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 Ideal mountain biking and hiking terrain |
Waitikiri Drive Marshland Christchurch 8009 New Zealand +64 (0)3 383 0405 (Bottle Lake Ranger Station) |
This 800-hectare exotic plantation is located on the northern edge of the city. Its labyrinthine network of access roads are all named after alphabetic call signs: bravo, delta, foxtrot, lima. Several trails (maps available) radiate out into the deep green depths of the forest from the ranger station off Waitikiri Drive, where there are toilets. The Yellow Track (two hours return) leads to a set of ponds and a picnic area while the Green Track (45 minutes) is a shorter three-kilometre loop. The Blue Track is a long (some might say tedious) trek to Spencer Park. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kate Bodger |
 Photo: Byron Clark |
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Upmarket Merivale cafe |
Corner Aikmans and Papanui Road Christchurch 8001 New Zealand +64 (0)3 355 6150 |
Brigittes' motto is "there is no X in Espresso." The shop is certainly getting the experts' approval—it was recently named the best cafe in New Zealand. Polished wooden floors and bentwood chairs add a European flavour, with floor to ceiling windows providing alternating views of a busy Aikmans Road and a Mediterranean-style courtyard. An extensive wine list complements a large selection of juices, sandwiches and cakes. More substantial fare includes Eggs Florentine and Vinegared Figs and blue cheese on bruschetta, a favourite with regular customers. Fully Licensed. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Tranquil playground and sports fields |
Heaton Street Merivale Christchurch 8001 New Zealand |
Set in leafy, up-market Merivale, Elmwood Park, with its distinctive ivy-covered chain link fencing, is in a truly delightful setting. Here there are extensive sports fields, a tennis club, and a croquet club, as well as an excellent playground. Younger ones will enjoy the brightly coloured activity frame, while children up to the age of twelve or so will enjoy some of the other structures including an extra-high slide. The playground area has a stream boundary, so ducks are an added attraction! Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Family picnic and recreation area |
160 Johns Road Belfast Christchurch 8005 New Zealand +64 (0)3 323 7609 (Picnic Reserve) / +64 (0)3 323 6201 (Shop & Hire) |
Summer picnics at the Groynes, is a childhood experience common to many of the citizens of Christchurch. Popular since the 1920s, it is still hard to beat as a place for family recreation. A wetland area dominated by the Otukaikino creek, large trees provide ample shelter for all manner of activities. Younger children will love the excellent playground equipment and the ducks, while older ones might like an excursion onto the lake in a hire canoe or water bike. The easy walkways are suitable for all ages. Other facilities include gas barbecues, and a summer shop. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mike Riversdale |
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Semi-rural setting |
Port Hills Road Heathcote Christchurch 8002 New Zealand |
With the feeling of a rural town park, the Heathcote Domain is a great place to "get away from it all" with the children. Nestled in the hills, with a sunny northerly aspect, this tree-studded park would be a great picnic spot even without the fantastic playground, which includes multiple swings and slides, a roundabout, an adventure-playground structure for younger children, and a magnificent flying fox for older children. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Nate Cull  |
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Horse riding for all |
131 Bridle Path Rd Christchurch 8002 New Zealand +64 (0)3 384 1971 |
The Heathcote Riding School offers horse treks and riding lessons for all ages and abilities. Disabled riders are welcome and ramps are provided for those requiring wheelchair access, although the owner says that these are best in dry conditions. The horses are quiet and well trained. Half-hour rides around the 900-acre farm are offered on Saturdays and treks are by arrangement. Cost:NZD15 for lessons; NZD30 for private treks. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sunny playground with duck pond |
Holliss Avenue Cashmere Christchurch 8002 New Zealand |
This is a pleasant, sunny, family playground—an excellent alternative to Victoria Park. Set in the Port Hills, you feel you have escaped the city—even though Cathedral Square is only four kilometres away. Children, from pre-schoolers to age 12 or so, will find plenty of amusement on the various play structures. Come well prepared with a picnic lunch and bread for the ducks, and make the most of the shady trees and duck pond. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Jet boating and fly-fishing |
Island Road, View Hill Oxford Christchurch 7495 New Zealand +64 (0)3 312 4309 http://www.kowhai.co.nz |
Kowhai Fly Fishing and Jet Boat Rides offers people the chance to enjoy the Waimakariri River in two different ways. Jet boating gives participants the thrill of the 40-minute ride and a view of the river not easily accessible. A single customer is charged NZD100 but two to three people will pay only NZD50 each. Fly fishing for trout or salmon with a guide is available year round although the best results are often achieved from October to January. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Horse riding with stay-over options |
Island Rd, View Hill Oxford Christchurch 8253 New Zealand +64 (0)3 312 4309 http://www.kowhai.co.nz |
