Where to eat, play and stay in the heart of the South Island
Thereâs something for every type of traveller in Christchurch and Canterbury
Punt on the ĹtÄkaro Avon or jet boat the Waimakariri. Bar-hop along Oxford Terrace or relax in the French Quarter in Akaroa.
Whatever makes your holiday special, youâll find it in Christchurch and Canterbury.
Jumpstart your heart with adventure
Get yourself out of winter hibernation mode with a range of adventurous activities.
Ease into it by paddling a hand-crafted waka down the ĹtÄkaro Avon River, an historical and cultural journey and a great family activity. Amp things up a notch with ziplining and mountain biking at Christchurch Adventure Park.
Continue the excitement at Alpine Jet Thrills, a unique experience aboard New Zealandâs only AirBoat, or challenge the whÄnau to some human foosball or blo-karting at Velocity Karts.
For the ultimate adrenaline rush, take to the skies and fly with Canterbury Aero Club, where youâll get epic views of the city, harbours and bays around Banks Peninsula before taking the stick and flying yourself. Kids and adults alike can sit in the pilotâs seat and fly into a number of New Zealandâs iconic airports in their A320 flight simulator too!
If learning to fly isn't for you, a hot air balloon flight over the Canterbury Plains will give you those spectacular views without the sweaty palms and heart palpitations.
Christchurch Adventure Park.
Christchurch Adventure Park.
Enjoy a hot air balloon flight with spectacular views over the Canterbury Plains.
Enjoy a hot air balloon flight with spectacular views over the Canterbury Plains.
Wander through the other-worldly limestone formations of Kura TÄwhiti Conservation Area (Castle Hill).
Restore your wairua
Slow things down and reconnect with the earth with these wildlife encounters and natural wonders:
Walk the Bridle Path or ride the Christchurch Gondola for enormous views of the snow-capped Southern Alps, Lyttelton Harbour and the Canterbury Plains.
Soak up Akaroaâs French flair and discover some incredible wildlife with an Akaroa Dolphins Tour and a visit to the endangered Little Penguin colony.
Meet kiwi, kea, tuatara, kaka and takahe at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve.
Wander through the other-worldly limestone formations of Kura TÄwhiti Conservation Area (Castle Hill).
Pause and reflect with a wellness interlude
Thereâs an abundance of wellness experiences to recharge your batteries:
Start your day with a sunrise soak at He Puna Taimoana.
Soak in the solar powered pools at Ĺpuke Thermal Pools & Spa in Methven, which offers both adult-exclusive and family-friendly experiences.
Book a treatment at Moss Spa at the Sudima Christchurch City.
Indulge in the opulence of The Tannery at its boutique day spa.
Nourish your soul
Ĺtautahi Christchurch has fine dining as well as casual eating options to suit all ages and stages.
Wineries
Cooler temperatures call for red wine, and the perfect time to treat yourself to the flavours of the North Canterbury Wine Region. Sip award-winning Syrah at Terrace Edge Vineyard & Olive Grove and taste vintages grown from oil that dinosaurs and moa once roamed at The Boneline in the regionâs newest offering on the âSouth Bankâ.
Explore the elegant cellar doors of family-operated and organic Greystone Wines and Black Estate. Indulge in seasonal long lunches of the finest local produce expertly paired with exceptional wine offerings.
Closer to town thereâs the stunning Pegasus Bay with its castle-like grounds and the family-run Tussock Hill Vineyard on the Port Hills with sprawling views of the city and Southern Alps.
Fine dining
Diners can meet and eat with Gordon Ramsayâs former head chef at Inati, enjoy a seafood dinner with a cocktail at Hali Bar & Bistro and soak up luxury high-rise New York vibes at Seven on Manchester Street.
Watch chef Giulio Sturla cook a meal right in front of you at Lytteltonâs cutting-edge Mapu test kitchen or enjoy the European-style degustation menu at Chillingworth Road.
Share a delectable plate at Twenty Seven Steps above âNZâs Most Beautiful Streetâ â the historic retail precinct of New Regent Street. Or take to the Terrace and explore Asian fusion at King of Snake overlooking the ĹtÄkaro Avon River.
Casual eating
Little High Eatery houses an assortment of family-run eateries serving up everything from Argentinian to Taiwanese cuisine.
Donât miss Riverside Market, a bustling hub on the bank of the ĹtÄkaro Avon River, where youâll find artisan bakeries, fresh produce and food stalls alongside fashion, gifts and homewares.
Unwind with unforgettable accommodation
Ĺtautahi is a city of ongoing rejuvenation, and there are always new and unique places to stay. Here are some of our favourites:
In Ĺtautahi Christchurch
The Observatory Hotel: Unique room designs lined with local art in a heritage stone building.
The Mayfair: Ĺtautahi Christchurchâs newest luxury boutique hotel opened in July.
Elizaâs Manor: A lovingly restored 19th century manor radiating charm and comfort.
The Muse Art Hotel: Stylish decor, local art and premium comfort in the heart of the CBD (with a rooftop bar).
Waitaha Canterbury
PurePods: Unwind in secluded luxury amongst nature and the heavens above.
SiloStay: A quirky stay in the heart of Little River.
Otahuna Lodge: An 1895 luxury homestead surrounded by botanic gardens at the base of the Port Hills.
French Bay House: A boutique bed and breakfast in Akaroa, a short walk from shops, restaurants and the waterfront.
The Blue Smoke is a live music venue and craft beer bar that hosts weekly gigs.
The Blue Smoke is a live music venue and craft beer bar that hosts weekly gigs.
The Last Word is an intimate whisky and cocktail lounge in New Regent Street.
The Last Word is an intimate whisky and cocktail lounge in New Regent Street.
Zodiac Bar offers an amazing selection of Asian fusion food using only the finest ingredients.
Zodiac Bar offers an amazing selection of Asian fusion food using only the finest ingredients.
Explore the elegant cellar doors of family-operated and organic Greystone Wines and Black Estate.
Explore the elegant cellar doors of family-operated and organic Greystone Wines and Black Estate.
What are you waiting for? Come on down and explore everything that Ĺtautahi Christchurch and Waitaha Canterbury have to offer.
Visit and Explore Christchurch & the Canterbury Region - ChristchurchNZ.com for more inspiration.
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