Christchurch Tramway

Christchurch had a real tram network until 1954; the current line is a heritage loop opened in 1995 using restored cars, most built between 1903 and the 1920s, including an Australian Ballarat car and Christchurch originals. The February 2011 earthquake stopped it entirely, and the route came back in stages as the central city was rebuilt - the restored section reopened in 2013 and the full extended loop in 2015. That history is part of what the driver's commentary covers, along with the buildings the loop passes: the Arts Centre, the Botanic Gardens edge, New Regent Street, Cathedral Square and the riverside. A day ticket lets you get on and off, which is the sensible way to use it, since the loop takes about half an hour non-stop. There is also a dinner tram in a restored 1920s car, booked separately.

What you actually see

• The restored cars - trams from 1903 onward, still running.
• The rebuilt city - the loop passes what was rebuilt after 2011.
• New Regent Street - the pastel Spanish Mission row the tram runs through.
• The commentary - drivers narrate as they drive.

When to go

Any season - the cars are enclosed. Weekday mornings are quieter. A day pass makes sense if you plan to get on and off; otherwise the full loop is about thirty minutes.

Honest expectations

It is a tourist loop, not transport - it does not go anywhere you could not walk. Frequency varies by season. The dinner tram is a separate, considerably more expensive booking.

Nearby

The Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum and the Arts Centre are all on or beside the loop.