Christchurch

The effortlessly cool port town

Located at the northwestern end of Banks Peninsula, just 20 minutes from central Christchurch, is the effortlessly cool port town of Lyttelton, where harbour workers and local artists commingle between a line-up of bars, restaurants and shops. Houses cling onto the hillside and pint-sized beaches await around every other bay. There are several walking and cycle trails which wind through the hills behind the township. Read more

Ride a vintage tram

On your first day in Christchurch, jump aboard the city’s famous vintage tram. The historic tramway trundles around a hop-on hop-off 4km loop of the central city, beginning near the poignant quake-damaged Christ Church Cathedral, and venturing near the vibrant street art of the High St and SALT precincts. Look forward to a thoroughly entertaining commentary from the chatty tram drivers. A colourful highlight of the route is travelling past the pastel-hued Spanish Mission shopfronts of New Regent Street.

The scenic train journey of a lifetime

The TranzAlpine train between Greymouth and Christchurch is widely regarded as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world. Across 223 kilometres from coast to coast, the journey features a hit list of striking natural landscapes, including wide-open plains, aqua-blue rivers, lush valleys and native beech forest. That, plus four dramatic viaducts and 15 tunnels — including an epic 8.5km stretch right under the Southern Alps — make it hard to stay in your seat for longer than a few seconds. Read more

The not-so-secret ski spot

Mt Hutt has consistently been voted the country's best ski resort at the World Ski Awards, with 365 hectares of terrain open every year from June until October. Many Kiwis have already skied Queenstown and Ruapehu, and now it's time to find out why Cantabrians love Mt Hutt, which is just half an hour's drive away from Methven. A hot soak after a long day on the mountain is set to be popular this season with new Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa now open. Read more

The southern hemisphere's biggest playground

Alongside the Avon River, just a couple of blocks from Cathedral Square, lies the most fun to have come out of the post-quake Rebuild. In Margaret Mahy Playground more than two hectares are devoted to supplying the means for play and adventure of all sorts, appealing to a wide range of ages. If you're in the mood for a physical challenge, a race, climbing, digging, squirting, bouncing, sliding, spinning or skimming, this is the place to lose time. A whole family can fit abreast on the giant slide, two people can race on the flying fox, operating the water channels can be a group effort, and there's enough sand for a castle as big as you want. Read more

Stories from the Christchurch earthquakes

Christchurch residents reacted with resilience, innovation and creativity following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes, and the compact Quake City museum tells the history of the events through photographs, video, and artefacts retrieved from damaged buildings around the city. Most touching are the video memories of the Christchurch residents recounting their own personal experiences, and there’s interesting information on the hardworking efforts on the Student Volunteer Army. For an example of the city’s post-earthquake innovation, visit the Transitional “Cardboard” Cathedral designed by Japanese architect Shigeru Ban.

NZ's only open range zoo

Christchurch’s sprawling Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo, and it’s also the only place in the country where visitors can see gorillas. Orana has five of the giant primates, and other highlights straight from Dr Dolittle’s appointment book are also mainly from Africa. Hand-feeding the giraffes is a special experience, and the daily lion encounter allows visitors to travel in a protected vehicle while Orana’s big cats are being fed. Iconic Australasian species include kiwi and rambunctious Tasmanian devils.

For art's sake

Strolling through an art gallery is a rite of passage for most people venturing around a new city. You can experience an enjoyable art fix at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū. Nothing stays the same for long in the gallery, which is the city’s largest and most comprehensive that hosts a revolving door of art exhibitions. You’ll be transported through time and space as you move from room to room experiencing a selection of historical and contemporary works spread throughout two expansive floors. Nearby Physics Room is a gallery focused on beautiful contemporary art with a dedication to celebrating new and innovative works in New Zealand and well-worth a visit too. Read more

