Discover the stories behind Christchurch with WALKnTALK on a relaxed, small-group walking tour through the heart of the central city.
This Christchurch historical walking tour brings the city’s past, present and future to life through engaging local storytelling. Explore Christchurch’s Māori and European history, discover hidden gems and significant landmarks, hear stories of the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, and see how the city has rebuilt with creativity, resilience and vision.
Led by a knowledgeable local guide, the approximately 1.5–1.75-hour tour starts at the Bridge of Remembrance and offers a fascinating introduction to Christchurch for first-time visitors and anyone wanting to understand more about the city they are exploring.
Why Choose WALKnTALK?
- Small-group Christchurch walking tours
- Knowledgeable local guides
- Approximately 1.5–1.75 hours
- Explore Christchurch’s history, culture and hidden gems
- Māori and European history
- Stories from the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes
- Discover the city’s rebuild and transformation
- Iconic landmarks and lesser-known places
- Relaxed and interactive experience
- Central Christchurch departure point
- Opportunities to ask questions along the way
- Private and customised tours available
- Special-interest and educational tours available
Discover Christchurch’s Past, Present & Future
Christchurch has a fascinating story that extends far beyond the landmarks you see today.
WALKnTALK’s guided walking tour explores the city’s geological and human history, including the stories of Ngāi Tahu Māori, early European settlement and the development of Christchurch and Canterbury.
You’ll also hear about the profound impact of the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes and how these events changed the city and the lives of those who call it home.
The story doesn’t end with the earthquakes. As you walk through central Christchurch, discover how the city has responded through regeneration, new architecture, public spaces, culture and innovation.
It is a chance to understand not only where Christchurch has come from, but where it is heading.
Discover Christchurch’s Hidden Gems
Some of Christchurch’s most interesting places are easy to walk past without knowing their significance.
Your local guide will introduce you to a mixture of well-known landmarks and lesser-known corners of the central city, revealing stories and details that provide a deeper understanding of Christchurch.
Rather than simply seeing the sights, you’ll discover the people, events and ideas that have helped shape the city.
With a small group, the experience remains relaxed and personal, with plenty of opportunities to interact with your guide and ask questions along the way.
Christchurch Historical Walking Tour Information
Duration: Approximately 1.5–1.75 hours
Meeting point: Bridge of Remembrance, Cashel Street, Christchurch Central City, near the corner of Cashel Street and Oxford Terrace.
Finding your guide: Look for the purple umbrella.
Tours generally operate twice daily, with frequency adjusted during quieter periods according to demand. Booking ahead is recommended to secure your preferred departure.
A Great Introduction to Christchurch
For first-time visitors, a guided walking tour is an easy way to get your bearings while discovering the stories behind the places you’re seeing.
WALKnTALK combines sightseeing with local knowledge, giving visitors greater context around Christchurch’s history, culture, architecture and transformation.
Your guide can also provide local recommendations and insights to help you make the most of the rest of your time in Christchurch.
Whether you’re interested in history, culture, architecture, the city’s earthquake experience or its ongoing regeneration, the tour provides a more meaningful way to discover central Christchurch.
Private Christchurch Walking Tours
Looking for something more personal? WALKnTALK can arrange private and customised Christchurch tours for couples, families, groups, organisations and visitors with specific interests.
Private tours can be tailored around your interests, available time and group requirements.
Options can include:
- Private Christchurch city tours
- Large group tours
- Flexible departure times
- Tours in other languages by arrangement
- Seasonal photography walks
- Māori culture and food experiences
- Architecture and Christchurch rebuild tours
- Sports-focused experiences
- Academic and educational tours
- Professional and industry-focused visits
Have something different in mind? Talk directly with WALKnTALK about creating an experience specifically for your group.
Special Interest & Educational Tours
WALKnTALK can create specialist tours for academic, professional and educational groups wanting to explore particular aspects of Christchurch and Canterbury.
