There are many tourist attractions in Christchurch but none quite as unique as this. Massive cardboard tubes form the structure of the Christchurch Transitional Cathedral, more commonly known as the ‘Cardboard Cathedral’, while the walls are made of repurposed shipping containers. After Christchurch Cathedral was destroyed in the 2011 earthquake, it was designed as a temporary replacement but Japanese architect Shigeru Ban’s structure has since been adopted permanently.

The Avon might be a name more commonly associated with Shakespeare and the rolling English countryside, and punting might summon up images of floating past Oxbridge colleges, but Christchurch’s Avon River offers much of the same experience – in the southern hemisphere. Board one of these traditional flat-bottomed boats to be poled by a straw-hatted guide through the city’s waterways and past the beautiful Botanic Gardens on your Christchurch holiday.

Graffiti wasn’t always an integral part of the Christchurch community, but following the earthquakes, the city’s artists filled the devastated streets with colour – giving its residents a beacon of optimism in trying times. Since then, the city has grown to become one of the world’s street art capitals. Map out the biggest murals and graffiti before heading to the streets to tour the artists’ work.

New Zealand is known for its vibrant, sophisticated food scene, and Christchurch is no exception with fresh produce at farmers’ markets to its many restaurants, cafes and food stalls. New Zealand is renowned for seafood, so try some specialities: steamed mussels, bluff oysters, whitebait and crayfish. Christchurch is fast becoming a leading craft beer destination boasting microbreweries, taprooms and beer tours – and hosts the Great Kiwi Beer Festival every January.

Vivid colonial-era shop houses line the 1930s-era New Regent Street, a pedestrianised strip featuring everything from fashion boutiques to art galleries. After some retail therapy, kick back at its cafes and bars and watch the historic trams trundle by. Another great place to visit in Christchurch is Riccarton Sunday Market: New Zealand’s largest outdoor market with over 200 stalls touting fine food and drink, handmade wares, vintage home goods and clothing.

In the late 19th century, steam and horse-powered trams were the primary way for residents to get around the city. Today, a heritage line – the Christchurch Tramway – serves as a reminder of Christchurch in days gone by, while offering a tour of the city centre. Along 17 stops, the hop-on, hop-off service passes by the Canterbury Museum, Botanic Gardens, Riverside Market and down charming New Regent Street, among other attractions.

Fittingly for an art gallery, the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū’s facade is itself a work of art – its wavy glass exterior mirrors the ebb and flow of the River Avon. Inside this Christchurch attraction you’ll find contemporary and classical art exhibitions alike, spanning Kiwi landscape artists, Maori works of art and more challenging installations.

It’s one of the world’s greatest train journeys: the TranzAlpine runs from Christchurch to Greymouth, traversing the spine of the South Island. Passing through the Southern Alps and native beech forests, the five-hour journey spans 200km. Take in the views from the open-air carriage or plug into the audio guide for insights on each landmark. Stay onboard from start to finish, or hop off at Arthur’s Pass and hike the remarkable landscape.

New Zealand is known for its sauvignon blancs, but north Canterbury’s wine region produces much more - hosting over 90 vineyards with unique flavour profiles derived from volcanic and limestone terroir. Visit the state’s first organic-certified winery, Muddy Water, to experience bold chardonnays and pinot noirs, or head to Waipara’s Greystone Wines for pinots fermented directly in the vineyards. Make a day of it with wine-pairing tasting menus at on-site restaurants.