With so many great things to do in Christchurch, you’ll want to make the most of a quick stopover. That’s why we’ve put together the perfect one day itinerary, to ensure you see everything from the bustling city centre to our stunning scenery. Get ready for an epic 12 hours in Christchurch!
Morning
9AM – Breakfast
What better way to acquaint yourself with Christchurch than breakfast in the central city? The local café scene has revolutionised itself over the last few years, with plenty of urban hotspots around the CBD. If you’re looking for suggestions, check out the Strange Bandit, renowned for their delicious breakfasts and good coffee. Located just a short drive from the Park and hosting with a relaxed atmosphere and family friendly.
10AM – Cathedral Square
Cathedral Square is regarded as the very centre of Christchurch, in more ways than one. One of the hardest hit areas of the quakes, the square has since found a new identity as the heart of the city, a focal point for culture and community. Raw yet beautiful, its devastation and gradual rebirth is there for all to see. In short, taking a stroll around Cathedral Square will provide you with a very real snapshot of Christchurch city as a whole.
11AM – Christchurch Tram
Combining both history and sightseeing, a Christchurch tram departs from Cathedral Square every 15-20 minutes. The iconic heritage trams will take you around all the highlights of the city, with the knowledgeable drivers providing informative commentary along the way. Your ticket also allows you to get on and off as much as you like throughout the day.
Afternoon
12PM – Hagley Park
You simply can’t see Christchurch without visiting Hagley Park. No matter the time of year, you’ll find yourself marvelling at its stunning scenery. As the third largest city-based park in the world, there are walking tracks and recreational facilities aplenty, so there’s no chance of getting bored. At the heart of Hagley Park, you’ll also discover the beautiful Botanic Gardens, a must-do Christchurch activity.
1PM – Lunch
All that walking is bound to make anyone hungry, so stop in for lunch at one of the city’s many eateries. Our recommendation? The brand new Eats on Oxford. Just a short walk from Hagley Park, Eats on Oxford houses multiple options under one roof, fuelling an already bustling section of the city. There is also a clear focus on fresh & healthy food, including sandwiches, sushi, dumplings and much more.
2PM – Christchurch Gondola
Southeast of the city centre, you’ll find the famous Christchurch Gondola, another must-do activity! If you don’t have your own transport, don’t worry, a shuttle departs from Cathedral Square every day at 2pm. The Gondola is a unforgettable sightseeing experience, allowing you to see all of Christchurch at the same time! You’ll be amazed at the spectacular aerial views of the cityscape, Canterbury Plains, the majestic Southern Alps, and the rolling hills of Bank Peninsula. Once reaching the summit, many people like to grab a coffee with a view at the Red Rock Café. The last shuttle back to the city centre departs at 4:30pm, so you may want to begin your descent before then.
Evening
5PM – Dinner
Once you arrive back in the CBD, it’s time for another taste of the Christchurch food scene! If you’re visiting over the warmer months, why not dine alfresco? It’s the perfect way to enjoy a delicious meal in our beautiful city. Sit back and relax with your choice of cuisine as you watch the world go by. If you’re looking for some ideas, here are a few of the top places to dine alfresco in Christchurch.
7PM – Deluxe Cinemas
After dinner, head over to Christchurch’s boutique cinema to catch one of the latest movies. Deluxe Cinemas showcases recent award-winning and handpicked blockbuster films, so you are always guaranteed an authentic and high quality experience. Their unique cinema design, exceptional service and quality snacks will also perfectly compliment the film. It is not difficult to see why they were voted New Zealand’s best independent cinema in 2017 & 2018.
9PM – North South Holiday Park
Pull into North South Holiday Park after your epic day in Christchurch. Whatever time you plan to arrive, we’ll have your room warmed up and ready for you. All you need to do is let us know! If you happen to have an early flight the next day, we are also just 5 minutes from Christchurch Airport. Even if you’re only here for a night or two, North South is your Christchurch home away from home. We sincerely hope you enjoy your time in our beautiful city, and hope to see you again in the future!
