Itineraries for Your Trip to Christchurch
3 Days in Christchurch for First Timers
I first visited Christchurch as a teenager, toward the end of the last century. The city was very different then, a couple of decades before two earthquakes a few months apart in 2010 and 2011 devastated much of the central city and residential areas.
After not having visited Christchurch for many years, I recently traveled there again. On arrival at my hotel, the desk staff gave me a map and pointed out some major points of interest. I said I’d been there before, but not for many years, so I’d probably find my way around easily. The man smiled, saying “Things have changed a bit around here.” They really had. I felt like a first-timer in Christchurch all over again.
Here’s how I would spend three days in the vibrant city.
Christchurch has a pleasant climate, with warm-to-hot summers and cool but not-too-cold winters.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a walk beside the Avon River in the central city area.
Begin your first day in Christchurch with a hop-on hop-off heritage tram ride through the city. This is a great way to get your bearings as you’ll pass a number of must-see sights, including Cathedral Square and the Canterbury Museum. Get off wherever you like for a closer look around, then hop back on.
After lunch at beautiful New Regent Street, float down the Avon River on a sightseeing punt boat ride. This is a relaxing way to see central Christchurch’s greenery and understand why it’s nicknamed the Garden City.
Head out to the Port Hills area today. Start with a gondola ride to the summit of Mt. Cavendish and admire the views over the city and coastline.
Later, head to the port town of Lyttelton, accessed from Christchurch via a tunnel through the hills. There are some lovely cafés and boutiques here to check out. End the day at nearby Sumner Beach, a favorite sunset spot and also a great place for a walk and a swim.
Today, make a day trip out to the Banks Peninsula, the bulbous volcanic peninsula southeast of the city. Embark on a guided hike through the hilly terrain or take a kayaking tour or boat ride to see rare wildlife, such as Hector’s dolphins.
Make sure to spend some time in the town of Akaroa, which has an unusual French colonial history. You can still find French street names and cafés here, which are quite rare in New Zealand.
