Sights & Activities

Unforgettable sights

Christchurch City – the pretty city centre with its gardens, Avon River and historic tram. Akaroa Harbour – drive across Banks Peninsula to experience the quaint settlement’s French history.

Adrenaline-rush

Jet boating on Canterbury’s rivers – try this exciting adrenaline rush in the region where it was invented. Skiing and snowboarding – you can hit the slopes at any of the 10 top commercial and club fields that are within easy reach of Christchurch.

Relax & Indulge

Punting in the Park – nothing could be more serene than gliding down the Avon River in central Christchurch. Hot air ballooning – drift serenely over the countryside on a hot air balloon safari, try Balloon Adventures Up Up and Away (www.ballooning.co.nz).

Top Picks

Culture

Ko Tane at Willowbank, Christchurch – Maori cultural show and living village (www.kotane.co.nz).

Road Trip

The drive from Christchurch to Mount Cook – pass through spectacular landscapes from open plains to majestic mountains with glacial lakes.

Luxury

Clearwater Resort, Christchurch – luxurious accommodation, golf course and fine dining (www.clearwaternz.com).

Inexpensive or free

Boulder Bay Walk, Christchurch – take a scenic walk from Taylor’s Mistake to the quaint bach community of Boulder Bay.

Great for groups

High Country Explorer Tours, Christchurch – rail journey, jet boating and four-wheel-drive tours (www.high-country.co.nz).

Culinary experiences

Seagars at Oxford, Cook School & Café – take a class with a bona fide New Zealand cooking personality (www.seagarsatoxford.com).

Exclusive dining

Pescatore, The George, Christchurch – taste the essence of Pacific Rim cuisine and local seafood (www.thegeorge.com).

Casual dining

Alchemy Café & Wine Bar, Christchurch – experience award-winning indoor and outdoor dining in the heart of the Cultural Precinct (www.alchemycafe.co.nz).

Cafe

Belgian Beer Café Torenhof, Christchurch – Belgian décor and cuisine in a riverside setting (www.belgianbeercafe.net.nz).

Swishy bar

Diamond Bar, Christchurch – join the glitterati in sophisticated ambience at the Christchurch Casino (www.christchurchcasino.co.nz).

Cosy pub

Dux de Lux, Christchurch – a long-time favourite pub for live music and award-winning beer (www.thedux.co.nz).

Shop or gallery

Untouched World, Christchurch – beautifully crafted New Zealand lifestyle clothing (www.untouchedworld.com).

Did You Know?

The Hector’s Dolphin is the rarest dolphin in the world. Its habitat includes other parts of New Zealand, but Akaroa Harbour contains one of the largest remaining populations.