8 minute read
Christchurch Must Do's
FOOD & DRINK
Zodiac
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Located in the heart of Christchurch CBD, this Asian Fusion restaurant has a beautiful outlook of the Ōtakaro/Avon River and is open seven days from 11am until late.
Riverside Market
Unmissable seven-day a week indoor farmers’ market fronting the banks of the Ōtakaro/Avon River. Foodies will be enthralled by charismatic chefs, food choice and purveyors.
Riccarton Sunday Market
With over 200 stalls, Christchurch’s largest market springs up every weekend at Riccarton Racecourse from 9am until 2pm.
Tram Diner
Combine a four-course dinner with a scenic city tour by vintage tram.
© Christchurch Tramway Restaurant
Little High Eatery
There is something for everyone in this communal dining space full of international cuisine.
The Pink Lady Rooftop Bar
In the Muse Art Hotel, this bar serves up stunning skyline views and is easily one of the CBD’s most sought-after venues.
Rollickin’ Gelato
Treat yourself to their finger-lickingly good gelato and desserts at this central city café.
Foodies at Zodiac © www.christchurchnz.com
NICELY UNIQUE
SALT District
An exciting mash-up of laneways, shipping container pop-up shops and heritage buildings.
The Welder
Industrial buildings converted to a modern destination with local products and good food.
The BOXed Quarter
A distinctly urban hub of art, music, food and culture, this slick, artistic precinct is jam-packed with eateries, bars and cafés, interspersed with music studios and gallery spaces.
FLARE
The Christchurch Street Art Festival brings a buzz to the city, with over 80 street and graffiti artists, both international and homegrown,painting major murals across the city centre, reclaiming Christchurch’s global status as a street art capital.
FAMILY FRIENDLY
Giraffe © Orana Wildlife Park
Orana Wildlife Park
Set in 80ha, just 15 minutes’ drive from the airport, this open range zoo is perfect for animal lovers. Visit the lounging lions, gentle giraffes, marvelous meerkats and more.
International Antarctic Centre
Buckle up for a ride in the all-terrain, amphibious Antarctic vehicle. Wrap up warm to visit the penguins and huskies in their sub-zero environment in the Storm Dome.
Spend The Night in Jail
Formerly the Addington Prison from 1874 to 1999, this former institution is now the award-winning Jailhouse Accommodation hostel, with dorms, private and family rooms. A weirdly fun place to take the family to stay if you all have the nerve.
Museum of Toys & Collectibles
Awaken your nostalgia by visiting this fun collection, with its is ever-changing and increasing range.
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
Home to a wide and happy mix of residents. Animal lovers will especially enjoy otter feeding times.
Feeding Eels © Willowbank
Blocland
Free from ropes and harnesses, this bouldering centre is an ideal way to grow kids’ climbing confidence.
Margaret Mahy Playground
This gold standard playground in the CBD is the largest in the southern hemisphere.
#chchswing at Margaret Mahy Playground, Christchurch © the7thsister
CULTURE INJECTION
Canterbury Museum
World-renowned for its natural and human history. Upgrades are ongoing and ever-changing exhibitions means there’s always something new to see.
Air Force Museum of New Zealand
Enjoy flight simulators and behindthe-scenes tours and hear incredible Kiwi stories such as the daring escape of a WWII Prisoner of War soldier.
Theatres
Iconic Isaac Theatre Royal is beautiful both inside and out; Court Theatre shows classical plays and improv (join the Court Jesters for their Friday night ‘Scared Scriptless’ comedy show) while Little Andromeda is an intimate theatre supporting smaller, Indie productions.
Te Pae Convention Centre © www.christchurchnz.com
Ferrymead Heritage Park
Experience Christchurch in the early 1900s in a replica town.
Guided Street Art Tours
If you miss the FLARE festival then you can always catch up with the news and views on a walking, cycle or e-scooter guided tour around the city centre.
Waka on the River
Leaving from Margaret Mahy Playground, this experience is an amazing historical and cultural trip on the Ōtākaro/Avon River.
ACTIVE RELAXATION
© Punting on the Avon, Christchurch
Punting
Take in the serene Ōtakaro/Avon River through the Botanic Gardens. Your skilled punter will be dressed in traditional Edwardian attire. Departing Worcester Street bridge or the Antigua Boat Sheds.