Shopping central

A gander around a few selective stores is key to any memorable city trip. Infinite Definite exudes cool kid charm with a host of international and local labels to fawn over. They also stock highly coveted homewares that will have you adding items to your wish list – left, right and centre. Head Over Heels, located next door, is a killer shoe shop well worth browsing too. Expect a thoughtful mix of footwear hailing from a bevy of top designers. You’ll find classic design and fashion-forward shoes presented side by side. Got time for more? Stop by Plume which specialises in experimental textiles and tailoring, and showcases the dark Antipodean aesthetic in all its glory. Read more

The delightful French village

A scenic 90-minute drive from Christchurch, Akaroa feels a world away from the 9-to-5 grind of the big city. This historic township in Canterbury's Banks Peninsula is home to around 750 permanent residents and famed for its French flavour, spectacular harbour and abundance of wildlife. Akaroa's historic lighthouse is one of the many attractions in this small but lively French-themed town. Local favourite Rona's is a perfect place to start your day with a freshly-baked croissant and a coffee. Shop like a local at Akaroa Farmers Market, discover the area's history at Akaroa Museum, follow the village walking tracks and enjoy fish and chips on the wharf from Murphy's Seafoods. Read more

All about the views

On the city side, the Bridle Path track begins at the gondola car park in Heathcote and climbs up to the Summit Road, 340 metres above the sea below. The panorama stretches from the long curve of Pegasus Bay, across the city and the plains, all the way to the Southern Alps beyond. Then you can turn around and be equally delighted by Banks Peninsula laid out beneath you – hills and bays, port and harbour. The whole route will take you around a couple of hours, plus time for rests and admiration of the views each way. Read more

Three of the best beaches

Sumner/Scarborough Beach is one of Christchurch’s favourite beaches - it’s popular with surfers and swimmers, great for a game of beach cricket and when the golden orb comes out, ideal for a spot of sunbathing. Visit New Brighton Beach for the famous 300m long pier, stay for the long stretch of sandy coastline. There’s also a children’s play area and cafes/bars nearby. Around the bend from Lyttelton, Corsair Bay is a favourite for picnics. When the weather is kind, swim out to the pontoon or paddle in the shallow water. There's also a playground, grassy picnic area and, if you’re lucky, a food truck or two. Read more

Gardens of the Garden City

Christchurch is called the Garden City for good reason. Hagley Park is the country's biggest urban park. The sprawling 165 hectares of green space has a golf course, cricket oval, model yacht club and an 8.5km tree-lined pathway popular with walkers and cyclists. Within the 153-year-old Christchurch Botanic Gardens lies a natural wonder of exotic and native plants and trees, an award-winning café, and the historical Cunningham House. The huge hothouse, filled with two levels of tropical plants, is listed with the Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga.

A remarkable collection of flying machines

The award-winning Ashburton Aviation Museum was conceived and created, and is now maintained, by a team of aviation enthusiasts with considerable community support. It’s no amateur effort, though: in its two hangars you’ll find a remarkable collection of almost 30 aircraft, from a RNZAF Skyhawk to a propeller-powered Stanton Sunbird glider. Some of them are quite rare, many are still airworthy – the Douglas DC-3 is often out and about – and they are all meticulously maintained. It’s not all about the aircraft. There’s a wide variety of memorabilia too and the ‘Space Ball’ – a piece of the Soviet Cosmos satellite that fell to Earth in 1972. Read more

Meet the dolphin dogs

Akaroa Dolphins has a 98% success rate at spotting the South Island Hector's dolphin, one of the rarest in the world. All thanks to four expert dogs, each with its own way of letting passengers and the captain know dolphins are nearby. On the tour, you’ll be greeted on the dock by one of the dolphin dogs wearing special life jackets. Then the two-hour cruise begins, heading either inside or outside of the harbour depending on the time of year. Read more

An epic natural attraction

The natural attraction of Cave Stream has drawn Cantabrians for years, as it's a convenient hour-and-a-half drive inland from Christchurch. Some preparation is needed before entering the darkness and scaling the six small waterfalls, but any amateur adventurer should feel confident to tackle the walk. However, you will get wet. Should the cave be flooded or unsafe, nearby Castle Hill offers a zen-like walking area. With the right equipment, the hillside offers some of the world's best bouldering opportunities. Read more

