be entered
Stop 7

4 min Admission included

to be entered
Victoria Square

5 min Admission included

to be entered
Robert Falcon Scott Statue

5 min Admission included

to be entered
Christchurch Art Gallery (Te Puna o Waiwhetu)

5 min Admission included

to be entered
Stop 11

7 min Admission included

New Zealand's largest concentration of grade 1 Heritage buildings. This was the home of Canterbury College, Boys and Girls High but has been repurposed as an arts centre to respect its past - now with 40+ tenants with an arts flavour. It's fabulous!
Rutherford's Den

5 min Admission included

Einstein described Ernest Rutherford as a "second Newton" who "tunneled into the very material of God". This was a tribute to Rutherford's foundational discoveries about the atom's structure, particularly his model of a dense, central nucleus, which is considered one of the most significant and practical insights in the history of physics.

Here we'll see the actual den in which Rutherford conducted his first experiments that was the beginning of nuclear science.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

At 76 Cashel Street, look for us with the PURPLE umbrella! This archway bridge is on the corner of Cashel Street and Oxford Terrace. It is perhaps the most central of city iconic places so pretty much all locals can point you in the right direction.

End point

At 76 Cashel Street, look for us with the PURPLE umbrella! This archway bridge is on the corner of Cashel Street and Oxford Terrace. It is perhaps the most central of city iconic places so pretty much all locals can point you in the right direction.