Weekend getaway: 3 days in Christchurch!
Explore the natural wonders and vibrant culture of Christchurch, New Zealand.
22 April 2023
A trip to Christchurch, New Zealand, promises to be an unforgettable experience for any tourist. The city's stunning natural beauty, including the nearby hills, rivers, and forests, provides a backdrop for an adventure-filled vacation. With a range of attractions, including Botanic Gardens, the Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Gondola, visitors can enjoy a unique blend of culture, history, and outdoor adventure.
Travel plan
Getting latest place information
- Check-in to Hotel Montreal, a chic boutique property with a funky lounge.
- Start at the beautiful Botanic Gardens, where you can stroll through a rose garden, feed ducks and check out the conservatory.
- Take a tram ride around the city and learn about its history.
- Shop for souvenirs on New Regent Street, a colorful strip with cafes, shops and street performers.
- Grab a coffee at C1 Espresso, a quirky spot with a pneumatic tube delivery system.
- Dine at Twenty Seven Steps, a cozy restaurant serving locally sourced cuisine.
- Have breakfast at Little Pom's, a cheerful café with delicious pastries and a great vibe.
- Drive to Sumner Beach, a gorgeous spot where you can surf or sunbathe.
- Visit Pegasus Bay Winery, a family-owned vineyard that produces award-winning wines. Enjoy a tasting and a cheese platter.
- Sip cocktails at The Last Word, a hidden bar with a retro vibe.
- Have dinner at The Monday Room, a trendy restaurant that serves creative dishes with a focus on local ingredients.
- Start at The Caffeine Laboratory, a funky café with exceptional coffee.
- Take a hot air balloon ride with Ballooning Canterbury and admire the stunning views.
- Visit Quake City, a museum that tells the story of the devastating earthquakes that shook Christchurch in 2010 and 2011.
- Drive to Lyttelton Harbour and go for a hike in the Port Hills, which offer panoramic views of the city.
- Have a final dinner at The Curator's House, a stylish restaurant housed in a historic building with a lovely garden.
Length of stay
Type of trip
How to get there
Plane
The best way to get to Christchurch, New Zealand by plane is to fly into Christchurch International Airport from major international airports such as Sydney, Melbourne or Brisbane. You can also fly from other regional airports within New Zealand such as Auckland or Wellington.
Car
Driving to Christchurch, New Zealand is a great option if you want to explore the stunning scenery of the South Island. The most popular route is to travel from Auckland to Wellington, and then take the Interislander ferry to Picton. From Picton, you can drive down the east coast to Christchurch.
Train
There is no direct train service to Christchurch, New Zealand. However, you can take the TranzAlpine train from Greymouth on the West Coast of the South Island, which is renowned for its stunning scenery.
Boat
You can take a cruise ship to Christchurch, New Zealand which docks at the Lyttelton Port. Another option is to take the Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton and then drive down the east coast to Christchurch.
Bus
The best way to get to Christchurch, New Zealand by bus is to take a direct bus service from major cities such as Auckland, Wellington or Queenstown. Alternatively, you can take a hop-on-hop-off bus service to explore the South Island at your own pace.