See amazing street art and more in New Zealand's oldest city

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

In the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in 2011, the New Zealand city of Christchurch took the opportunity to rebuild its city center with the thought of filling its streets with joy and hope. As a result, it's now a cultural hub with outstanding museums, galleries, lush botanical gardens and, undoubtedly, some of the finest street art that can be found in any city of its size. As you approach its welcoming portal, volunteer guides stand ready to answer any questions and provide information on things to see and do during your stay.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Riverside Market pays homage to the past

Christchurch is a perfect city for walking, and the experience is made even more interesting by the many murals to enjoy along the way. When you come upon the Riverside Market, you might take it for a vintage building, at first glance. Upon closer inspection, you'll see that the outside is actually a masterfully painted mural which pays homage to the historic buildings lost in the earthquake. It's now the home of a variety of retail stores as well as a popular farmers market.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

See Christchurch aboard a vintage tram

For a nostalgic tour of Christchurch, climb aboard a heritage tram and see the city's highlights at your own pace with a full-day hop-on and hop-off tram ticket. Note that kids up to 15 ride free. For those who enjoy discovering a city by foot, Christchurch is also a pedestrian paradise, with wide sidewalks and beautiful vistas at every turn.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Christchurch, one of only five gateways to Antarctica

Christchurch's status as one of only five gateways to Antarctica is highlighted in this stunning mural on display in the central city. The emperor penguin, which dominates this mural, is the heaviest and tallest of all living penguin species and is endemic to Antarctica. 

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Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Go back in time at this Christchurch hotel

The 103-year-old Heritage Christchurch hotel is located in Cathedral Square. Amazingly, it survived the 2011 earthquake and still welcomes guests for a "back in time" experience. This "grand old dame" features high ceilings, exquisite woodwork, vintage tiles and elegant staircases. Modern amenities include a fully equipped gym, lap pool, sauna and spa pool.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Sublime art on a red brick wall

Just adjacent to the Heritage Christchurch hotel, you'll marvel at this captivating red brick mural executed by the celebrated New Zealand street artist Rone. This is one of the city's most treasured murals.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

A mural in celebration of ice cream

Considering the number of ice cream shops in Christchurch, it's no wonder a special mural was painted along a pedestrian zone and dedicated to this favorite dessert.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

New Zealand's last Edwardian-style theater

Fortunately, many of the historic buildings survived the earthquake and have been lovingly restored. The Isaac Theatre Royal was built in 1908 and is the only operational Edwardian-style theater remaining in New Zealand.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Whimsical art at every turn

This quirky mural, created by a New Zealand artist who paints under the name Cracked Ink, decorates the walls in the heart of Christchurch's downtown.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Coffee shop art

This colorful mural adorns the walls above a popular coffee shop in downtown Christchurch.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

19th-century post office

Designed in Italianate style, the Chief Post Office of Christchurch was opened in 1879. Despite all odds, it survived the earthquake and is scheduled to reopen this year as a hospitality and visitor complex for Christchurch's ever-expanding tourism industry.

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Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

A brick wall with a purpose

It's amazing to see how a colorful mural can transform the concrete wall of an otherwise uninteresting commercial building into a work of art. Kudos go to Christchurch for taking the lead in creating this artistic playground for visitors and residents alike.

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Symbol of hope

This mural is entitled "Rise from the Rubble" and commemorates the valiant efforts of the Christchurch community to restore the glory of this lovely city after the 2011 earthquake.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

The Avon River of Christchurch

Christchurch's Avon River flows through the city for miles, and you can enjoy its peaceful ambiance right in the heart of the city. Or you can opt to experience a leisurely cruise up the river in a flat-bottomed boat (a favorite Christchurch attraction) poled by an Edwardian-attired guide. The tour takes you past the stunning Botanic Gardens, where you can admire the flora and fauna from the comfort of your skiff.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

A true must-see during a visit to Christchurch are the Botanic Gardens, which sprawl over an area of 50 acres in the heart of the city. Free to the public, the park features an amazing collection of exotic and local plants of New Zealand, as well as several conservatories, bubbling fountains and lovely lawns on which to relax, picnic and smell the flowers. 

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Bee-ing happy in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens

An industrious bee makes the most of nectar remaining in this sunflower.

Photo courtesy of Joanne DiBona

Lyttelton's restored timeball station

Christchurch is on the itinerary of several major cruise lines that dock in the charming port of Lyttelton, approximately a 20-minute drive from Christchurch. The quaint town is known for its bohemian vibe, quirky shops and restaurants, as well as a lively art scene. The historic Lyttelton Timeball Station, constructed in 1876, is a local landmark and accessible via a walking trail. It was badly damaged by earthquakes in 2010 and 2011, but thanks to funds collected from the community, has been restored and reopened to the public. 

Photo courtesy of Tony DiBona

Setting sail

The Holland America ship Noordam prepares to set sail from the picturesque harbor of Lyttelton to its final port of call, Sydney, Australia. Cruising remains a popular way to savor the beauty of New Zealand, as many of the country's most picturesque cities and towns offer port access.