Itineraries for Your Trip to Christchurch
3 Days in Christchurch for Foodies
As the largest city on New Zealand’s South Island and the second-largest city in the country overall, Christchurch offers foodie travelers a good time. But it’s not just about the central-city restaurants and bars: just north of Christchurch is the Waipara winemaking district, an essential day trip destination.
What I love about Christchurch is that the central city area is so compact that if your hotel is near the center of town, you don’t need a car to get around. That means you can indulge in a couple of glasses of local wine—or fancy cocktails—over dinner without worrying about how you’re getting home after.
Here’s how to spend three food-fueled days in the 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 dinner on a restaurant terrace overlooking the Avon River.
Start your first day in Christchurch with a latte at a café overlooking the Avon River. As much of the old commercial center was destroyed by the earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, chic new developments have emerged a few blocks away, so there’s plenty to choose from. After breakfast, join a food-focused city tour that will show you the sights and make sure you’re well fed along the way.
In the evening, reserve a table on the heritage tram for a memorable fine dining experience. You’ll be waited on at your table and enjoy a lavish meal while watching Christchurch go by outside.
Head out of the city today and travel north to Waipara, a renowned winemaking district. Joining a tour is ideal because you can indulge in some wine along the way without worrying about driving. Make a few stops to sample the local Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Riesling, Pinot Noir, and more. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at one of the wineries.
If you’re seeking an especially memorable or romantic experience, why not add a helicopter tour to your Waipara trip? Appreciate the beautiful landscape from above.
You have a couple of options for your final day, depending on how far you want to travel, and how much you enjoy seafood! Option one is to check out the Banks Peninsula, making a beeline for Akaroa, an unusual little town with a French colonial heritage. Sample French pastries and cheese while admiring the views of the Akaroa Harbour.
Alternatively, travel further north to Kaikoura, whose name means “to eat crayfish.” You can definitely do this in the popular town, as well as go whale- and dolphin-watching on the open ocean.
