Christchurch, New Zealand

The Most English City Outside England

“Ōtautahi.” “The Garden City.” “The Most English City Outside England.” Christchurch may go by many names, but one thing is for certain: There’s so much to see and do in this lovely, energetic city, you’re going to have to plan strategically.

First, how would you like to explore Christchurch? You can go punting through the city center on the Avon River. Hop on a tram, double-decker bus, or a bike to take advantage of the excellent cycleways and paths. Or head to the Christchurch Gondola for spectacular 360° views of the city, Canterbury Plains, Southern Alps, and Banks Peninsula.

Next, do you want to stick to the city sights—like Cathedral Square, the bustling streets of New Regent and Cashel, and the shops, galleries, and boutiques of the Christchurch CBD? Or do you want to venture further and discover the Canterbury countryside, the thermal pools at Hanmer Springs, or Waipara (New Zealand’s fastest growing wine region)?

No matter where you end up, be sure to get a taste of Christchurch’s food scene. Enjoy everything from a Māori Hāngī and an afternoon of high tea, to traditional meat pies, whitebait fritters, and fish and chips. Try a dessert of Anzac biscuits, pavlova, or hokey pokey ice cream, and top it all off with a glass of world-renowned sauvignon blanc or a local craft beer. Cheers!