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25 May 2022

Oh-so Ōtautahi! Discover our favourite Christchurch to-do’s.

The gateway to the South Island, the garden city… however you know it, Christchurch has developed in leaps and bounds over the last decade. From the city itself to beaches, surf and the Port Hills beyond, there’s a whole world of adventure waiting right here. Whether you’re travelling here for work, visiting with friends or whānau, or a local looking for new things to do, check out our list of Ōtautahi’s best to-do’s and must-see’s.

Places to eat, drink, chit-chat, celebrate or unwind…

🌋 Sample locally made craft beers at Eruption Brewery in the heart of picturesque Lyttelton.

🤫 Enjoy an underground nightcap at the Austin Club, Christchurch’s basement blues bar. (You’ll need the password to get in).

🌲 Indulge in beautiful New Zealand gins and enjoy a private evening tasting at the Juniper Collective.

👅 Variety is the spice of life… enjoy something for all taste buds at the magical Riverside Market and quirky Little High.

🌃 Speaking of high, new rooftop bars Mr Brightside and Pink Lady offer lofty places to quench your thirst and soak in the views.

👗 Get your fancy pants on for some high tea at The Tannery’s Penny Black.

🍨 Sweet teeth? Check out heavenly vegan ice cream at Utopia Ice, try unique flavours made on-site at The Gelato Lab or head to Wonderlust, Christchurch’s newest dessert mecca featuring nitro ice cream, crazy floss and glitter bombs.

🥗 Earl offers produce driven dishes for offbeat diners, made with passion and care. Every Tuesday is $25 pasta and wine night – a definite must-do!

🍷 Exceptional meals, exceptional wines and exceptional views await at Tussock Hill Winery, tucked into the Port Hills overlooking the city.

⛱ Every day is Saturday, at Saturdays Café – New Brighton’s quirky neighbourhood eatery located right beside the beach.

Things to do, explore, discover, learn…

🚴 Hire a bike with Chill Explore and check out the city by bike. Choose from guided tours, self-guided tours or simply jump on a bike and explore.

🍎 To market, to market! Stock up on produce and goodies, and enjoy the hustle and bustle at the Christchurch Farmers Market located at Riccarton Bush or Lyttelton Saturday morning markets.

🎨 Did you know, Christchurch ranked as a global street art capital in 2017, and there’s a wave of new work coming! Find them all and discover the stories of each artwork at Watch this Space.

⛰ What goes up must come down… careen down dizzying heights by zipline at the Christchurch Adventure Park.

🌅 Soak your stresses away at the He Puna Taimoana hot pools, overlooking New Brighton beach. Enjoy sunrise and sunset soak packages, or come during the day with the whole family.

🏎 Have some outrageous fun with Blokarts, Driftkarts and Human Foosball at Velocity Karts.

🐧 Christchurch is an international gateway to Antarctica. Head to the International Antarctic Centre to learn about this incredible continent, see the penguins and experience a snowy blast!

🏄‍♀️ Got a thirst for surf? Learn how to carve your way down the waves with lessons at Sumner or New Brighton beach.

🌱 Enter the world of plant-based goodness with a cooking workshop at Two Raw Sisters, located at The Welder urban oasis (and place of many treats).

 

Walks to invigorate, exercise, inspire, recharge…

🌊 Take in coastal views and historical WWII remains on the Awaroa/Godley Head Loop Track.

📸 Follow in the footsteps of our petticoat pioneers with a trek up the Bridal Path. It’s a steep climb but stunning views await at the top!

⛵️ Meander through scented pines along the Lyttelton coast between Magazine, Corsair and Cass Bays.

🥾 Take in stunning views of the harbour and city as you explore the Crater Rim Walkway.

🌷 Wander around Hagley Park and through the Botanical Gardens, see beautiful blooms and trees from every corner of the world.

🧭 Take in the flora, fauna, history, architecture and culture of Ōtautahi on the Christchurch 360 Trail, a 135 km long trail that encircles the city. Choose your favourite section or tackle the entire loop!

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