A stunning country gallery

The sophisticated rural architecture of this unique, roadside art gallery is only a hint at the riot of colours, shapes and textures inside. Built on the site of a 120-year-old store that was destroyed by fire, the countryfied gallery opens onto a gift shop, sculpture garden and the popular Little River Cafe. The Little River Gallery showcases preeminent New Zealand talent including oil on canvas, bronze, cast glass and sculpture mediums. Exhibitions change monthly, and with a sculpture garden and gift shop, there is always something new to see and find. Read more

Hot pools by the beach

He Puna Taimoana is a saltwater hot pool complex built on New Brighton's waterfront, part of an ambitious, but prolonged, plan to regenerate a part of the city that has so much potential. The six outdoor pools, which range from 26 to 40 degrees, have an almost resort-style feel, a remarkable achievement for a council facility. You need to book one of several sessions available each day. These last 1 hour 45 minutes. The sauna sits right on the waterfront with a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the beach and New Brighton Pier. Read more

A flamboyant garden of art

What happens when you blend art, gardens and fantasy? You get The Giant’s House, a whimsical mosaic garden that’s a must-do attraction in Akaroa. The spellbinding garden with an equally intriguing name is a larger-than-life mosaic masterpiece, nestled against a hillside close to the town centre. The enormous terraced garden is packed full of incredible sculptures by artist Josie Martin, blending in harmoniously amongst the roses, vegetables, citrus trees and flowers around an historic home. Read more

The lesser-known side of Christchurch

Āmiki Tours specialises in walking tours combining storytelling, history, kai and sights around the city also known as Ōtautahi. Hear about the significance of locations from pā sites to fish-spawning grounds, see heritage architecture, visit the enlivened Te Papa Ōtākaro/Avon River Precinct, make a poignant stop at the Canterbury Earthquake National Memorial while learning the importance of the memorial's 265-kilogram pounamu, and then refuel at some of the city's most innovative restaurants. Read more

Our longest zipline

Christchurch Adventure Park is home to the country's highest and longest zipline. The four-line course starts with a deceptively calm chairlift ride to the top of the large hill, then a gentle walk to the first zip. At this point, most hearts will skip a few beats as you see the course leaping down the hill across huge valleys. We were with a group of kids and their parents, and it was hard to tell who was more anxious. One of the ziplines soars above a valley that sees you 150 metres off the ground, which is almost half the height of Auckland's Sky Tower. The last zip is the piece de resistance; it is so long, it’s hard to see where the wire ends. It's more than a kilometre to the bottom, making it the longest in New Zealand.

Discover the Rakaia

Selwyn District jet boat operator Discovery Jet explores the remarkable Rakaia Gorge, roaring right up the centre of it – a slice of New Zealand few people have ever seen. The dramatic cliffs surrounding the glacier-fed river look like they're straight from a movie, and the scenery only gets better as the jet boat weaves into the high country, with views of the mountains. Read more

The secret bays of Banks Peninsula

Banks Peninsula is an extraordinary place. Have a look at it on a map, and most of us will realise how little we've explored. We all know places like Akaroa, but how about secret spots like Lavericks Bay? To get there, you'll descend into the bay on an incredible cliff-lined road, where you'll find two escapes on a 1000-acre sheep farm. These provide a remote place to catch up with friends and easy access to the beach, one of the most isolated in Canterbury. Read more

The trip for every animal lover

Shamarra Alpacas has 170 cuties grazing the rolling hills overlooking the charming French town of Akaroa and the surrounding harbour. If you have a soft spot for these South American high-country camelids (belonging to the same family as your traditional two-humped camel), this is the place to go. Tours begins with an introduction to the alpaca and their quirky habits. You’ll be surrounded by alpacas while feeding them, before grabbing photos of the babies framed against the harbour. Read more

