Christchurch is a vacation spot that has a lot to supply anybody visiting for the primary time. This lovely metropolis is discovered on the South Island of New Zealand, at its east coast.
That coastal setting ensures that vacationers can get pleasure from sunbathing on the seaside if they need. Nevertheless, Christchurch additionally has plenty of historic sights and thrilling nightlife venues.
Another excuse why it’s turning into so widespread as a vacation spot is its security. New Zealand is rated among the many prime ten most secure international locations for ladies touring alone.
All of this makes Christchurch a spot that you could go to. Within the information beneath, we’ll define every of the main sights it has to discover, so that you simply don’t miss out on something.
Methods to Get Round Christchurch
When you arrive within the metropolis, you will see that you’ve a number of choices for getting round. Christchurch is a comparatively small metropolis that has simply 545,000 residents, which makes it superb for renting a automobile and driving round.
Alternatively, you’ll be able to benefit from the surroundings from onboard the TranzAlpine Practice. This can take you over a lot of the South Island; ranging from Christchurch and ending at Greymouth.
If you happen to want to remain throughout the metropolis limits, both the Christchurch Gondola or a punt on the River Avon will provide a soothing tour. The primary takes you slowly up Mt Cavendish, which is 862 meters in top. The view trying down on Canterbury is classy.
The second means that you can drift previous the beautiful gardens on both sides of the river, whereas the information fills you in on their historical past. You possibly can take refreshments alongside for the trip.
Nightlife in Christchurch
After the solar units, you’ll be able to select whether or not you’re into stress-free with a cocktail, savoring some good meals, or diving right into a reside music expertise, Christchurch has one thing for everybody. There was extra of a nightlife scene earlier than the earthquake, however the next spots ought to be in your listing.
Late Evening Eating and Hangout Spots
A favourite is Waffle Haus on New Regent Road. They whip up some scrumptious waffles late into the night time.
Only a quick hop away, when you crave one thing harking back to homey consolation meals, ZZAN on Manchester Road serves a number of the crispiest, finger-licking fried rooster you’ll be able to think about till 3am on Sunday mornings.
And for many who often want a sugar repair on the oddest hours, Bun’s Bakery on Ferry Street is open 24/7. Seize a recent pastry there!
If you happen to’re a fan of distinctive experiences, Cube and Slice affords the proper mixture of board video games and meals, retaining its doorways open till midnight on Saturdays. It’s an incredible spot to hang around with associates and even meet new people over a pleasant sport.
Bars and Golf equipment
For cocktail aficionados, Austin Membership stands out. It goes above and past with its ambiance and choice, staying open till 3am on Sunday mornings.
Rockpool Bar is one other gem. Not solely does it boast a wide range of drinks, however there’s additionally pool tables, making it a superb spot to mingle and have enjoyable till 3am each day.
Christchurch On line casino
When you’re able to hit the city after darkish, a primary port of name ought to be the town’s on line casino. This opened again in 1994 and it’s located throughout the Canterbury district of Christchurch.
It’s a venue that has grown in recognition amongst each residents and vacationers within the years since. Though growing numbers are opting to play reside video games in a on line casino on-line, this venue nonetheless attracts loads of vacationers as a result of spectacular structure.
Christchurch On line casino has a wide range of gaming choices for gamers. It has Poker, Baccarat, Roulette and Blackjack video games out there on a regular basis, in addition to many slot machines.
The on line casino additionally affords a VIP gaming lounge which is obtainable to gamers by means of invitation solely. The VIP lounge contains unique gaming tables in addition to a eating room, bar and host providers.
They usually have the Monza sports activities bar, which is open till 2am on weekends, offering an incredible mixture of video games and drinks.
Dwell Music and Themed Venues
Fats Eddie’s – This venue is taken into account to be a staple of the nighttime scene in Christchurch.
It’s the place to go when you love reside music and dancing, as Fats Eddie’s attracts a number of the finest bands from the realm. There’s a fantastic dance flooring the place you’ll be able to shake some motion, and a balcony with views of the river, if that you must cool off a bit.
