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South Island · Explorer’s field notes

How to Christchurch

A garden city reborn with street art, new architecture and easy reach to Akaroa's French past.

Watch on YouTube What to avoid

Christchurch videos from the Hôtel du Van founders are coming soon to the Stay Scene channel.

AVOID · Christchurch

What to avoid in Christchurch

  • Driving the van up Dyers Pass Road — steep, narrow and full of cyclists.
  • Arriving at drop-off without refuelling and emptying the tanks.
  • Parking in the central city on weekdays without checking time limits.
Do not make these mistakes

The top ten

Where to go, eat & take coffee

Places to explore, eat and stock up along the way.

  1. Christchurch Botanic Gardens, Christchurch1See & do

    Christchurch Botanic Gardens

    Twenty-one hectares of gardens beside the Avon River.

    Rolleston Avenue, Christchurch Central 8013
  2. Punting on the Avon, Christchurch2See & do

    Punting on the Avon

    Glide past the gardens with a boater-hatted punter.

    Antigua Boat Sheds, 2 Cambridge Terrace, Christchurch 8013
  3. Christchurch Gondola, Christchurch3See & do

    Christchurch Gondola

    Up the Port Hills for views to the Southern Alps and Lyttelton Harbour.

    10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote, Christchurch 8022
  4. International Antarctic Centre, Christchurch4See & do

    International Antarctic Centre

    Little blue penguins and a real Antarctic storm — perfect on drop-off day.

    38 Orchard Road, Christchurch Airport 8052
  5. Akaroa, Christchurch5See & do

    Akaroa

    A French-settled harbour village with dolphin cruises and patisseries.

    Banks Peninsula, Akaroa 7520
  6. Transitional (Cardboard) Cathedral, Christchurch6See & do

    Transitional (Cardboard) Cathedral

    Shigeru Ban's striking cathedral built after the 2011 earthquake.

    234 Hereford Street, Christchurch 8011
  7. Riverside Market, Christchurch7Eat

    Riverside Market

    An indoor food market by the river — breakfast to late dinner.

    96 Oxford Terrace, Christchurch Central 8011
  8. Twenty Seven Steps, Christchurch8Eat

    Twenty Seven Steps

    Refined local cooking above the pastel shopfronts of New Regent Street.

    16 New Regent Street, Christchurch Central 8011
  9. Little High Eatery, Christchurch9Eat

    Little High Eatery

    A lively food hall where everyone can choose their own dinner.

    255 St Asaph Street, Christchurch Central 8011
  10. C1 Espresso, Christchurch10Coffee

    C1 Espresso

    Sliders delivered by pneumatic tube — children love it.

    185 High Street, Christchurch Central 8011

Do not make these mistakes!

  1. 1. Rushing the Akaroa road

    The Hilltop descent is long and winding. Allow 90 minutes each way and use low gear downhill.

  2. 2. Leaving drop-off to the last hour

    Plan to arrive the evening before flights, and allow time to repack the van.

  3. 3. Freedom camping in the city

    Christchurch limits it to a handful of sites. Book a holiday park for your last night.

Continue the voyage

How to AucklandHow to RotoruaHow to NapierHow to WellingtonHow to NelsonHow to QueenstownHow to DunedinHow to KerikeriHow to WhangāreiHow to RaglanHow to CambridgeHow to Hahei & Hot Water BeachHow to TaupōHow to GisborneHow to New PlymouthHow to PictonHow to KaikōuraHow to Lake TekapoHow to WānakaHow to Te Anau

Photos are AI-generated illustrations. Opening hours and rules change — check before you go.

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