72 hours in CHRISTCHURCH

From destruction comes creation and nowhere is this more evident than Christchurch. If you’ve come for the weekend, buckle up. This city’s got game.

SALT District, Christchurch © Miles Holden

FRIDAY

Christchurch is the master of reinvention and The BOXed Quarter is just one pocket that’s had an overhaul. An inspiring mix of spick and span, pop into Engine Coffee Brewers for a caffeine fix and then mosey between art spaces and music studios. From here it’s just a three-minute walk to SALT, another gentrified district that combines heritage buildings with repurposed shipping containers and a heavy dose of street art. Grittier than the city’s core, obscure shops and thrift stores abound. Get lost for a while and then find a seat at Unknown Chapter for brunch. A brisk walk will get you from SALT to Sydenham in 20 minutes, but you’ll want to stop at The Welder en route for a spot of R&R. This former warehouse is now a precinct of white walls and airy green spaces with several businesses and dining nooks sharing a courtyard. Pop upstairs for a massage and yoga classes. Time for a late lunch, don’t you think? Continue walking south for 15 minutes and you’ll reach Sydenham. Housed in an old glass factory, Grater Goods comes highly recommended for its vegan menu and industrial décor. Next door is Junk & Disorderly, a charming emporium of curios and nearby there’s The National, a space that showcases superb jewellery in an art gallery setting. Return to BOXed Quarter for dinner this evening: every world cuisine is on the menu. Then polish the night off with a tipple at Pink Lady, one of only a few places in Christchurch with a rooftop bar.

SATURDAY

Punting along Avon River, Christchurch © ChristchurchNZ

Stomachs are satisfied at the Riverside Market. Flanking the Avon River, this multi-storey emporium imitates the bustling indoor markets of Europe. With an atmosphere as potent as the delicious smells (think lemon drenched crepes and freshly baked bread), there are over 30 food stores, live music and adjoining boutique shops. Come for breakfast, stay for lunch and if you’re self-catering, stock up for dinner.

Christchurch Arts Centre is a 10-minute walk from Riverside Market. Calling it a centre is somewhat an understatement; with 23 heritage buildings packed with shops, restaurants and art, it’s more of a neighbourhood. Explore the Central Art Gallery, chat with in-residence creatives, grab a bite and check out the art deco cinema.

From The Arts Centre, you’re five minutes on foot from punting on the Avon River, so why not enjoy a leisurely 30-minute jaunt down the city’s premier waterway. Afterwards, take the car (or an Uber) and head 20 minutes east to New Brighton Beach. The He Puna Taimoana hot pools are a must-do in this bonny seaside suburb, with five heated pools, plunge pool, sauna and beachside views.

Once you’re appropriately water wrinkled, dry off and find a fish and chip shop along the New Brighton prom. Grab a scoop and take it down to the 300-metre-long pier for a cheap dinner with million-dollar views. For a nightcap, head back to the city for a dram of whisky at The Last Word. This distinguished drinking lounge is a New Regent Street favourite.

Universo, Christchurch Art Gallery © Nancy Zhou

SUNDAY

Riccarton Sunday Market is the country’s longest running outdoor market. A seven-minute drive from the CBD, this trove of local wares, food and coffee convenes under a canopy of trees. Things kick off at 9am so it’s the perfect choice for a lazy Sunday start and an easy breakfast. Ample free parking is a bonus.

Take SH 76 from Riccarton to Bridle Path Road; your gateway to the Christchurch gondola. Soar to the top of Port Hills in a four-seater cable car, enjoying 360-degree views of Christchurch and Lyttelton Harbour as you go. At the summit, the Time Tunnel details the area’s history and if the panorama makes you peckish, there’s a small café, too.

Back at sea level, take the pleasant 15-minute coastal drive to Sumner Beach. This cosy seaside village is cradled within a dormant volcano and has been a popular beach resort since the 19th century. Stroll along the esplanade that runs from Sumner to Scarborough Beach. In summer, the latter provides one of the safest swimming beaches in Christchurch. Scramble to the summit of Cave Rock, known in Māori as Tuawera, and explore inside. Come dusk, dine at The Beach restaurant and bar. Straddling the sand with an outdoor deck and ocean views, the seafood is sensational – and served with a fresh sea breeze.It’s time to wind up the weekend and return to central Christchurch. From Sumner it’s a 20-minute drive back to the city.