Wunderbar in Lyttelton, House Academy, and Darkroom are my go-to locations for reside performances. The vibe at Wunderbar is especially quirky and charming. For followers of digital music, Flux is important. The beats will get even probably the most reluctant dancer shifting!
When the temper strikes for one thing nostalgic, drop by Arcadia for some old-school arcade video games. You get to get pleasure from a throwback whereas sipping on some brews. And talking of retro, Smash Palace is arms down one of many quirkiest bars round with its bus-turned-bar, making a improbable ambiance for a night drink or two.
Distinctive Experiences
In case your night time out extends to exploring the creative aspect of Christchurch, try the late-night occasions at XCHC (Trade Christchurch) or one of many many artwork openings at Chambers, CoCa, Wonderful Arts at UC, Fiksate, and Metropolis Artwork Depot. These locations typically provide free snacks and wine, making it a cultured but laid-back technique to spend your night.
The Boxed Quarter and Out of doors Enjoyable
The Boxed Quarter is one other spot that deserves a particular point out. It hosts numerous occasions resembling artwork carnivals, promising an entertaining expertise stuffed with creativity and neighborhood vibes.
For a serene finish to a bustling night time, the New Brighton scorching swimming pools provide a magical stargazing expertise. Image your self stress-free within the heat waters whereas gazing on the stars – certain beats merely winding down in entrance of the TV! See beneath for more information.
Lastly, I have to point out the colourful and energetic ambiance at Riverside Market and The Terrace. These spots come alive, significantly on weekends, reflecting the full of life and numerous tradition of Christchurch.
Artwork and Tradition
If you happen to’re nonetheless buzzing with vitality and wish to dive into some tradition, The Artwork Gallery stays open till 9pm on Wednesdays or Thursdays. This can be a improbable technique to mix artwork with nightlife.
All in all, Christchurch’s nightlife has a bit one thing for everybody. It’s a concoction of experiences ready to be explored. Whether or not it’s meals, drink, music, or artwork, you’re sure to discover a spot that feels good.
Historic Sights
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens will be present in central Christchurch and they aren’t to be missed. If you wish to enjoy excellent pure magnificence, this is likely one of the prime locations the place you are able to do so.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens cowl at least 21 hectares and they’re dwelling to gardens with many alternative themes. Some examples embrace a Aromatic Backyard, a Herb Backyard and a Heritage Rose Backyard.
They’re an attraction which you can wander round in your personal time, or take a guided tour by means of. You could even go for an electrical tram trip. The gardens had been first created as a royal marriage ceremony celebration.
Christ Church Cathedral
The church, which was constructed manner again in 1864, took fairly successful throughout the 2011 earthquake, however the plan is to maintain its basis partitions as a memorial. It’s a reminder of the previous!
Cathedral Sq. is the guts of the town, buzzing with vitality in the summertime as jugglers, vacationers, and locals come collectively to benefit from the vibrant ambiance. It’s an incredible spot to soak within the native tradition!
Canterbury Museum
Canterbury Museum is someplace you could go in case you have the slightest curiosity within the metropolis’s historical past and tradition. It homes an unlimited assortment that ranges from Maori artifacts to shows regarding expeditions to the Antarctic.
A lot of them are interactive, together with the everlasting shows known as ‘Arctic Voices’ and ‘Breaking the Ice’.
Rest
Sumner Seashore
You may fancy taking a while to only laze round throughout your journey to Christchurch, and Sumner Seashore is right for that. It’s a beautiful seaside coated in clean sand, which makes it appropriate for all the things from sunbathing to play.
The water is evident and completely secure for swimming, with extra safety supplied by absolutely skilled lifeguards. There may be additionally Cave Rock for some enjoyable exploration.
He Puna Taimoana Scorching Swimming pools
Think about soaking in 5 steaming scorching swimming pools, every with its personal good temperature, whereas a sauna affords you gorgeous views of the ocean. That’s precisely what you’ll discover on the wellness facility on New Brighton Seashore!
It’s the proper spot to flee on a wet day or to heat up after taking a refreshing plunge within the chilly Pacific. Belief me, it’s a comfy retreat you received’t wish to miss!
From sandy seashores and scenic sights to thrilling nightlife, Christchurch has all the things a vacationer may need.
