What's there to do in Chirstchurch?
The Arts Centre, Market and Museum
Visit the Arts Centre on Worcester Boulevard. The Arts Centre is located in the buildings of the old Canterbury University, founded in 1873. The buildings are amazing themselves and the shops that now fill them house everything from local art and bead stores to bookshops and restaurants to woollen and wooden things.
The Arts Centre also holds a very cool weekend market. Stalls are up from 10-4 every Saturday and Sunday. You can find amazing kiwi made bits and bobs – clothes, art, crafts, pounamu, jewellery, and more all amongst a great vibe.
The Market is also a GREAT place to buy some lunch – there is a bustling international food stalls area, everything from Bratwurst to Souvlaki to fudge to burgers!
If it’s your trip, The Arts Centre is also located near the museum, botanical gardens and new CHCH art gallery. The museum is another old school building, the gardens are big and beautiful, especially at spring, and the art gallery holds wonderful art by New Zealanders, and others, in a building of amazing architecture.
Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square is in the centre of the city and the spot of an amazing and beautiful cathedral. Visitors are welcome inside so long as a service or other event isn’t on.
‘The square’ (as locals call it) is the spot outside the cathedral and is surrounded by internet cafes, souvenir shops and cafes. There is also a market here Wednesday-Friday selling everything from jewellery to African art.
High Street
High Street, close to Cathedral Square, is a funky area of town which holds lots of cafes (C4 comes highly recommended – cosy and very funky, good music, good food, good coffee and drinking water that comes out of an old sewing machine), a few restaurants and cool kiwi made clothes shops.
Head to the beach
Sumner/Scarborough are popular beaches to the East, about 20 mins drive out of the city. Scarborough is a popular surf spot and you can find a surf school here, look for the big flags on the road by the beach. Catch the #3 bus from the city if you’ve not got a car.
Tailors Mistake is another popular surf/swim beach. From Sumner head East-ish and over the hill (there’s only one road over the hill so you shouldn’t get lost) and down into the bay. Alternatively, walk over from Sumner/Scarborough – at the Eastern end of the beach, walk up the road and follow the signs to the walkway. It takes about 45minutes to walk there. Check out the little Bach’s that line the beach at Tailors, they’re pretty cool!
Visit the funky, yet mellow port town of Lyttelton
Specifically I’d recommend visiting, The farmers market – 9-1ish, Saturday mornings, you can get pretty much anything edible, plus treats and second hand bits and pieces (find it in the primary school grounds); The Wunderbar – catch phrase of this place is ‘Nice people only’. It’s a very ‘out there’ and eclectic bar which holds live kiwi music most nights of the week (check out the massive tree-root-look-a-like dreadlock at the end of the bar – it’s made from real hair!); or the Monster bar whose walls are covered in paintings of monsters (not a good place to go if you get nightmares…); the Lyttelton Coffee Company – they make good coffee, have good food and often have live music during the same time as the farmers market; Portico – a cool store with funky things to buy; Lyttel Piko – a funky little organics store, pick up some organic goodies for the road.
Get amongst the hills.
Owing to the fact that Christchurch City is so FLAT, many a Christchurchian look to the Port Hills to take in some hill time (these are the hills to the East of the city that make up part of the Banks Penninsula). There’s heaps to do including walking tracks, mountain biking, sightseeing driving trips and more.
Scenic Drive
If you have a car, cruise the Summit Road which follows the tops of the hills a long way around giving great views of the city, the bays and the Southern Alps in the distance. The easiest way to get there from the central city is to drive towards the hills along Colombo Street and keep going until you get to the round-about at the end. Go straight and this will take you up the hill. When you get to the top (this spot and the café on the hill is known as The Sign of the Kiwi) you can head left or right and follow the road for a nice tiki-tour.
If driving’s not your thing you can do one of the following:
Take a trip in the Gondola.
This takes you up to the summit road and gives you amazing views.
Catch the No.28 Lyttelton bus from the central city which takes you right to the bottom of the Gondola. The Gondola is open 10-9 daily and tickets cost $22 and can be brought on the spot at the Gondola.
Port Hills on foot
If walking is your thing, there’s quite a few options for short and day walks around the Port Hills.
For a really helpful pamphlet re: the walks on the city side of the hills, download the Port Hills Guide. The pamphlet has descriptions of the walks, distances, times and how to get there.
Some goodin’s include:
The Bridle Path:
This track, joining Lyttelton to Christchurch City, was the only way over for early settlers who had just arrived in the South Island. It’s quite a steep wee number but is a good mission and means you can also compete in the Bridle Path Asthma Attack GOOT Challenge.
Take the No. 28, Lyttelton, bus from the central city to the Gondola. From here you can either take the Gondola to the top or walk up the Bridle path track. If you are wanting a longer walk, the track continues down into Lyttelton. From here you can either walk back or jump on the bus which’ll take you right back into the city.
Godley Heads:
This track follows the edge of the hills around from Taylors Mistake beach. It’s a beautiful walk with great views down into the sea (watch out for wildlife!) and along the Coast up towards Kaikoura. The track takes you to old gun barracks from the last world war and links up with the Summit Road. This is also a good track to run if you need to get in your morning jog with a good view. Taylors Mistake beach is also a great spot to swim, work on your tan, surf or just dive into to cool off after your morning run!
