One day in Christchurch

One stop you have to make is Christchurch, but what if you would have only one day to spend in the largest city of the South Island? With so many activities to choose from it’s hard to create a travel itinerary that is not too tight and still has all the top attractions the country has to offer. Let’s have a look at what this great city has to offer!

Lurk around the City Centre

Christchurch has so many things to see and do, but if you’re limited to only one sleepover in the city, we will try to help you decide which things are not to be missed. Christchurch was world news when a 6.9 magnitude earthquake destroyed the city centre in 2011. A walk through this very centre is an absolute must to see how the city is trying to rebuild itself. Be sure to see the Cardboard Cathedral and the 185 Empty Chairs Earthquake Memorial.

Christchurch City Centre

Check out the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park

In a city that is famous for its gardens, the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park have to be on your travel itinerary. You can opt to walk or cycle through the walkways bringing you alongside grassy fields, ponds and fountains. The Gardens are considered as the green heart of Christchurch. The garden that is a part of Hagley Park had its first trees planted in the 1860’s.

Hop aboard the tram

If you want to save lots of time while seeing the main attractions of Christchurch, you can hop on the city loop tram. This tram makes a stop at seventeen different locations all over the city. You can buy yourself a day ticket and hop on and hop off at every attraction you want to spend some time. The route of the tram is passing by the Botanic Gardens, Canterbury Museum, and even the Avon River. If you still have time left, you can take a ride on the gondola as well. This gives you the chance to rise high above the city and enjoy some of the most impressive views, including Port Hills, Southern Alps and even Lyttleton harbour. The combination of tram and gondola might be your best option to see as much as possible in only one day.

Taste the seafood

You can’t spend a whole day sightseeing without having a break to eat something. When having lunch or dinner, make time to taste the delicious seafood they serve in the restaurants. With Christchurch being located on the eastern coastline of South Island, you have a sure bet the dish is local. Crayfish and scallops are amongst the favorites to be ordered in most of the fish restaurants.

A bit of punting on the Avon River

Depending on if you have company, you can spend some quality time with your lover or family punting on the Avon river. It could even be the perfect ending of your sole day in Christchurch. Punting on the Avon river is one of the most romantic things you can do while staying in Christchurch. Since they are paddled by an experienced punter at the back of the boat holding a pole, it feels like you’re spending time on the canals of Venice.

Visit a museum

Depending on your likes and weather you can decide to visit a museum. They have museums offering you information about earthquakes, the history of Christchurch, Art of New Zealand and even about Air Force. Spending some time in one of the many museums can be an educational experience as well as a bad weather alternative.

And of course – Spend your night in Christchurch in a classy way

Since you’re only about to spend one night in Christchurch before travelling further, you could as well spend it in class. For example, you could opt to spend your night in Hotel 115, a boutique hotel in the heart of the city. The style of the hotel is based on the boutique style hotels found in European cities such as London, Paris or Berlin. Its proximity to the main attractions gives you an extra advantage when you only have one day to go sightseeing in Christchurch. The city’s tram literally goes through the hotel. They also offer Christchurch discover tours to make your sightseeing easier.

April 11, 2017 by Your friends at Hotel 115

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