BootsnAll Travel Community

Hi all,

I'm just after some suggestions about what to do with a week in Christchurch. I'm travelling over (from Melbourne, so not a big trip) with my boyfriend as he is attending a conference. This means that I will be basically left to my own devices enjoying the free acomodation and whatever Christchurch has to offer. I'm an all-rounder when it comes to interests like cultural, sport, adventure etc. I'd maybe like to do some day trips if they're easy as well.

Thanks guys.

if you have a car, you need to check out Banks Penninsula, an hour to the southeast (that knob that sticks out). Theres a cool village called Akaroa...a french settlement. Take the tourist route along the top of the mountains on the penninsula and dip into one or two of the bays. I recommend Le Bons Bay. It's very scenic.

There's the gondola, botanical garden, bars, shops, the beach, skiing day trips, the train...it really depends on when you're there and what you like

Hi Becster
When are you looking at coming over? The Christchurch International Film Festival kicks off soon. There are some wicked films this year. Like Justin, I would definately check out Akaroa - if the water isn't too nippy, I would recommend you go swimming with the dolphins too. There are a couple of good places to go mountain bike riding around Christchurch and you can stop off at a few nice vineyards on the way, if that's your thing... Are you coming in winter? Mt. Hutt is a 'must see' if you are!

G'Day becster, you don't say when you're arriving in Christchurch, but remember their weather is cooler than Melbourne's - I'm from Melbs too. There's quite a lot to do in and around there. Christchurch Information Centre The Christchurch Tramway and Punting on the Avon Riverare inexpensive, and you can get a discount if doing both tram and punt.

New Regent Street is a quaint little street filled with great cafes and I can recommend the Swiss cafe, which is owned and run ba Swiss bloke. He makes the best Viennese coffee in Christchurch.
If you're looking for souvenirs, I found the best (and cheapest) shop was on the corner of Gloucester St. and Colombo St.-the one closest to New RegentST., not the one on the other side, plus they had the biggest range, including LOTR stuff.

Down in the Cultural Precinct the Art Centre weekend market is very good and if you're after Pounamu (greenstone) there's a stall on the left hand side just before the steps of the museum run by a Maori bloke. the lady who works there is called Dianne and she's very helpful. Also, their prices are really good and she said it Maori legend it is considered bad luck toe by greenstone for yourself.

I also recommend Akaroa
down on the Banks Peninsular. If you don't have wheels, the Akaroa Shuttle goes there and you can either do a tour or just the direct shuttle which is around NZ$30. They also stop atthe cheese factory, but only on days when they are making cheese.I can recommend this company having used it, I was on crutches and the driver(s) was excellent and went out of their way for me. There's also a terrific cafe on the corner just before the PO with outdoor tables/chairs, the service was very good, and their cakes are delicious. Lots of French style and street signage.

A day trip to Hanmer Springs thermal; pools and day spas is a nice trip and quite a few people said it (scenery) looked like Switzerland. If you after possum fur products, there's a shop on the opposite of the road to the Hanmer Pools with a goodly variety and they had t he chepest prices. I bought a pair leather gloves with possum fur trim for about %65. In Christchurch they were over $100.

Also one thing you gotta see is The Sign Of The Takahe - the building alone is superb. It's a restaurant. More info here.
Have a great time in NZ and Kia Ora!

EDIT: Forgot to say the fish'n'chip shop in Manchester St. make the best fish'n'chips and a few doors up Burger Wisconsin make fantastic gourmet burgers and they're very large and filling.

Thanks for all the great suggestions guys. I'm off in a week and a hal. I'm coutning down now it sounds like its going to be a lot of fun.