44 years of walking tours.

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In 1982, John Jameson hung a yellow wooden sign off a fence next to Christ Church Cathedral in Cathedral Square, and began Christchurch Personal Guiding Service (later renamed Walk Christchurch). He was well-placed to lead walking tours, with deep family roots in the city. His grandfather was Harry Ell, a Member of Parliament and driving force behind the building of Summit Road and scenic reserves on Christchurch’s Port Hills. 

Jameson’s one-man band soon expanded, with the yellow sign replaced by ticket kiosks in Cathedral Square and at the Botanic Gardens. It was supported by more guides, many of whom were members of the Historic Places Trust.

After the 2010 and 2011 Canterbury earthquakes, Walk Christchurch was one of very few organisations allowed to guide people through the heavily damaged central city.

In 2021, Walk Christchurch shifted its ticketing to visitor services at The Arts Centre, and in 2025, Walk Christchurch formally became part of The Arts Centre’s operations. Its profits go towards the conservation of the site, so by booking a tour with us, you're contributing to the preservation of an icon.
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Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre, home to Walk Christchurch.

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New Zealand’s largest collection of Category 1 listed historic buildings,

spanning an entire central city block.

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The first of the 22 Gothic Revival buildings was built in 1877 forming Canterbury College (now University of Canterbury) and the city’s first secondary schools – Girls’ High and Boys’ High.

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Due to roll expansion, the education providers had all left the site by 1975,

and by 1978, The Arts Centre was established. 

In 2010–11, devastating earthquakes struck Canterbury, forcing the site to close temporarily for restoration.

Today, The Arts Centre is dedicated to fostering the arts, culture, education, and creativity. An independent charitable trust that is the guardian – kaitiaki – of this cultural space/he tangata.