Areas of interest can include:
- Engineering
- Science
- Arts
- Law and education
- Architecture and urban development
- Christchurch’s rebuild
- Rugby, cricket, rowing and athletics
- Health sector development
- University and postgraduate interests
These experiences can be tailored to the background and interests of the visiting group.
Canterbury Countryside Experiences
Private tours can also venture beyond central Christchurch to explore Canterbury’s rural landscapes, communities and industries.
Special-interest options may include:
- Private farm visits
- Sheep, beef, dairy and deer farming
- Crop and grain production
- Irrigation systems
- Farm-to-table food and produce experiences
These customised experiences provide an opportunity to discover another side of Canterbury and learn more about the industries and communities that have shaped the region.
Explore Beyond Christchurch
For guests with more time, WALKnTALK can help create experiences extending into the wider Canterbury region and beyond.
Depending on your interests and available time, possibilities include:
- Arthur’s Pass
- Castle Hill
- Banks Peninsula
- Waipara Valley wine and food experiences
- TranzAlpine rail journeys
- Kaikōura whale watching and marine experiences
- Aoraki Mackenzie Dark Sky experiences
- Akaroa’s French heritage and harbour
Guided day or part-day hikes can also be incorporated into customised itineraries.
Optional Extras for Private Tours
Private and special-interest tours can be further tailored with options such as:
- Flexible timing
- Custom pick-up and drop-off locations
- Private transport
- Sedans, luxury vans or coaches
- Professional photography or videography
- Tailored food and drink
- Special dietary requirements
- Wine tastings
- Cooking demonstrations
- Cultural performances
Options depend on the itinerary and availability, so discuss your requirements with WALKnTALK when enquiring.
Book Direct with WALKnTALK
Experience Christchurch through the stories, people and events that have shaped the city.
Whether you’re joining the Christchurch Historical Walking Tour or arranging a private or special-interest experience, WALKnTALK offers an engaging way to discover more than you would by simply exploring on your own.
Contact WALKnTALK directly to check tour times, availability or discuss a customised experience.
Explore More of Christchurch & Canterbury
Continue exploring the region with our Canterbury Travel Guide, featuring accommodation, more places to visit, activities and travel inspiration throughout Christchurch and Canterbury.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Christchurch Historical Walking Tour cover?
The tour explores Christchurch’s Māori and European history, culture, significant landmarks, hidden gems, the Canterbury earthquakes and the city’s subsequent rebuild and transformation.
How long is the WALKnTALK Christchurch walking tour?
The guided walking tour takes approximately 1.5–1.75 hours.
Where does the Christchurch walking tour start?
The tour begins at the Bridge of Remembrance on Cashel Street in central Christchurch, near the corner of Cashel Street and Oxford Terrace. Look for your guide holding a purple umbrella.
Does the walking tour cover the Christchurch earthquakes?
Yes. The 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes form an important part of Christchurch’s recent history and are covered as part of the wider story of the city, including its recovery and transformation.
Is the tour only about the Christchurch earthquakes?
No. The earthquakes are one chapter of a much broader tour covering Christchurch’s Māori and European history, culture, landmarks, hidden stories, development and future.
Is this tour suitable for first-time visitors to Christchurch?
Yes. The tour provides an excellent introduction to central Christchurch and helps visitors understand the history and stories behind many of the places they will encounter during their stay.
Are private Christchurch tours available?
Yes. WALKnTALK offers private and customised experiences for couples, families, groups, organisations and visitors with particular interests.
Can WALKnTALK accommodate large groups?
Yes. Tours can be tailored for larger groups, including flexible timing and customised itineraries.
Can WALKnTALK create educational or special-interest tours?
Yes. Specialised tours can be developed for academic, professional and educational groups across a range of subjects and interests.
Does WALKnTALK offer tours outside Christchurch?
Yes. Customised experiences can extend into wider Canterbury and beyond, depending on the group’s available time and interests.
Can we customise our tour?
Yes. Private tours can be tailored around your group’s interests, timing, transport and other requirements.
