What We Recommend In Christchurch

A few of our favourite restaurants in Christchurch are:

The Craft Beer Kitchen, Ferrymead - For great food and an amazing owner, visit CBK; they offer a fantastic Stonegrill Experience and an extensive craft beer range, with a great atmosphere where you can just chill and relax.

The whole New Regent Street - With a rum bar, a gin bar and a whiskey bar on one small street, you can’t go wrong! With its array of quirky, unique boutique stores, wonderful bars and restaurants, accommodation and of course, diverse entertainment, your experience will be exciting. End the night at New Regent Quarter with delicious ice cream (or waffles!)

C1 Espresso - A Christchurch institution that features coffee, tea, breakfast grub and sliders delivered by pneumatic tubes. Unique and fun for all ages, the menu offers something for everyone (with mini burgers and curly fries as our personal favourites).

A few of our favourite activities in Christchurch are:

Explore the Canterbury Museum:
Discover the rich cultural and natural heritage of New Zealand at the Canterbury Museum.

Visit the Christchurch Botanic Gardens:
Enjoy the serenity of nature at the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

Take a Tram Tour:
Explore the city on the historic Christchurch Tram.

Admire the Art at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū:
Immerse yourself in contemporary and traditional art at the Christchurch Art Gallery.

Punting on the Avon River:
Experience a relaxing punt ride on the iconic Avon River.

Discover Antarctic Centre:
Learn about Antarctica and its unique environment at the Antarctic Centre.

Explore Akaroa:
Take a day trip to the charming French-inspired town of Akaroa.

Visit Quake City:
Understand the impact of earthquakes on Christchurch at Quake City.

Go Wildlife Spotting at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve:
Encounter native New Zealand wildlife at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.

Enjoy the View from Port Hills:
Hike or drive up the Port Hills for panoramic views of Christchurch and its surroundings.

Fun things to do in Christchurch:

Te Pae, a newly established venue, is situated right at the heart of the city, offering captivating views of both Cathedral Square and the Avon/Ōtakaro river. Its prime location makes it ideal for leisurely walks along the scenic City Promenade.

Heading downstream, you'll pass Victoria Park and the renovated Christchurch Town Hall before reaching the splendid Margaret Mahy playground, a place that awakens the child in everyone. En route, you'll encounter exquisite brickwork and plaques recounting the rich history and traditions of the local Ngāi Tahu community. If you fancy a cup of coffee near the playground, I recommend checking out Child Sister. Alternatively, for the adventurous souls, you can cross the river here and follow the Te Ara Trail through the Red Zone to where the Ōtakaro river meets the sea via the estuary.

Walking upstream from Te Pae leads you to the Terrace bars and restaurants, the upper end of Cashel Mall (turn left for Ballantynes, The Crossing, and numerous excellent shops), and Riverside Market, a haven for culinary enthusiasts. Continuing along the promenade, you'll come across the national memorial honoring the victims of the Canterbury Earthquake, and the walkway culminates at the hospital and Boat Shed café (perfect for coffee, punting, or boat hire). From there, a leisurely stroll takes you to Hagley Park and the Botanic Gardens.

In case the weather takes a turn for the worse (although these places are worth a visit any day), pop in to the Canterbury Museum, Christchurch Art Gallery, and Tūranga library.

For movie enthusiasts, the central city boasts boutique cinemas. Alice on Tuam Street houses a vast DVD library for movie buffs and hosts indie film screenings. It's located in the same historic Post Office building as the quirky C4 café, where your sliders are delivered via vacuum tube. The Lumière cinema, situated in the historic Arts Centre, offers a charming view of the Botanic Garden's unique Peacock Fountain from its wee bar. Downstairs, you'll find the popular Cellar Door restaurant and wine-tasting room.

If your group includes craft beer enthusiasts and avid shoppers, I recommend a visit to the Tannery in industrial Woolston. This emporium houses The Brewery, known for its internationally acclaimed stout, along with 50 chic cafes and shops, including a specialized Marimekko store and Benji at EnCompass, the "jean whisperer," who can find the perfect fit for non-standard body shapes.

For those wanting to venture over the hills to Lyttleton, I suggest taking the high road via Rapaki Track—a roughly 10km walk offering breathtaking views and a sense of accomplishment.

Cycling enthusiasts will appreciate the excellent bike-path guide provided by the Christchurch City Council, offering flat routes to the sea or uphill adventures (refer to the panel for details). Additionally, the Christchurch Adventure Park caters to downhill enthusiasts who prefer a chairlift ride up the slopes.

I look forward to welcoming you to our homes soon and I hope you have fun exploring Christchurch!