Mountain Biking
If you’re keen on Mountain biking, download a copy of the pamphlet describing different Mtb tracks on the Port hills. It includes a map and descriptions of various tracks. Most cycle stores should also hold copies and be able to tell you their favourite spots.
If you need to hire a bike, visit the crew at Natural High. They have bikes for hire and will have the full low-down on the best tracks. They offer passport holders a 10% discount on bike hire – Thanks Natural High!
Natural High: Phone: 0800 444144; Visit: 130b Montreal Street, Christchurch.
Little River Rail Trail:
This mountain biking track follows the old rail way that went from the city to Little River on the Banks Peninsula. The track is well formed and a good mellow option if hilly tracks aren’t your thing. You can start/stop the track at various points along the trail as there are a few different car parks along the route. The trail goes along the banks of both Te Waihora/lake Ellesmere and Te roto o wairewa/Lake Forsyth and into Little River township which is a great place to get an old school ice-cream in a cone (see below). See
www.littleriverrailtrail.co.nz for maps and info.
Rock Climbing
Owing to the fact that the Port Hills are made of volcanic rock, it’s a rock climbing hot-spot. If likely to be doing a bit of climbing in the South, it’d be a great idea to get your hands on a copy of a book called ‘South Island Rock’. This book lists crags by region and has all the necessary info about those crags.
Rapaki is a popular spot on the port hills which has a range of climbs for different abilities. It’s 5km’s, heading North, along Summit road from the Sign of the Kiwi (These climbs are either bolted or require natural pro so, you’d need the right gear and a buddy on belay).
Check out a good guide to climbing on the Port Hills and around the South.
If it’s not ideal climbing weather, try The Roxx climbing centre as an indoor option. Located on the corner of Waltham Rd & Byron St. Ph. 377-3000 for opening hours.
Finding snow:
Being close to the Southern Alps means that CHCH is ideally placed for getting to the snow. From CHCH you’ve got two main options for day trips (these, of course, being able to be turned into overnighters or ‘on-route’ missions).
- Commercial Fields: Mount Hutt (www.nzski.com) is the biggest field close to CHCH. To get there head South out of the city on State Highway 1 then follow signs to Methven. It takes just over an hour to drive there but there are also crew that offer transport to and from the mountain for a day if you don’t have a car (see below for more on Methven). Mount Hutt is probably your best option if you’ve not skied/snowboarded much before as they have good lessons and easy beginner’s slopes.
Also check out Porters (www.skiporters.co.nz). This is a smaller field but still heaps of fun. Follow State highway 73 West and it’s 90 km’s from CHCH. Passes are $75/day.
- Club fields. NZ offers, not only commercial fields, but also what we call club fields. These are ski fields which are generally smaller and less ‘commercialised’ but still offer good riding and great atmosphere. If you’ve done a bit of skiing/snowboarding before, and you think you’d get a grasp of what’s called ‘nutcrackers’, as opposed to ski lifts, club fields would be a good option and would also give you a good idea of ‘kiwi-style’ skiing. Check out Craigieburn (www.craigieburn.co.nz). Ideal for intermediate to experienced. 110km’s from CHCH (towards the Coast). Passes are $65/day; Mt Olympus (www.mtolympus.co.nz). Known as the powder paradise, it's approximately a 2 hour drive south and inland from CHCH. Passes are$60/day; Or Temple Basin (www.templebasin.co.nz). Ideal for adventurous beginner to experienced. 157km’s from CHCH (towards the Coast). Passes are $60/day. Or check out Chill Out for the other club fields near CHCH.
Visit Akaroa
Akaroa is the ‘French settlement’ of NZ. It has heaps of history surrounding French settlement in NZ as well as whaling history. Visiting Akaroa is a nice day out where you can visit cafes, wander round the hills surrounding the township and take a cruise and try to spot, or swim with, some wildlife. Visit http://www.blackcat.co.nz/dolphins.asp if you’re into swimming with Flipper.
- Follow the Christchurch-Akaroa road from the south of the city all the way there. There are campgrounds and backpackers if you want to overnight in Akaroa.
- The same Christchurch-Akaroa Road leads to many of the bays on the Banks Peninsula. Take your pick out of these bays, as they’re all pretty cool. However, a recommended one is Okains Bay. There is a great beach near a mellow, quiet township which has a marae/museum with lots of history of the area, both Maori and European. Entry to the museum is $6. There are two waka (traditional Maori canoe) you can view also. They are considered taonga (treasures) of New Zealand and are still used in Waitangi Day celebrations. Okains bay is a nice place to visit if you want to get a feel for away-from-it-all life in NZ.
Take the Christchurch-Akaroa road past Little River to ‘hilltop’. You will see a sign off to the left of the road (when heading towards Akaroa), take that, follow the signs and it’s a beautiful drive there.
- On the way to Akaroa or Okains Bay, stop off at Little River. This little settlement boasts a funky and reasonably priced art gallery, craft store and café with good food/drinks.
