Thanks to Mum for this updated travel guide of Christchurch. Christchurch is embracing the opportunity to be the most organic innovative city in the Southern Hemisphere. The inner city is becoming equal to anything in the world with major brands for shopping, an unbelievable choice of restaurants and a beautifully restored theatre. Hagley Park with it’s walk and sports fields is amazing and the beautiful botanical gardens rival any in the summer. Visit the restored Art Centre Museum and Art Gallery for a bit of culture and head out to the International Antarctic Center at the airport for something to do with the kids.
For a day trip visit the french settled Akaroa and visit the dolphins or head to Hamner Springs and have a soak in their hot pools. For kids, the Margaret Mahy Playground is wonderful and a kids paradise. There’s also mini golf and a few other things to do nearby and it’s walkable from some of the downtown hotels. Most tourists have a go at punting down the avon and if your kids love the water surfing is excellent out at Taylors Mistake by Sumner.
From me, I’ve only been back a handful of times since I left in the late 90’s and the things I miss the most are fish n chips, service station (gas station) mince pies, the fresh air and listening to my Dad complain about the 30 second stop at a traffic light (he wouldn’t last a day in Bangkok!). You can play golf here for NZD$15 and at some golf courses, there’s so few people during the weekday nobody is there to collect your green fees. No worries mate, stick your $15 in an honesty box and away you go. You won’t see perfectly manicured fairways, opulent clubhouses and private club service but you can get there anywhere, so go play one of the local Christchurch courses for a different experience.
The perfect New Zealand trip starts in Christchurch for a few nights followed by a drive though the McKenzie Country and the southern lakes. Spend a night or two in Queenstown and Wanaka then drive to Milford Sound and take an overnight cruise. Then drive up the rugged untouched and unspoilt West Coast, stop at a few pubs and have a yarn with the locals. This is classic New Zealand.
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