The Kowhai Riding School offers a variety of courses for adults and children interested in ponies and horses. Options range from a half-day trek costing NZD30 to live-in courses with transfers to Christchurch built into the price. A weekend course with two nights' shared accommodation, all meals, horse-riding instruction and some trekking costs NZD95 per person. Five and seven day live-in courses are also popular, especially in the school holidays. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Animal safari on the plains |
McLeans Island Road PO Box 5130, Papanui Christchurch 8005 New Zealand +64 (0)3 359 7109 http://www.oranawildlifepark.c... |
Acclaimed conservation wildlife park, dedicated to saving many endangered species like the white rhino and cheetah. Time your visit to coincide with the animals' feeding time--including handfeeding the giraffe. Visit the Nocturnal House and view New Zealand's famous kiwi or the ancient tuatara, our living fossil. As you stroll around this huge complex, encounter the gentle farmyard animals (safe for children to pat), native bird life including the mischievous kea and exotic wildlife from many different parts of the world, including monkeys, parrots and meerkats. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michelle Devall (www.ellectric.com) |
 Photo: Michelle Devall (www.ellectric.com) |
 Photo: Cheng Soon Goh |
 Photo: davycameron |
 Photo: Kristine Riskær |
 Photo: Christopher Mills |
 Photo: Simone Naef |
 Photo: wainfamily |
 Photo: Arjan Salomons |
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Horse trekking for all levels |
78 Lower Styx Road Marshlands Christchurch 8009 New Zealand +64 (0)3 385 2508 / +64 0800 84 7455 (Freephone New Zealand) http://www.adventurecanterbury... |
These treks are suitable for both beginners and experienced riders. You can take a half-hour beach ride. Alternatively, if you are a little more ambitious, there is an excellent two and a half-hour trek over green farmland, into a woody pine forest and out onto the beach by the beautiful Pegasus Bay in Waipara. The whole trip only takes three and a half-hours, including pick-up from the centre of Christchurch. Bookings can be made through resv@adventurecanterbuy.com. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Beach, walks, and history |
Lyttelton Harbour Cruises, B Jetty Lyttelton Christchurch 8012 New Zealand +64 (0)3 328 8368 |
Mix together the following ingredients: a boat trip, two excellent walking circuits, a beach, a picnic, and a dash of history. Bake for half a day. The result? A perfect family excursion! Quail Island, in Christchurch's Lyttelton harbour, was once a leper colony and quarantine station. Now managed by the Department of Conservation, you can reach it by ferry from the Lyttelton marina. Bring your own lunch and explore the island's natural and historical features by foot. Suitable for most ages, although the terrain is not suitable for pushchairs. Pay either on the boat (cash only) or at the marina. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kate Bodger |
 Photo: Simon Cobb |
 Photo: Dominik 2008 |
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From golf to marine adventures |
189 Clyde Road Fendalton Christchurch 8005 New Zealand +64 (0)3 351 8625 |
Royale day-tours are a relatively inexpensive way to experience the best Canterbury has to offer, whether it be a spot of golf, a marine adventure on the beautiful Kaikoura peninsula, or a wander in Christchurch's renowned parks and private gardens. You could head off to Kaikoura by coach, take a whale-watching cruise, visit a coastal seal colony and be back at home by early evening. There are plenty of itineraries to choose from, and all tours include collection from your motel or hotel, refreshment stops and commentary by an experienced driver-guide. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Impressive mountainous region |
Christchurch, Canterbury New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 9629 (Tourist Information) |
These impressive mountains stretch for almost the entire length of the South Island, with the highest, Mount Cook, reaching 3,764 metres. The mountains are home to a unique and diverse range of flora and fauna--much of it from the last great ice age--as well as many beautiful lakes and glaciers. The alps are also Christchurch's adventure playground, with the foothills offering every activity imaginable, from Alpine Horse Safaris to Rangitata Rafts. Along the ranges, there is plenty of good skiing, tramping, mountaineering and rock climbing. Among the numerous alpine resorts are Mt Hutt and Porter Heights. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Phillip Capper |
 Photo: Danny n' Chris |
 Photo: Andy Lenigan |
 Photo: Jan Behrens |
 Photo: Mike & Rachel |
 Photo: simon vogt, germany |
 Photo: Colin Watson |
 Photo: Tim Pokorny |
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Christchurch's most picturesque beach |
The Esplanade Sumner Christchurch 8008 New Zealand +64 (0)3 379 9629 (Christchurch & Canterbury Visitors Centre) |
Generations of Cantabrians (locals) have promenaded down the Esplanade, which overlooks this idyllic stretch of ocean, renowned for safe swimming and good surfing. Dominating this patrolled beach is Cave Rock, a protrusion of volcanic stone through which the sea has eroded a large cavern. At low tide you can walk right through the cave to an assortment of limpet-encrusted rock pools, each one a tiny, self-contained ecosystem. Beware of deep holes scoured around some rocks. Toilets and changing sheds are available. There are also plenty of cafes and stores on The Esplanade and in nearby Sumner village. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gary Korhonen |
 Photo: womenshouldntwearclothes |
 Photo: Amie LaRouche |