Walkable Everywhere
Central City Wine Trail
One look around and you find a brand-new city. A modern urban landscape blended with art and nature. Over the past decade, hundreds of pieces have been commissioned to bring colour and culture into formerly vacant spaces. A prominent caffeine culture feeds coffee huts, holes in the wall, cafes and eateries, pop ups, hot spots, and local’s favourites. Perfectly walkable, the central city is bordered by tree lined avenues and Hagley Park - the largest green space in the southern hemisphere. The Otākaro Avon River meanders leisurely through the city, breaking up the built form and inserting flora and fauna everywhere you look.
Old City Versus Modern Centre
Now you’ve had an eyeful of the new, let’s get a dose of history with a visit to Te Matatiki Toi Ora. Gothic revivalist architecture reminiscent of Hogwarts, the heritage-listed Arts Centre is home to a hotel, art galleries, boutique shopping, a perfumery, cafes, a cinema, and food carts.
An absolute standout is Cellar Door – best known for its exceptional wine flights of local, national, and international drops, the selection of fare on offer is the perfect pair. Indoors and out, this venue is a national treasure. Boasting architectural award-winning interiors, the luminous quad offers a stunning exterior outlook. Dwarfed by the Observatory Hotel and its functioning telescope. The University of Canterbury’s music school rehearses 10 metres away, so enjoy the show!
Fine Wines and Tram Lines
A carefree way to explore the central city is a historic tram ride on Christchurch Attractions Tram. The 45-minute narrated loop traverses you through the city’s old and new, exploring the busy central social district, a heritage loop along the arts centre, botanic gardens, and museum. Hop on and hop off at any number of stops to navigate your way to laneway bars, buzzing establishments and rooftop bars with incredible views of the city in every direction.
New Regent’s Brights Lights
One of Christchurch’s most iconic precincts is New Regent Street. From speakeasys and jewelry stores, cafes, an ice cream parlour and a wafflehaus – this delightful street is your final stop aboard the tram before Cathedral Junction.
Hop off in the pastel-palette art deco street for popular wine bar, Downstairs. Cosy and sophisticated, explore the extensive wine list by the glass or indulge in a bottle of the region’s finest. If you find yourself getting a little too comfortable, fortunately a 5-star dining experience awaits you above – all of 27 Steps. Upstairs, discover a stunning selection of Canterbury’s finest expertly paired with locally sourced fare. Bon Appetit!
