Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora
Christchurch, New Zealand
About This Activity
The Arts Centre occupies the former University of Canterbury's stunning Gothic Revival complex, which survived the earthquakes and has been lovingly restored over a decade. Today it houses galleries, artist studios, a weekend craft market, and several cafes and restaurants. Ernest Rutherford — who split the atom — studied here, and his original den is preserved. Note: the Canterbury Museum on Rolleston Avenue is closed for major seismic redevelopment until approximately 2029; a pop-up exhibition space operates at 66 Gloucester Street nearby. Allow 2 hours to explore the Arts Centre and stroll the adjoining Botanic Gardens.
Seasonal note: Open year-round; weekend craft market runs Saturday–Sunday.
See This in an Itinerary
This activity appears in 18 of our curated itineraries.
Best 5 Days in New Zealand — Art & Culture
Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch
Best 5 Days in New Zealand — Without Nature
Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch
Best 5 Days in New Zealand — Summer
Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch
Best 7 Days in New Zealand — Art & Culture
Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch
Best 7 Days in New Zealand — Without Nature
Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch
Best 7 Days in New Zealand — Based in Christchurch
Auckland → Wellington → Rotorua → Christchurch
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Free Day in Christchurch
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