What visitors to Ōtautahi Christchurch love most about our city is how easy it is to get around. You can spend the morning wandering through the Botanic Gardens, have lunch at Riverside Market, soak in New Brighton’s hot pools, and still be back at The George in time for dinner.
Central Christchurch is full of bakeries, bistros, independent cafés, wine bars, and award-winning restaurants. Venture out a little further, and you’ll find beaches, wineries, walking tracks, golf, cycleways, and some of the best day trips from Christchurch.
With so much close by, we’ve put together suggested itineraries to help you make the most of your stay in Christchurch, whether you’re on a whistle-stop visit or staying a little longer.
Planning your trip to Christchurch
Christchurch Winter Activities
Winter is one of Christchurch’s most underrated seasons. Clear blue-skies, fewer crowds, nearby ski fields, hot pools at New Brighton, and cosy wine bars make it a wonderful time to explore the city and the wider Canterbury region.
Best Walks in Christchurch
From a loop around Hagley Park to coastal walks at Godley Head and hilltop views across Pegasus Bay, Christchurch offers a great range of walking tracks for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy.
Rainy Day Activities in Christchurch
A change in weather doesn’t mean putting your plans on hold. The city’s museums, galleries, boutique shopping, cafés, indoor markets, and wellness experiences give you plenty of reasons to brave the drizzle.
Suggested Itineraries
24 Hours in Christchurch
Visiting on a tight schedule? You can still enjoy some of the best that Christchurch has to offer.
-
Morning: C1 Espresso, Botanic Gardens and Christchurch Art Gallery
Start the day with breakfast at C1 Espresso, known for its inventive menu and playful delivery system. From there, make your way through Hagley Park and the Christchurch Botanic Gardens before following the city centre towards Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū, where contemporary and traditional works offer a strong introduction to the city’s creative side.
-
Lunch: Riverside Market
Riverside Market is an easy lunch stop in the central city, with a wide mix of local and international food options under one roof. Grab a bite, browse the stalls, or take your lunch outside and enjoy it al fresco alongside the Avon River.
-
Afternoon: Tram, New Regent Street and Amiki Tours
Spend the afternoon seeing Christchurch from a different angle. The heritage tram gives you an easy loop through the city centre, with the option to step off at New Regent Street for boutique shops, cafés and its distinctive pastel-coloured facades. For a deeper sense of place, Amiki Tours shares local stories of history, culture and contemporary life in Ōtautahi.
-
Evening: 50 Bistro, Nightlife and Stargazing
Return to The George for dinner at 50 Bistro, where refined New Zealand cuisine and views towards Hagley Park bring the day to a relaxed close. After dinner, continue into the central city for rooftop bars, live music or a quiet nightcap, or head out towards Selwyn District, one of New Zealand’s best destinations for stargazing.
-
Top Tips
Want to travel a little farther afield? To explore more of Christchurch, you could also consider hiring one of our e-bikes, using the Christchurch tram or renting a bike.
If you’d like to discover a hidden gem, speak to your accommodation staff who can recommend everything from unique cafes and pop-up art exhibitions to live music venues.
High Tea
Delight in the epitome of sophistication with our elegant high tea experience at The George, Christchurch’s cherished 5-star boutique hotel. Elevate your celebrations, from intimate Father-Daughter dates to memorable proposals, bridal showers, birthdays, anniversaries, or a simply indulgent catch-up with friends.
Unveil the essence of refinement in every exquisite moment.
3 Days in Christchurch
With a blend of cultural discovery, scenic beauty, and culinary delights, this three-day itinerary represents the best of Ōtautahi Christchurch.
-
Day 1: Arrive, Settle In and Explore Victoria Street
Arrive at The George and take some time to settle into your room before heading out to explore the surrounding neighbourhood. Victoria Street is just a short walk away and is one of Christchurch’s most popular dining precincts, with everything from casual wine bars to award-winning restaurants. Back at the hotel, 50 Bistro offers an easy introduction to Christchurch’s food scene, with seasonal menus showcasing local ingredients and contemporary New Zealand cuisine.
Back at the hotel, 50 Bistro offers a great introduction to Christchurch’s food scene, with seasonal menus showcasing local ingredients and contemporary New Zealand cuisine.
-
Day 2: Hagley Park, Riverside Market and New Regent Street
Begin the day with breakfast at 50 Bistro before strolling across the road into Hagley Park. From there, wander through the Botanic Gardens, follow the Avon River, or take a punt ride through the heart of the city.
Riverside Market is the perfect place to stop for lunch, with dozens of food vendors, cafés and specialty retailers, all under one roof. Then, spend the afternoon exploring New Regent Street, known for its colourful heritage buildings and boutique shopping. As evening approaches, Victoria Street offers a variety of options for dinner and drinks within easy walking distance of The George.
-
Day 3: Christchurch Tramway, Arts Centre and He Puna Taimoana
Spend your final day exploring some of Christchurch’s cultural landmarks. The heritage tram is a great way to see more of the city centre, while the Arts Centre combines historic architecture with galleries, workshops, local retailers and cafés. Nearby, Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū showcases an impressive collection of New Zealand and international art.
For lunch, head to The Terrace, which is host to a great range of restaurants overlooking the Avon River, before making your way to He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools in New Brighton. Set alongside the sea, the sauna and five heated saltwater pools have a great sunset view, making it a relaxing way to round out your Christchurch getaway before returning to The George for your final evening.
For more inspiration on exploring Christchurch and finding balance during your visit, make sure you check out ChristchurchNZ.
– Anonymous – 2024Super facilities, lovely meal, best of 12 hotels I stayed in over the last 15 nights! Ate at the restaurant – perfect! Great way to end our holiday, wish we could have stayed longer. The room was above and beyond expectations.
Looking for the perfect gift?
The perfect gift for any occasion. Surprise a friend, a colleague, or even the employee of the month with a luxury experience at The George.
Special Offers
-
Family Holiday Offer
Experience warmth and luxury with our family offering this winter.
Family Holiday Offer -
-
-
-
