Your Key To The New Christchurch

After 99 days at sea, my great-great grandfather arrived here in New Zealand from Great Britain, on the pioneering ship, the Randolph, on the 16th of December, 1850 and docking in Christchurch, officially becoming the oldest city in New Zealand, on the 31st of July, 1856. 

Fast forward to 2011, Mother Nature unleashd a tragic and devastating earthquake on our beautiful garden city and Christchurch was tested to the limit.  In spite of the great damage, we are growing again, stronger than ever, rebuilding the safest city in New Zealand.

With my personal list of the top well-established favourite’s and the quirky new places to be, allow me to guide you with the Keys to Christchurch City.

My Favourite Places in Christchurch

If it is your first time in Christchurch, take the Tram. Only minutes away from the hotel, and great value, the Tram is the perfect fun introduction to Christchurch, taking you past some of our best loved sights while teaching you about the history of the city. You can hop on and off as much as you wish since tickets are valid for the entire day.

At night, the Tramway is transformed into a one-of-a-kind dining experience. I can book you a table on the only restaurant tram in New Zealand offering you a unique opportunity to view the inner-city of Christchurch while enjoying a delicious three course dinner.

If the weather is fine, there is nothing better than punting on the River Avon. It is a romantic trip for two or a great way to entertain the whole family. My tip is to start at the beautiful Mona Vale gardens, not a lot of people know that you can punt from here. To top off your day, I will have our chef arrange a bespoke picnic hamper to spread out on the lawn for you.

Get up close and personal with the rarest dolphins in the world!  In Akaroa you can actually swim with these tiny, beautiful creatures.

For cat lovers traveling alone, lunch at the historic Boatshed café is a great option and to keep you company, I will arrange for resident in-house Max to sit at the table with you.

Being the Garden City, Christchurch isn’t short of beautiful landscaped gardens to stroll through. However, one of my favourites is The Giants House in Akaroa. This is a garden of national significance and commonly known as “The Happiest Garden on Earth”.

There is only one place to go for seafood in Christchurch, Pescatore. Lucky for you, it is only a few steps from your room at The George. Our restaurant’s wine list received again the highly coveted Best of Award of excellence 2017 by Wine Spectator. Let me know if you would like the private room.

Full of specialist boutique shops and cafes, Christchurch’s most beautiful street New Regent Street is a must visit if you are looking for some retail therapy.

Orana Park, New Zealand’s only open range zoo, is home to 400 animals spanning 70 species. Here you can see the only gorilla family in the country, feed the giraffes and of course enjoy our very own special native Kiwi bird.

Shopping at The Tannery is a must, but if you are short of time I will have the jewellers bring the gems for you to view in the privacy of your hotel suite.

Being close to the coast, Christchurch has access to some amazing beaches and none better than the beautiful Sumner. I will check for high and low tides for you if you fancy a go at surfing or running through the Caverock – if you dare, it’s a scream!

Take home the best souvenir ever, your very own painting. Paint ‘N’ Sip Studio Christchurch is a creative and fun night out – paint, sip, party, socialise.

Dim 7^th Jazz & Whisky Bar, with an amazing Japanese tapas Menu to boot, this newly opened bar has live music.  On a quiet night, if you wish to play let me know and I will ask the manager to get you on the stage.

Grand old Lady of Christchurch, Isaac Theatre Royal, the 100-year-old Edwardian heritage building is the finest performing arts theatre hosting some of the greatest theatrical names and shows in the world. Ask me what’s on.