A lake lover's guide

Nestled under snowy peaks and teeming with wildlife, Canterbury’s lakes are full of allure. From plunging glacial waters to high country rocky shores, the region is well known for having a little bit of everything. If you’re looking for a high country lake to water ski, swim or kayak, stop by Lake Lyndon in the Craigieburn range. Lake Heron, the largest among the Ashburton Lakes, is favoured among kayakers. The y-shaped lake is perfect for peaceful paddling and swimming. Located in Hakatere Conservation Park, Lake Emma is home to high country walking and mountain bike tracks. Read more

Walk the crater rim

One of the country's most spectacular day walks is a short distance from the CBD, at Godley Head Park in the Port Hills. Few realise it, but Lyttelton Harbour is an ancient caldera, formed more than 8 million years ago. Crater Rim Walks will take you on a spectacular guided day trip around the dramatic cliff-lined trails, with views of Lyttelton Harbour, the Southern Alps, and Pegasus Bay. There are fascinating bits of history, such as the unexploded World War II minefield that some believe sits off Lyttelton Harbour.

The world-class foodie market

It's hard to keep track of the city's exploding food scene, but one of the best places to start is the Riverside Market. It's a bustling hub of local artisans tucked away in a vast complex on the Avon River. You can find fine cheeses, homemade kombucha, dumplings, fried chicken, brownies, gelato, a "donut dispensary" and a creperie – to name just a few of the stalls. Every taste bud you possess will be satisfied. I'm certain this place is set to become the country's best foodie market; it’s like a miniature version of Melbourne's Queen Victoria Markets.

Christchurch-famous meat cones

In Christchurch you'll find the perfect marriage of meat and bread in the convenience of a hand-held bouquet. The city’s most popular and arguably the best souvlaki joint, Dimitris Greek Food, has been slinging its creations from various locations since 1985. Dimitris Merentitis’ famous souvlakis involve the choice between chicken, lamb, beef or falafel loaded into warm, thick and chewy flat-bread together with shredded lettuce, sliced tomato, a generous dollop of tzatziki and tangy tomato sauce. There are add-ons like feta and olives, but why would you bother modifying the perfect dish? Read more

Three of Akaroa's best restaurants

It’s not all vin and fromage in this former French settlement. Mandala Restaurant is a modern eating space in Akaroa’s main street that takes a twirl around Asia, from pani puri and goat curry to kokoda. In a tiny white villa opposite the village green is fine dining eatery The Little Bistro, the kind of place you go when you have something to celebrate. The Brasserie Kitchen and Bar is set in a 100-year-old villa and you’re guaranteed a good time if you visit for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks. Read more

Modern food courts

If you're looking for a little more "gen z" eating experience, Little High is where all the cool people go – it's like a hip indie food court with some of the best food in the city. The family-run eateries include a burger bar, handmade dumplings, wood-fired pizza and Latin American bites. For a healthier option, The Welder is the city's leading health and wellness centre. You'll enter to find a zen-like courtyard of plants and chairs hanging from the ceiling, and the tasty guilt-free food matches the incredible atmosphere.

Hunting for black gold

Waipara’s limestone country is the home of Kings Truffles. Established in 2009, the truffiere is now set across four different sites in North Canterbury with 6000 host trees helping to produce one of the most expensive delicacies in the world. Black Périgord truffles can be found growing around the network of new roots, and every year from June to August visitors can join a truffle hunt to help sniff them out with specially trained dogs. Experiences run across two hours or you can add on a package with Christchurch’s Garden City Helicopters for luxury transport and truffle lunch to match. Read more

Barbecue with a cult following

Smokey T's is the materialised dream of chef Tristin Anderson. The authentic wood-smoked barbecue here is produced and served in a street fare manner. Expect the softest, juiciest slow-cooked meat you have ever tasted. We're talking pulled pork that's sat in the smoker for  12 hours, brisket cooked to perfection in  10 hours, pork belly, jerked chicken, burgers, tacos – you get the gist. It's no wonder that Smokey T's already has a cult following with people making a special trip here from far and wide. Read more

