Christchurch, New Zealand is my home town. I moved away in 2012 following a series of earthquakes which rocked the city and the lives of those who lived there at the time. After travelling overseas, I returned back to New Zealand and explored my own country with fresh eyes. And with some unexpectedly challenging, yet beautiful twists and turns I arrived back on home soil as 2020 draws to a close. This isn’t the Christchurch I left behind. But from the rubble something beautiful rose, like a phoenix from the ashes. I fell in love with my home all over again. So as Summer is upon us I thought I share some things to do in and around Christchurch city in case you were travelling through, or perhaps you’re local and you’re just looking for a good day trip. Here are a few ideas of things to do in Christchurch this Summer…

Christchurch Botanical Gardens

Christchurch Botanical Gardens is a stunning garden to spend some time, be it in a group or relax solo. Located right in the central city with plenty of free car parking available. During Summer there is a large kids swimming pool next to the playground as well as a small shop for ice cream and hot chips. If you’re looking for something more substantial Ilex Cafe offers a good range of lunch options to keep everybody happy. Christchurch Botanical Gardens has a wide range of indoor and outdoor gardens to explore, so take your time to walk around. During Summer the rose garden is particularly stunning. Or if you’re feeling like you’d just like to sit back and relax head to the Antigua Boat Shed and take a ride down the Avon River on a punting boat tour.

Lyttelton Farmers Market

For a real local vibe, nothing beats checking out the farmers market. Lyttelton Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 10 am to 1 pm, on London Street (in the middle of Lyttelton). Lyttelton is a great location, nestled at the base of the hills and has great views of the harbour. Get there early and get yourself some breakfast before picking up some fresh local produce, bread and deli ingredients. Many of the Lyttelton locals are visual artists and musicians which makes this place appealing to all your senses. Local musicians play every week as well as there are two crafts markets that run simultaneously to the Lyttelton Farmers Market.

Corsair Bay

Just a short drive from Lyttelton is the spectacular Corsair Bay. There’s plenty of free parking, a playground, change rooms/toilets, and grassy space to relax and picnic. The beach itself is sheltered with hardly any waves. Great spot for children or stand up paddle boarding as the water is usually calm and has a gentle incline out to sea.

Scarborough Beach

At the far end of Sumner, Christchurch is Scarbrough Beach. This sandy beach and rolling waves is a popular spot for surfing. If you fancy brunch with ocean views the Ocean Cafe and Bar Scarborough are located by the clocktower. On the other side of the cafe is a children’s swimming pool, playground and picnic area.

Christchurch Gondola

The Christchurch Gondola offers amazing views of Christchurch City, Lyttelton Harbour and beyond from the summit station on top of the Port Hills. 360-degree views of Christchurch to the Southern Alps. Look out over Bank Peninsula, the Canterbury Plains, Pegasus Bay and the Pacific Ocean. Once at the top you can explore the Summit Station or relax have some lunch and enjoy the view. A few walking tracks that run through the Port Hills come past the Summit, take the Bridle Path from the Summit which runs downhill to the Gondola car park if you would like to walk back.

Godley Head

For a healthy coastal trek with a splash of history, Godley Head has you covered. Beginning at Taylor’s Mistake Beach the three-hour round track (7km) takes you up away from the beach, along stunning coastline views before heading up to the Godley Head historic area, a World War II coastal defence battery. Located about 120 metres above the sea, this site is ranked as one of New Zealand's top 10 coastal defence heritage sites. Featuring old military buildings, tunnels, disappearing guns and underground storage rooms. Feel like spending a bit more time at Godley Head? The Department of Conservation (DOC) Awaroa/Godley Head Campsite allows you to stay on site. As it’s DOC it’s fairly basic facilities but also very affordable. Waking up to the birds singing and the sun rising over Banks Peninsula is absolutely magic.

Go for a drive over the Port Hills

Not keen on walking but still want to get a feel for Christchurch and Banks Peninsula has to offer? Get in your car and go for a drive. Start at the bottom of Dyers Pass Road (Cashmere) and follow the winding road. At the Sign of the Kiwi, the road will split and you can either continue on Dyers Pass Road or take Summit Road. Both options offer a great driving experience with an amazing view over Christchurch City and Banks Peninsula, with plenty of places to park and soak up the views.

A word of warning: these roads are winding and steep, as well as being shared with cyclists, take care and drive to the conditions.

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