How To Spend 48 Hours In Christchurch New Zealand

Welcome to Christchurch, the biggest city in the South Island. In 2011, it was shaken up and beaten up by a terrible earthquake. The town centre was practically destroyed and many, many people were made homeless. However, Cantabrians are a hardy and resilient bunch, and Christchurch is fresh and thriving once again. With the majestic Southern Alps as a backdrop, Christchurch is the perfect place to use as a base for your excursions or spend a weekend away. Check out our guide on how to spend a ripper couple of days in the fair Garden City.

Day 1

Breakfast/Brunch

Now, if you intend to become a veritable sponge of culture, soak in all the sights that Christchurch has to offer and immerse yourself in a few activities, then it’s imperative that you wrap yourself around the outside of a good breakfast (or brunch, if you’ve set your sleeping pattern to holiday mode). Christchurch has heaps of options when it comes to stoking up the fire after it’s been banked for the night. Why not grab one of the best artisan cups of coffee in town at The Caffeine Laboratory, followed by a hearty breakfast — our pick is the “mushroom medley” — at Addington Coffee Co-op.

Lunch

The key to any good day of sightseeing is to keep the strength up. There’s nothing worse than when you’re in the middle of some enlightening tour and the old stomach starts barking and growling. Strengthening meals are the key then. Utilise these strategic stops to experience some more of Chirstchurch’s culinary delights. Bacon Brothers for burgers, Zen Sushi and Dumplings or Dux Dine for a lovely nosh of seafood are all certain winners. However, it’s hard to beat Dimitris for a healthy, cheap and filling Greek lunch, and conveniently he is located at the next stop in our guide.

Dinner

Christchurch is teeming with excellent dining options. Check out our guide to help narrow the search.

Day 2

A Round of Golf

Why not walk off lunch with a round of the gentleman’s sport. There is quite the selection of golf courses in and around Christchurch. If you fancy being outside, and indulging in nine or 18 of the best, then the simply named Christchurch Golf Club is a fine bet, although you really can’t go wrong.

45 Horseshoe Lake Rd, Shirley, Christchurch +64 3-385 9506

A Last Shot of Culture

No visit to Christchurch would be complete without a walk past the Cathedral. After you’ve taken in this Christchurch icon, make your way to Canterbury Museum where you can have a look at Antarctic and Maori focused exhibitions. Once your cultural hunger has been sated, it’s time to pick another winning restaurant and enjoy a your last dinner in the Garden City.