He Puna Taimoana/New Brighton Hot Pools
Enjoy the views out to sea as you loll between the all-weather, hot saltwater pools, plunge pool and steam room. Especially invigorating on a cold day. Bookings required.
He Puna Taimoana Hot Pool © www.christchurchnz.com
Ride the Gondola
Glide to the top of Port Hills and enjoy 360-degree views. Set off on a walking track, learn about the area’s history on the unique Time Tunnel ride or grab a bite at Red Rock Café.
City Tram Rides
Learn about landmarks and local sights while rattling up the streets in a handsome vintage tram. The route frequents 17 stops.
NATURE & OUTDOORS
Hagley Park
Covering 165ha just minutes from the CBD, events such as ‘Christmas In The Park’ are hosted here and sport, too, in the international-standard Hagley Oval.
The Botanic Gardens
Welcome to a 21ha oasis with a beautiful lake and fanciful pathways. The Visitor Centre is a stunning, architecturally beautiful building with a dedicated gallery detailing Christchurch’s world of plants. There’s also a great café and gift shop.
Avon River Rentals
Prefer to take the helm yourself? As well as punting, you can hire single canoes, double canoes, paddle boats and row boats.
Te Poho o Tamatea/Port Hills
This raw strip of land is the result of the Lyttelton volcano. Explore Halswell Quarry, with its historic sites and six sister-city gardens; discover WWII military remnants at Godley Head; rock climb at the top of Rapaki Track and enjoy stellar views along the Bridle Path.
Walking Godley Head © www.christchurchnz.com
Christchurch Adventure Park
Hop on the chairlift to be carried to great heights, descending down again on one of the many mountain bike or walking trails. For the brave, there are the exhilarating zipline tours and every Wednesday you can give it a go in the dark. They also offer night riding and movie nights in the park over winter.
Port Hills, Christchurch © Christchurch Gondola
Adrenalin Forest
Tree climbing, rope bridges and flying foxes all await. Conquer seven forestshroudedtrails in the treetops and climb to dizzying heights.
Sumner Beach
Do as the locals do and take a 20-minute drive out of the city to the seaside. Walk the prom and explore Cave Rock.
New Brighton Beach
Much like an old English seaside resort, this coastal suburb boasts an exceptional pier with excellent sea views (wonderful at sunset with a bag of hot chips). In summer, the beach is busy with surfers, swimmers and sun bathers.
Cass Bay
Grab your togs and drive 20 minutes to Cass Bay. Three swimming beaches are linked by a walking track, the water’s crystal clear and there’s a playground too.
Mountain Bike The McLeans Island Track
Part of the Waimakariri River Regional Park. The entrance is directly opposite Orana Wildlife Park and if you ride at night, you’ll hear the lions stir.
Te Ara Ōtākaro/Avon River
This 30-minute shared-use trail, transitional between biking and walk, weaves 11km through the city, tracing the river.
RETAIL
> The Tannery
This handsome collection of red brick buildings on the banks of the Heathcote River in Woolston gives industrial era vibes while housing something very modern inside. It showcases top New Zealand labels such as Karen Walker, Trelise Cooper, Stolen Girlfriends Club and more.
City centre, Christchurch • The Tannery © www.christchurchnz.com
> The Crossing
Sleek and modern, this has turned up the volume on Christchurch’s shopping game, creating an accessible hub with broad walkways and pristine shopfronts.
MORE TO CHECK OUT...
> New Regent Street
> The Colombo
> Riverside Lanes
> Ballantynes Department Store
> Ruby & Perriam (near The Crossing)
> Riverside Market
Riverside Market, Christchurch © www.christchurchnz.com
ART & DESIGN
Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū
With a significant collection, major exhibitions by New Zealand artists and regular international travelling shows curated in an awe-inspiring space, this is a gallery experience worth paying for, but entry is free.
The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora
Built to bolster interest and involvement in art, culture and the creative industries, visit 23 heritage buildings packed with shops, restaurants, art spaces, boutique retailers, cafés, a wine bar and cinema. Every Sunday morning, local artisans arrive here to sell crafts and edibles at The Mākete.
The National
This is a chic art space predominately showcasing jewellery, as well as impressive ceramic and glass work.
CoCA (The Centre of Contemporary Art)
This is as slick as the name suggests. If you like contemporary art galleries, head here.
City centre, Christchurch © www.christchurchnz.com
