Go for a late night drive around the Port Hills
Day or night the Port Hills of Christchurch (pictured main) are a delight. But nothing beats a night time cruise around the hills and then finding a nice place to park up and take in stunning views of the shimmering city below. Even better when the sky is cloudless.
Walk the Bridle Path over to Lyttelton
Trace the steps of the first European Settlers in Christchurch. You can start on either the Lyttelton or city side but if you do the latter you can then spend a few hours exploring the Port of Lyttelton before catching the bus back into town. At the top of the walk you get incredible views of both Lyttelton and Canterbury and on a good day you can see the Southern Alps and the Kaikoura ranges.
Explore Quail Island/Ōtamahua
Pack your lunch and your togs on a warm day, and jump on a ferry to this former leprosy colony. The Island has had a varied history aside from aforementioned leprosy colony, from a farm, a quarantine station, to a place for the animals of Antarctic explorers Shakelton and Scott. It was also used as a hospital island during the influenza epidemic of 1918. A walk around the island is an easy 2 1/2 hour circuit. Along the track you’ll spot a number of shipwrecks off the coast and there is also plenty of bird life to see. Sadly the native quail have been extinct since 1875, but there’s still plenty of reasons to visit this scenic spot.
Lyttleton
Late night drinks at The Wunderbar in Lyttelton
Staying in Lyttelton another must do is a visit to the iconic Wunderbar, with it’s kitsch decor and nice people. There are gigs on most nights so it’s a great opportunity to check out some local talent.
Eat Dometiris Souvlaki
The best Souvlaki in town and quite possibly the country. Get your mitts on one while checking out all the great shopping at the RE:Start Mall
Street Art
Check out the street art in the central city that has popped up since the Christchurch Earthquakes. Wherever you look some talented artist has created something wonderful in the broken nooks and crannies of the city.
Have a boogie at the Dance-O-Mat
Part of the popular Gap Filler projects that have popped up since the earthquake. All you need is a couple of coins and your music player, plug in to the old laundromat converted washing machine and dance. Genius!
