Christchurch is more than just stunning gardens and street art – it’s also home to some truly fascinating museums and galleries. Whether you’re interested in art, history, aviation, or science, you’ll find a place that sparks your curiosity. Here are our top picks for museums and galleries to visit while you’re in the Garden City.
Canterbury Museum Pop-Up
For 150 years, Canterbury Museum has been sharing the stories of Waitaha Canterbury – and now it’s writing a new chapter of its own. While the historic Rolleston Avenue site undergoes an exciting redevelopment, you can visit the Canterbury Museum Pop-Up at 66 Gloucester Street, Christchurch.
It’s a fun, fresh space where you can still experience many of the Museum’s most loved exhibits while watching the progress of the redevelopment online. Entry is free (donations welcome), so it’s an easy addition to your itinerary.
Christchurch Art Gallery (Te Puna o Waiwhetū)
A must for art lovers, the Christchurch Art Gallery is the city’s public art gallery and is home to a substantial collection of New Zealand and international art. The striking glass-fronted building at Montreal Street & Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch is an artwork in itself and hosts an ever-changing line-up of exhibitions, events, and family-friendly activities.
The gallery is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm and admission is free (donations encouraged). It’s a perfect stop to soak up some culture between exploring the city’s laneways and cafes.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Aviation enthusiasts will love the Air Force Museum of New Zealand, which spans more than 100 years of New Zealand’s military aviation history. You can climb inside aircraft, explore interactive exhibits, and even take a behind-the-scenes tour.
You’ll find it at 45 Harvard Avenue, Wigram, Christchurch. Entry is free for New Zealand residents and $15 for international visitors over 18. It’s about a $25 taxi ride from the city centre (or much less by bus), and you could easily spend half a day here.
Rutherford’s Den
Step back in time – and into the actual rooms where Nobel Prize-winning scientist Ernest Rutherford studied – at Rutherford’s Den. This museum is housed in the Clock Tower at the Arts Centre, 2 Worcester Boulevard, Christchurch, and brings science to life with interactive displays and a beautifully restored Victorian lecture theatre.
Entry is free (donations appreciated), and it’s a great stop for science lovers, history buffs, and curious kids.
Ravenscar House Museum
For a more intimate art experience, visit Ravenscar House Museum, home to Jim and Susan Wakefield’s private art collection. The house is a contemporary re-imagining of their original Scarborough home, which was lost in the 2011 earthquakes.
Inside, you’ll find a carefully curated collection of New Zealand art displayed in a tranquil, home-like setting. Located at 52 Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch, it’s highly recommended for those who enjoy architecture and fine art.
Kate Sheppard House
Discover the story of New Zealand’s most famous suffragist at Te Whare Waiutuutu Kate Sheppard House. This charming Ilam home at 83 Clyde Road, Christchurch is where Kate Sheppard led the campaign that made New Zealand the first country in the world to grant women the right to vote.
A visit here gives powerful insight into a defining moment in New Zealand’s history – and the home is beautifully preserved.
Teece Museum of Classical Antiquities
Tucked away in the old Chemistry Building at the Christchurch Arts Centre, the Teece Museum is a hidden gem. Here you can explore the James Logie Memorial Collection, one of the finest collections of Greek and Roman antiquities in the Southern Hemisphere.
You’ll find it at 3 Hereford Street, Christchurch. Entry is free, making it an excellent way to spend an hour or two while exploring the Arts Centre precinct.
Final Thoughts
Christchurch’s museums and galleries offer something for everyone – from hands-on science and aviation adventures to peaceful spaces filled with art and history. Whether you have a single afternoon or a full day, visiting one (or more!) of these attractions will give you a richer, deeper understanding of the city.
