With many of its heritage buildings demolished after the 2011 earthquakes, Christchurch is reinventing itself – and a resilient, vibrant, quirky city is emerging as a result. Here’s our top picks for 72 hours of fun and excitement in the City of Churches.
Day One: Stay Local
The Gap Filler Dance-O-Mat movable dance floor is just past Latimer Square. Put NZ$2 in the washing machine, hook up your iPod or mp3 player and have a boogie, or let the kids blow off some steam before heading to the Margaret Mahy Family Playground (177 Armagh Street), only a block away.
In the other direction are CoCA (66 Gloucester Street) and the Christchurch Art Gallery (corner of Worcester and Montreal Streets), both slick and ultra-modern spaces featuring exciting collections. The Canterbury Museum (Rolleston Avenue) and Christchurch Botanic Gardens are nearby. Explore the manicured and exquisite plantings on foot or float past them on the Avon River in an Edwardian-themed punt.
On your way back, stop in at iconic Scorpio Books (120 Hereford Street) to see some great literary finds on sale, and enjoy a relaxed drink at the Rendezvous Hotel Christchurch’s Junction Bar before catching a show at the Isaac Theatre Royal (145 Gloucester Street) across the road.
Day Two: Further Afield
Post-quake gentrification of the formerly industrial suburb of Woolston began with The Tannery (3 Garlands Road) retail and hospitality hub on the banks of the Heathcote River. With 57 retail outlets ranging from fashion to fine dining, there’s plenty to choose from. Go shopping, have lunch and enjoy a craft beer before either carrying on to the eclectic port town of Lyttelton, or heading back to the city.
On your return, visit the up-market container mall (Cashel Street) for some retail therapy. Relax with a coffee and enjoy the vibe at local favourite, C1 Espresso (185 High Street) or wander up Victoria Street, explore the shops and cafes, and check out what’s happening at transitional community space The Commons (70 Kilmore Street).
Insider Tip:The speed limit in most inner-city streets is 30km/hr. If you’re driving, allow for the extra travel time. As some Christchurch roads are still works in progress, check Transport for Christchurch before you head out: http://www.tfc.govt.nz/.
Day Three: Out There!
The award-winning International Antarctic Centre (38 Orchard Road) is situated next to Christchurch International Airport and is open seven days a week – it’s a truly interactive experience that’s great fun for all ages. The free Penguin Express Shuttle departs hourly from outside the Christchurch Museum.
If you have your own transport, check out Orana Wildlife Park (793 McLeans Island Road), New Zealand’s only open range zoo located 15 minutes’ drive from the airport. The Air Force Museum of New Zealand (45 Harvard Avenue) is in Wigram, about the same distance from the airport in the opposite direction.
For great views of both the city and Lyttelton Harbour, drive up to the Sign of the Kiwi in the Cashmere Hills. The heritage tearooms at the summit are closed for quake repairs but there’s a parking area where you can stop, admire the panorama and take plenty of photos.
Note: Some activities listed may be affected by Covid restrictions.
