Top 5 things to do in Christchurch
So you’ve heard Christchurch is the place to be in 2014, but aren’t sure what’s on offer in the revitalised city? No problem! Take some inspiration from my Top 5 Things To Do in Christchurch.
1. See the sights
If you haven’t been to Christchurch for a couple of years, it is definitely worth taking a tour to get your bearings and check out what’s new. One of the best ways to travel around the city centre and neighbouring suburbs is on two wheels with a Christchurch Bike Tour.
One site not to be missed is the Transitional Cardboard Cathedral. Don’t be fooled by its unusual building material – this baby was designed by architect Shigeru Ban to last for around 50 years.
The Transitional Cardboard Cathedral
2. Fun for the whole family
If you’re taking the kids with you (or even if you aren’t), the International Antarctic Centre is a great way to spend an afternoon. With an all-new snowstorm room, Hägglund rides, and rescued penguins (sooo cute!), there’s something to entertain everyone.
It’s a bit cold in here!
A little out of town, but well worth the 20-minute drive, is Adrenalin Forest, where you can get your heart pumping on a high-rope pathway. There are courses to suit all adventurers, from timid beginners to expert thrillseekers.
Adrenalin junkie
3. Shop till you drop
The fact that Cantabrians like to do things a little differently is evident in some of the new shopping experiences popping up around the city. The Re-Start Mall is a colourful collection of shipping containers housing all your shopping needs. You can also step back in time with a trip to The Tannery – a boutique shopping complex with designer clothes, homewares, beauty products and more. If all the retail therapy takes it out of you, refuel at the delicious Gustav’s Kitchen and Wine Bar.
The Tannery
4. Dinner and a show
I’m sure you’ve tried the food craze that is sliders (if not, you really need to give these mini-mouthfuls of hamburger goodness a go!), but Christchurch has turned it up a notch by taking them into the space age. C1 Café is the first in the world to deliver sliders to your table at 100km/h via a tube system, just like out of The Jetsons. It’s uber cool and pretty tasty to boot.
Sliders Jetsons-style
Other foodie treats include freshly shucked oysters and champagne at Harlequin Public House, or the best cookies in town at Mrs Higgins Cookies on New Regent Street. Just follow the aroma of fresh baking – you can’t miss it.
New Regent Street
5. Dance the night away
A city escape is not complete until you hit the town to find the latest and greatest nightlife. There are heaps of bars popping up all over the city, but one of my faves is Mashina Lounge – a Russian-inspired nightclub offering infused vodkas, live music and DJs in a venue boasting cutting edge lighting and sound design. I also love The Last Word, which is a perfect spot to warm up with a late-night tipple (a necessity in the chilly South Island). Their huge selection of whiskies will have everyone nice and toasty from the inside out.
What’s your favourite thing to do in Christchurch? Tell us in the comments!
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