NZ's most expensive doughnut

The boeuf-nut is one of Inati’s most popular dishes. The dish, essentially a beef doughnut, looks like artwork. The centrepiece is a golden-fried brioche, covered with hazelnut praline and topped with a puffed beef tendon. Cut into the doughnut, and you'll find a hearty centre of braised beef cheek. The slightly salty beef blends perfectly with the sweet outer layer, to create a dish that's one of the best in the city. At $32, it is quite likely New Zealand's most expensive doughnut. But it's worth every cent. Read more

Lunch for a gold coin

A humble establishment in Christchurch is one of the exceptions where you can still have an affordable fill. The Kaywah family has been serving up its ‘$2 Dollar Rice’ at Dumplings for 34 years and the signature rice and sauce combo is something of an institution in the Garden City. So what do you get for a gold coin? There are two elements to the dish; the fried rice and the rich brown sweet and savoury sauce which is a family secret and the most integral part of the dish. Read more

Christchurch on a plate

Riverside Kitchen runs market shop classes on the top floor of Riverside Market. The new foraging class goes much further than that, deep into the soul of Ōtautahi and the events that have shaped it. The part city tour, part market tour, part foraging lesson, part cooking class, all underpinned by the gentle, but not crushingly heavy reminder of Christchurch’s past. Gathering culinary treasures from the Red Zone is a beautiful way to remember the life that preceded the quakes, and Riverside Kitchen does it with respect, grace and culinary joy. Read more

Dine with a view

The Hilltop Tavern offers stunning scenic harbour views, delicious wood-fired pizzas, great music and good old rural Kiwi hospitality. There is a fine selection of craft beer and cider and expect a hearty menu of pub favourites. Be sure to keep tabs on what's going on at the Hilltop Tavern: a popular spot for gigs, there's always something happening. To make your night out even better, the staff will happily assist you with organising babysitters and safe transport home. Now that's responsible hosting. Read more

A delicious treat

For one of New Zealand's best high teas, you can't miss Majestic Cafe, which is part of The Mayfair Hotel. You don’t need to stay at the hotel to book a high tea - just make sure to book one at the café. Everything on the plate is delicious, from the miniature burger with a sesame brioche bun to a dessert called 'The Mayfair Swans', which has a caramel and vanilla centre. If you have a sweet tooth, you won't regret it. Read more

An eco-friendly taste of Canterbury

Make tracks to Gatherings, a petite neighbourhood restaurant found on the outskirts of the CBD. The restaurant has a stylish yet gentle ambience, the service is attentive and informative, and the food a master play of alchemy and delight. Gatherings do simple elegance very well. The menu changes regularly to showcase local, accessible and seasonal ingredients. Alex Davies, the owner/head chef, wants to honour the planet and the plate by being mindful of what we take from it and when. A philosophy in turn, that has earned Gatherings a coveted Cuisine Good Food Awards Hat. Read more

New Regent Street's intimate gin lounge

Like all good nightcap destinations, gin gin imbues a certain quality that’s hard to quantify. Gin gin will draw you in like a moth to a flame. First it’ll be the interior, then the artistry of their bartenders, you’ll spy lounging patrons in plush pink booths, and then they’ll hit you with their selection of unusual and delectable gin cocktails. A myriad of boutique gin from New Zealand and beyond come served with colour, flavour, and texture from special additions like fermented berries, tonics, rose petals and more. Read more

New Zealand's lesser-known wine region

The North Canterbury wine region offers diverse and intriguing varieties and unexpected delights. From delicate pinot noirs to surprising albariños, the region sits in the picturesque hills around Christchurch, making it the perfect location for long days of sipping cellar doors. Greystone is a certified organic site, famous for its naturally fermenting pinot noir. Terrace Edge features tastings and food pairings in a picturesque North Canterbury location. Tussock Hill Vineyard & Cellar Door sits on the edge of the rocky summit road on the Port Hills with expansive views across to the Southern Alps. Read more

