How to plan your winter adventure in Ōtautahi Christchurch

As ski fields and winter destinations emerge from hibernation, many of us will be heading to the South Island for a winter holiday. With its unique juxtaposition of old and new, creative spaces, tasty dining options and proximity

Otautahi to incredible landscapes and adventures, Christchurch is your ideal basecamp for a getaway to Canterbury and the West Coast.

SCENIC HIGHLIGHTS

Let’s start with some of the must-sees in and around the Garden City.

· Botanic Gardens & Hagley Park: See the magnolias and orchids in full bloom in the mammoth green expanse of Hagley Park.

· Local beaches: Relax with Sumner’s surfing village vibe or wander along New Brighton’s pier and warm your chilly bones at the He Puna Taimoana hot pools.

· Akaroa & the Banks Peninsula: Situated beside a sparkling harbour in the cone of an ancient volcanic crater just a 90 minute drive away is this exceptional wildlife watching destination. Akaroa’s quaint, French-influenced streets are also home to plenty of boutique shops and restaurants.

WINING AND DINING

Cosying up with delicious food is the perfect way to while away a wintry day.

· The Terrace: This hub of cuisine overlooks the - Otakaro Avon River, and the nearby Riverside Market is the heart of eating and drinking in

Otautahi Christchurch.

Inati: Try the unforgettable chef’s table experience, with seasonally-inspired tasting plates that redefine traditional dining. · · ·

Evil Genius: Adventurous Asian fusion cuisine serving up tasty bite-sized plates inspired by Asia’s street food scene. Cassels & Sons Brewing: Enjoy a gorgeously rich double-cream stout in the heart of the converted Tannery shopping experience.

ARTS AND CULTURE

If the sun is shining, take a stroll along the city streets and take in the multitude of large-scale street art murals.

If the weather starts to turn, head indoors to explore the Arts Centre Te Mataiki Toi Ora, a hub of creativity featuring museums, galleries, boutique shops, a vintage-style cinema, artisan eateries, bars and more.

We recommend:

· Developing your own signature scent at Fragranzi Artisan Perfume Studio. Sampling handcrafted treats at The Fudge Cottage. Exploring the multi-sensory, interactive displays at Rutherford’s Den. · ·

RETAIL THERAPY

Shopping is the perfect antidote to those winter blues. · The Riverside Market: A local seven-day-aweek farmers market boasting a collection of bars, breweries, and small goods.

· City Mall: A central pedestrianised cross-section

of streets with plenty of great shopping options.

· The Tannery: For Kiwi-made, vintage art, antiques and designer clothing.

Lyttleton: A quirky township home to memorable bars, cafes and shops, and a creative community of residents. ·

ACTIVE ADVENTURES

Get the blood flowing and warm yourself up with one of these adventurous activities:

· Christchurch Adventure Park: Home to the only year-round mountain bike and zipline park in the world.

· The Port Hills: Has a wide range of accessible walking and biking trails to explore within the city limits.

Orana Wildlife Park: The only open-range zoo in New Zealand, the park sits on 80 hectares of land and is home to a variety of animals. Instead of seeing wildlife behind a fence or in a cage, watch them roam free and be educated on conservation and environmental issues. ·

Visit www.explorechc.com to start planning

Otautahi your winter holiday to Christchurch today.