Cruises from Christchurch

Christchurch is the second largest city in New Zealand. The city is known for its wide selection of attractions and has hosted many major sporting events, including the 1974 British Commonwealth Games, the 1982 Women’s Cricket World Cup and the 1999 Netball World Championships.

Summers in Christchurch are warm, though there is usually a sea breeze. Temperatures in January can reach up to 30°C and by July can sometimes drop to 5°C. During the winter months you can expect the occasional storm and nights are very cool, with the temperature sometimes dropping to below 0°C.

There are many beaches in and around Christchurch that are worth a visit. New Brighton pier, located 5kms east of Christchurch is a popular attraction amongst tourists. The pier is perfect for a relaxing walk and you can enjoy the view of the Pacific Ocean or try your hand at fishing. For swimming and surfing be sure to stop by Taylor’s Mistake, a popular beach where you will also find a selection of interesting walks. Sumner Beach, located just fifteen minutes away from the centre of Christchurch, is ideal for family activities such as volleyball, fishing and windsurfing. The beach is also close to many cafés, playgrounds and shops.

There is plenty to do in the city, which has a strong cultural heritage and many museums and other attractions. Stop by the Air Force museum to explore the history of flight in New Zealand and be sure to make time for the arts centre, Te Pokapū Toi o Ōtautahi, an historical site where you can visit many craft studios, art galleries, shops and cafés. The centre is also the location of the oldest lecture theatre in New Zealand. Also worth a visit is Canterbury Museums, which has Maori, European, Zoology and Asian collections. There is also a Discovery Centre for children.

If you are looking for some relaxation, visit the Botanic Gardens, where you can spend some time discovering the fascinating exotic plants and woodland areas. You can walk through water, rock, herb and rose gardens and there is also a children’s play area and a restaurant.

If you love games, then you will definitely want to stop by Christchurch Casino, where you can engage in a game of American roulette, blackjack, Caribbean stud poker, money wheel and many more. To enter the casino you must be dressed in casual-smart clothes and be at least twenty years of age.

Christchurch has many parks for you to explore. Ferrymead Heritage Park will teach you all you need to know about the history of Christchurch. The park has an exhibition area and an Edwardian township. There is also Victoria Park, which has many play areas and routes suitable for wheelchair users. This park became famous as it was the location for the Parker-Hulme murder in the 1950s and featured in Heavenly Creatures, a 1994 film that was based on the murder.

There are numerous places to eat in Christchurch. If you are on a limited budget, then there are plenty of shops that sell fresh fruit and vegetables and there is also a local supermarket. If you have a little more to spend, then Perry’s Café is affordable. Dux de Lux is a little pricier, but offers live entertainment and food options for vegetarians. At the more expensive end of the scale try Aiki, where you will find organic Japanese cuisine and banquets.

There are lots of places to shop including Cathedral Square Market, where there are a variety of stalls offering jewellery, clothes, healthcare products and food vendors. If you are looking for designer clothes to take home with you, then try High Street, which has a variety of designer items and is made up of historical buildings.

Christchurch is the perfect destination for those who enjoy exploring history and culture. With the city’s beach activities, botanic gardens, walks, shopping areas, museums and casino, you will never be short of things to do during your stay.