The home of chicken and cornbread

For a taste of American soul food in New Zealand, make your way to Bexley. Much-loved local food truck C&C Chicken and Cornbread is run by Atlanta, Georgia expat Bobby Wayne, who serves a square-shooting menu of fried chicken wings with cornbread or “gold nuggets” on rice and doused with brown gravy. You’ll find a long queue outside the food truck known as “The Chicken Coop” most days on Pages Road. Bobby Wayne’s larger than life personality is all part of the experience. Read more

Glamping on a deer farm

Imagine being surrounded by 100 deer, tucked away in your own little valley (but don't worry, you’re fully protected by a deer fence). The large safari tent at Green Antler can fit up to five in two bedrooms and even has an indoor fire (very rare for glamping) and a grand dining area. The four-person wood-fired tub is a place you won't want to leave, and is best-enjoyed under the stars with a glass of wine listening to the distant deer calls. The quaint little French village of Akaroa is just over 30-minutes away, where you can swim with the tiny Hector’s dolphin.

A taste of luxury

Built in 1895, Otahuna Lodge has withstood earthquakes and is known for hosting royal visitors. The secluded homestead, just a 20-minute drive from Christchurch, was built in Queen Anne-style, with multiple chimneys, deep verandahs and at least one turret. It is surrounded by 14 hectares of park-like gardens with some 20,000 trees. The Verandah Suite at the luxury lodge boasts a large private verandah and enormous bathroom where guests can enjoy a bath before a roaring fire. Guests can enjoy pre-dinner drinks and canapés in the drawing room, before moving to private tables for multiple courses of fine cuisine. Read more

An exceptional airport hotel

Staying a night at Novotel Christchurch Airport you can watch all the runway without leaving bed. The 200 room hotel sits just over 100 steps from the arrival hall. If you want a guaranteed view of the runway, you'll want to grab an Executive Room - with mountain and runway views. It doesn't matter what room you get - there's always the option of heading to the top-floor bar and restaurant for sweeping views of the runway. There is also a ground-floor cafe open from 4am designed to cater for those catching early-morning flights to Australia. Read more

Secret escapes for astrophiles

PurePods are an excellent place for stargazing. Five pods can be found in North Canterbury, offering completely different experiences. The Greystone option is tucked away above a winery in Waipara, while the Korimako PurePod is found near Greta Valley, with sweeping coastal views. PurePods are all about off-the-grid privacy; their exact location – in the middle of nowhere – is so secret, it's only disclosed after you book. The accommodation is seriously stylish: everything is glass, including the floor, bathroom and toilet. By night, all that's left to do is look up through the ceiling and enjoy the show. Read more

Accommodation against the grain

Grain silos are a common sight on the Canterbury Plains, but at the gateway to Banks Peninsula they have taken on a new life as self-contained accommodation. The tall, silver corrugated iron structures are unmissable as State Highway 75 passes through the Little River township. SiloStay is a cluster of eight grain silos, each skirted in a spiral staircase and remodelled to include exterior balconies and windows. Inside, everything, including the kitchen sink, has been custom-designed for the novel curved walls of the three-storey structures. Dining tables, queen-sized beds and fully fitted out bathrooms sit atop polished macrocarpa floors, and a second spiral staircase leads to the bedroom. Read more

Christchurch's neo-gothic castle

Located on one of Christchurch’s arterial roads and just across the road from Hagley Park, the neo-gothic Chateau on the Park is a longstanding icon of Christchurch architecture. Built in 1975 by Peter Beaven, the baronial-style building became a DoubleTree by Hilton in 2016. All the rooms look out over some part of the garden. The in-house restaurant is half-encircled by an artificial moat and serves as a New Zealand menu infused with a personal touch from both the on-site Indian and Austrian chefs. Read more

