Arts Centre New Walk Christchurch Operator

Since 1st May 2025, Walk Christchurch has officially been operated by Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.

Walk Christchurch is a group of local volunteer walking guides, who share interesting stories of the city with visitors. The main products include the Ōtautahi Christchurch Highlights Walk, which takes 2-2.5 hours and runs for small groups of 8-10 people, and the bespoke customised private walks. For this, Walk Christchurch has garnered enthusiastic reviews and the top-ranking position on Tripadvisor for Christchurch activities and attractions this year.

Walk Christchurch and The Arts Centre have a long-standing relationship. Walk Christchurch tours all depart from The Arts Centre, which has managed the tour bookings for several years.

“The Arts Centre has the operational infrastructure and experience, and we work together well, so it made sense for us to merge operationally. The new structure enables our volunteer guides to focus on the bit they love, which is sharing their knowledge and passion for Christchurch,” says Graeme McNally, Chair of Walk Christchurch.

Until now The Arts Centre has also organised its own volunteer-led tours around the heritage site. “Streamlining makes sense for both of us,” says Arts Centre Director Philip Aldridge. The Arts Centre tours will now sit under the Walk Christchurch brand, and Philip Aldridge says in time Walk Christchurch’s range of guided tours is likely to expand.

In the meantime, customers are not likely to notice any change, as some of Christchurch’s most enthusiastic residents continue to share their favourite spots and local secrets with visitors.