- Just before Little River, not long after Tai Tapu on the CHCH-Akaora road is the turn off to Birdlings Flat (right side of the road heading towards Akaroa). This pebbly beach is the base of the spit that cuts off Lake Waihora/Ellesmere from the sea. It’s a great place to sit and watch the pounding waves, go for a wander, and pick up an ocean-smoothed rock or two.
West (inland towards Arthurs Pass)
Methven.
Inland and slightly South of CHCH this is the biggest ‘ski town’ closest to CHCH. The town is associated with Mt Hutt ski field and over winter is a fun place to be. Check out www.nzski.com for info on the ski field and visit the blue pub, on the main road, for a pint when you’re there.
If you don’t have a car and want to reach the snow Mount Hutt Snow Bus (www.mthuttsnowbus.com) offer transport from the city to the mountain and back again.
Cave Stream.
This is an excellent caving mission for which you don’t need any ‘caving experience’. You can find it on State highway 73 between Broken River and Craigieburn ski fields. Head into the carpark on the right side (heading towards the Coast) of the road where you’ll find information signs about the caves. The trip through he caves take you into another world, its just over ½ a kilometre long and takes around an hour to walk through. You’ll need a torch per person and a friend to take with you and be sure to wear your thermals because you’ll get wet! This is another trip you could do as a day mission from CHCH or as part of your travels further a field.
(Note: Please be sure to check the weather before you go, take a buddy, wrap up warm and be safe).
NORTH
Hanmer Springs.
On route to Lewis pass, this wee town boasts some excellent thermal hot pools. It’s a great place to head to for the day from CHCH, or to stop in to if your heading towards to West Coast.
Hanmer Springs has lots of things to get amongst in order to deserve lazing in a hot pool. There is heaps of mountain biking, walking and quad biking to be done.
For something a little different contact Hanmer local and GOOT friend Graham at Grums Tours - he will look after you (Email:
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Phone: 03 315 5009)
Stop in for lunch at Pukeko Junction on route, near Leithfield. They have amazing food and there’s a NZ made gallery attached.
About 50kms North of Christchurch is the Waipara Valley - home to some good winerieswhere you can do wine tastings and pick up some supplies 'from the celler door'.
SOUTH
Mount Somers Walkway:
The Mount Somers Walkway is a good overnight mission if you’re based out of Christchurch or as an on-route mission if you’re heading South. The track can be done in one or two nights, or if you’re keen, in one big day. The original track goes behind Mount Somers, however, recent developments now make the track a loop in front of the Mountain too.
The track can be done in either direction and there’s heaps of old coal mining history in the area which is obvious from the artefacts and info. that you come across on the track. There’s a couple of options to take you from Woolshed creek car park (one starting point) to Woolshed Creek Hut, either one would be good.
You can also summit Mount Somers if it’s your buzz-either follow the track from the South Face of the mountain, or you can also route-find your way from the saddle between Woolshed and Pinnacles Huts. Behind Pinnacles Hut is amazing rock formations (hence the hut’s name) that look great during sun-rise. Near Woolshed Creek Hut is amazing caves and caverns. Look out for great views towards the Southern Alps while walking between Woolshed Creek and the saddle and also keep an aye out for lizards running over your boots near the saddle.
Woolshed Creek Hut is a brand-spanking new 26 bunk hut while Pinnacles is an older 19 bunk hut with a brilliant view over the Canterbury plains towards Christchurch.
If you don’t want to stay in the hut, there’s an amazing bivvy not far from Woolshed Creek Hut towards the saddle. Follow the signs to the ‘water caves’ and you’ll find the bivvy, big enough for 5 folk. These caves are very cool to check out anyway and are where some of the Lord of the Rings was shot.
You need a hut pass and your own cooker. Passes can be bought from DoC or the Staveley and Mount Somers Village stores. If starting from the Staveley end, turn off State Highway 72 at Staveley and follow the road to Sharplin Falls car park. If heading in from the other end, head to the Mount Somers township then from here follow the Ashburton Gorge Road for about 10km’s before turning into Jig Road which leads you to the Woolshed Creek Picnic area.
The Staveley store offers return transport so if you’ve only got one car you can arrange for them to meet you and drop you off or pick you up at the other end. Choice. Ph 03-3030859 for the store.
Peel Forest.
At the foot of the Southern Alps and beside the Rangitata River Peel Forest is about 1&1/2 hrs south of ChCh. This wee village is a quiet spot that holds heaps to do. There’s loads of walking tracks (1/2hour – overnighters) in the Scenic Reserve, a Doc owned camp-ground to pitch your tent, you can watch salmon spawning in season, stay in an eco-lodge and take in the logging history of the area.
You can also kayak or raft the river. It is grade 5 above the Rangitata gorge and grade 2+ below it.
Rangitata Rafts offer raft tours on the gorge section of the river – very fun trip that gets your heart racing. They are a GOOT Partner so GOOT Passport Holders can get a good deal! They also have a backpackers at the lodge or do pick-up/drop-off from CHCH.
Kayak hire can be arranged through Paddler Zone (http://www.paddlerzone.co.nz/kayak_rental_gear).
