Our Walks

Walk Christchurch offers at least one walk daily for individuals in small groups, usually no more than 8-10 walkers.

We also provide pre-arranged customised walks for private groups.

We currently have two walks on offer:
• Our flagship Ōtautahi Christchurch Highlights Walk, which is a great overview; and
• The Arts Centre Guided Walk, for an in-depth look at the unique, historically significant site.


Ōtautahi Christchurch Highlights Walk

An Informative and leisurely walk of about 2 - 2.5 hours (covering 2.5 – 3 kms)

The walk includes:

  • Māori and planned European settlements
  • Key heritage buildings, other city features and Avon River area
  •  2010-2011 earthquakes and the post-earthquake new city

Leaves from The Arts Centre’s Clock Tower at 2 Worcester Boulevard.

Ends at the National Earthquake Memorial.

When it operates:

  • Everyday at 10.30 am
  • Online bookings must be completed by 9.00 am on the day of your walk between 1 September and 31 May. In June, July, and August on line bookings must be completed by 8.00 pm on the day prior to the walk
  • In person bookings (subject to places being available) can be made at the Den Office under the Clock tower in the Arts Centre from 10.15 am on the day of the walk
  • No walks: Christmas Day, Good Friday, Anzac Day
  • In very adverse weather a walk may be cancelled for safety reasons and a refund given for safety reasons

Prices:

  • Adults $25.00
  • Age 12-16 $10.00
  • Under 12 free


Arts Centre Guided Walking Tour

Enjoy a 90-minute guided walking tour of The Arts Centre - NZ's largest collection of Category 1 listed heritage buildings across a whole central city block. 

The walk includes:

Entertaining and informative, this tour will give you a deep appreciation of the past, present and future of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre. Go behind-the-scenes, discover some hidden gems of The Arts Centre and spaces not accessible to the public, as well as have some unique photo opportunities. 

The tour starts at the Clock Tower (next to Quad Eatery Café) where Lord Ernest Rutherford studied while at Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury). Lord Rutherford won the Nobel Prize in Chemistry 1908 and is considered the father of nuclear physics. Take a seat in the beautifully restored Victorian-era lecture theatre and visit the den where he did his early experiments. 

From Rutherford’s Den, your tour will thread its way through all the Gothic Revival buildings onsite including the stunning Great Hall with the stained-glass window. Climb the spiral staircase of the Observatory Tower, complete with the original Townsend Teece antique telescope that is once again in use by the University of Canterbury. You will also be treated to a wonderful view of the city and The Arts Centre. 

Leaves from The Arts Centre’s Clock Tower at 2 Worcester Boulevard.

When it operates:

Wed – Sun at 11am, except Christmas Day. 

1 June – 31 August: book online by 6pm on the evening before the walk. No walk-ups.

1 September – 31 May: book online to secure your spot. Walk-ups may be possible, subject to availability. 

In person bookings (subject to availability) can be made by visiting the team at The Arts Centre’s Clock Tower, 2 Worcester Boulevard (open daily 10am – 4pm)

In very adverse weather a walk may be cancelled for safety reasons and a refund given.

Prices:

  • Adults $25.00
  • Age 12-16 $10.00
  • Under 12 free

Private Tours and Customised Walks

 Inquiries and bookings should be made as early as possible before the planned walk .These can be made by emailing walkchristchurch@gmail.com. Please provide as much detail as you have available.

Prices will depend on the type of group, the size of the group, the customisation required & the length of the walk.  They would usually be based on the prices for  Christchurch Ōtautahi Highlights Walk.