Half Day Itinerary
Explore Christchurch With Limited Time
It’s amazing what you can fit into half a day with a little planning, and in Christchurch, the options are plenty. This itinerary is inspiration for any couples, or group of friends looking to get out and explore the city, with four to six hours up their sleeve. Mix and match activities to suit your schedule and preferences and remember there may be travel time between locations you need to factor in.
Start With Breakfast
Any good day of exploring starts with breakfast, so pop into one of Christchurch’s many cafes for a bite to eat and some caffeine. If you are staying in the central city, you are spoilt for choice at the options for delicious meals and great coffee. Many are walking distance from central, favourites include Unknown Chapter, Miro, C1 and Child Sister. Other great options that are a little further out include Hello Sunday, Little Poms and Gentle Giant.
Take A Tour
Now that you’re fuelled for the day, it’s time for a scenic tour. As a relatively flat city, Christchurch is the perfect place to explore by bike. It also makes for a great way to find your bearings in an unfamiliar place and experience the city up close and personal.
Chill Bike Tours offer multiple different tour routes, including the Garden City Bike Tour and the Urban Explorer Bike Tour, which are both 2.5 hours. There are also options for longer tours, including the private Food and Wine Tour, and the City to Sea Electric Bike Tour. Your expert tour guide will teach you some of the fascinating history and rebuilding of Christchurch, and show you some of the city’s hidden gems, (the kind that even locals don’t know about!)
Settle In For A Long Lunch
It’s nearly lunch time, and there is a special place tucked away only 15 minutes from the city that is worth a visit. Tussock Hill Vineyard and Cellar Door is a tranquil escape and a lovely place to spend a few hours. The family-owned, organic vineyard is perfectly nestled on the Port Hills, offering stunning views and a peaceful setting. Settle in for a long lunch and let your worries drift away.
Tussock Hill’s award-winning chef serves a delicious seasonal menu, and the range of dishes champion locally sourced, organic produce. The menu is designed to pair with Tussock Hill wines, and there are also options for wine flights if you would like a to taste a little more of the beautiful organic wine range.
Or Keep It Casual
If you decide to stay within the inner city, you won’t be short of lunch spots to grab a bite to eat. Along The Terrace is always a great option, especially when the sun is shining, and you can secure a table outside at one of the many locations. Riverside Market is another great spot, with options for all tastes and temptations. The mix of cuisines and vendors means everyone can choose their own lunch, and you can all sit by the river to eat and enjoy.
It's Time To Chill
If you have an extra hour or so after lunch, a relaxing activity with minimal effort involved is the perfect way to wind down the day’s adventures. Sit back and relax as you explore one of Christchurch’s most well know rivers… in style.
Punting on the Avon is a unique inner-city activity, and a wonderful way to see Christchurch from a completely new and different view. When you hop on board, your experienced punter will steer you down the winding river, sharing titbits of information and pointing out the sights, including the Botanic Gardens and evolving inner city. The 30-minute float makes for a lovely wind down to a big day.