NZ's newest luxury escape

The Mayfair is a new five-star escape where guests are treated with spacious rooms, excellent service and lots of freebies. Walk inside to find an elegant black theme, with a downstairs café and 67 rooms across five storeys. The hotel has five room types, ranging from the entry-level Mayfair King to the enormous top-floor suite. The various suites come with lots of perks, such as unlimited barista-made coffee, complimentary snacks, a gift pack on arrival and a welcome drink. Hagley Park is an easy walk away. Read more

Arty accommodation

Christchurch’s The Muse lives up to its billing as an “art hotel”. Glorious works envelop almost every wall space of the seven-storey inner-city location, its vibrant interior belying its former life as The Canterbury Terminating Building Society. Originally designed by renowned architect Peter Beaven, it has been lovingly restored since the 2010-11 earthquakes and now provides a showcase for local artists, as well as boasting 40 well-appointed rooms and an elegant rooftop bar and restaurant with views of the city across to the Port Hills. Read more

Alpaca your bags

Spending a night at one of New Zealand's largest alpaca farms is equal parts educational and entertaining. Silverstream Alpaca Farmstay is about a 15-minute drive north of Christchurch Airport, and just a short drive away from the small town of Kaiapoi. Each cottage has two bedrooms, which sleep up to five people. There's a self-contained kitchen, a lounge, and one bathroom with all the required toiletries. The stars of this show are undoubtedly the more than 200 alpaca that reside on the farm. You'll drive past them in the paddock as you head on to the property, and once settled in will have plenty of time to meet the local celebrities. Read more

Glamping with your own private beach

Just past Le Bons Bay and 30 minutes' drive from Akaroa, is Lavericks Bay. Hidden on a historic family farm, the glamping site has two cosy safari tents which can sleep up to seven people. With no reception, in-room wood burners, an outdoor bath, plenty of bays nearby that are worth exploring, and walking and mountain bike tracks in the area, it's a fabulous option for a glamping experience. Read more

A stylish stay with history

Tucked squarely in the middle of the Christchurch CBD, inside the Gothic Revival-style walls of The Arts Centre Te Matatiki Toi Ora you’ll find the Observatory Hotel. Stepping inside feels like revisiting history. Cosy and modern, it’s a space that winds around existing historical buildings, so it feels like you could explore the property for days. There are 33 rooms here, all of which are unique, each with its own style and palette. One of the best parts is the continental breakfast and the social hour which invites guests staying in the premium suites down to the Drawing Room daily in the early evening for drinks and antipasto platters. Read more

Boutique heritage

Amid the stony grey of central Christchurch’s older buildings, The Classic Villa is a delightful reminder that historic architecture can also be colourful. The bright pink building, built in 1899, is run by Despina and Costa Kerdemelidis, stalwarts in the city’s hospitality scene. There are eight heritage rooms, three modern rooms and one modern suite available, all named after distinguished Cantabrians. Located on Worcester Boulevard, across the road from The Arts Centre, and a few blocks from Hagley Park, Canterbury Museum and Christchurch Art Gallery, there’s no shortage of things to do. Read more

A Christchurch classic

The George is a five-star boutique hotel on the banks of the Avon River with a peaceful view into Hagley Park. The property is elegantly comfortable, spacious and decorated with an impressive collection of New Zealand artworks by the likes of Ralph Hotere and Bill Hammond. The 53 rooms range from smart Executive right up to the roomy and luxurious Park Suites, with wide views over the park. Next door to the main hotel is the three-bedroom 1950s-era Residence villa, meticulously refurbished and set in its own garden. Read more

Sleep on a sheep farm

Cattle Flat Hut is a lovely glamping site hidden away on a sheep farm on Banks Peninsula. A beautiful combination of comfort and rustic, here you can relax with only sheep for company. The cute space has everything you need presented in a calm and stylish way. The bathroom at the entrance leads to a tiny kitchen, followed by a big comfy queen bed with reading lights and USB ports next to little windows overlooking the farm. Floor-to-ceiling windows, overlook the front deck, with incredible views over the hills and sea. With a wood burner to keep you warm at night and a wood-fired outdoor bath, there’s no chance of discomfort. Read more

For more information visit christchurchnz.com