3 Days in Christchurch

Experience culture in Ōtautahi Christchurch. Enjoy a 75 minute Ōtautahi Cultural Walk with Amiki Tours. It is a perfect way to discover cultural treasures hidden in plain sight and learn how local Māori are expressed in the rebuild of a city.

Make a stop at the Riverside Market. This purpose-built two-level establishment overlooking the Avon River is the perfect spot to grab lunch. There is a huge variety of culinary experiences and over 30-odd food outlets to choose from.

After spending the morning exploring the central city, make your way to the Christchurch Adventure Park. At more than 350 hectares, it is the largest mountain bike park in the Southern Hemisphere.

Take in the scenery from the 1.8-kilometre chairlift, race through the valley on a dual zipline tour or simply chill out on a large deck at the park’s Village Cafe and Bar.

To finish up your day of activities, head to New Brighton and soak in the coastal views and breathe in the sea air at He Puna Taimoana New Brighton Hot Pools.

From casual affairs to something more sophisticated, the city is packed full of great places to eat and drink. Venture out and enjoy all the amazing tastes of Christchurch.

Indulge in some of the city's popular art, history and cultural hotspots. Take a journey on one of the beautifully restored heritage Christchurch trams, transporting you back in time and through the changing cityscape.

Visit the Botanic Gardens and the Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū for unique exhibits and a taste of history. For a more modern twist on art, enjoy an inspiring street art tour from Watch This Space.

A visit to Christchurch wouldn't be complete without experiencing the iconic Avon River Punting. Sit back, relax and let a punter dressed in Edwardian attire show you why Christchurch has a reputation as the Garden City.

Christchurch is building a strong café and brunch scene, with a huge variety of establishments serving up quality food and coffee around the city. Try out the legendary C-One Espresso, full of character and friendly staff, or the ever popular Little High Eatery, a quirky and vibrant spot to experience eight different local offerings in one setting.

Spend your last afternoon in Christchurch visiting some iconic attractions on the city's fringe. Head north of the central city to the International Antarctic Centre, where you can explore an icy way of living, and cold-loving wildlife.

Alternatively, you can visit some of Christchurch's coolest suburbs, including eclectic Lyttelton, the seaside village of Sumner, or the Port Hills for some amazing walking and biking tracks.

Situated in a prime position along the Ōtākaro/Avon River front is a raft of new hospitality joints, making up 'The Terrace'. A perfect place to enjoy some local fare and drinks to finish off your time in Christchurch.

Travel to the little township of Akaroa located in the Banks Peninsula just an hour and a half from Christchurch city. On the way, stop in at Little River for a coffee break and a visit to the local art gallery. 

A visit to Shamarra Alpacas gives you a healthy serving of cuddles, learning, exploration and the natural therapy of the great outdoors. This is no ordinary trip to an alpaca farm. This is an interactive tour around the ultimate land of cute.

From sweet treats to savoury delights, Akaroa has a number of eateries for every palette and every occasion. Enjoy lunch by the harbour at Ma Maison who offer a menu full of culinary expression of the region. The focus is on freshness and simplicity, using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible. 

Join a 2-hour award winning cruise with Black Cat Cruises. It's packed with highlights including the rare, New Zealand native dolphin – the Hector’s Dolphin, as well as penguins and other sea birds. 

Enjoy the Tramway Restaurant which offers curated seasonal dining combined with evening sightseeing in central Christchurch for a truly unique experience!