Travelers visiting New Zealand’s South Island will likely arrive via Christchurch before heading on to higher-profile destinations such as Queenstown or Milford Sound. But this hip and walkable city shouldn’t just be passed through — on a recent visit, I found it to be the perfect place to spend a relaxed day or two before my high-adrenaline journey around the island. Here are some suggestions for a chilled-out city escape.
Where to Eat: Food Halls for the Win
I’m a sucker for a fun food hall — and luckily for me, Christchurch has two standout offerings. The more traditional Riverside Market offers both fresh products and prepared fare, the latter of which ranges from coffee and pastries to pizza, crepes, dosa and much more. After sampling a Vietnamese banh mi [italicize bahn mi] sandwich and a mini meat pie, I wandered through a slew of cute shops, browsing for souvenirs.
Riverside Market is home to a variety of global goodies.
Credit: 2025 Miles Holden
For a more modern food market take, there’s Little High Eatery, packed with young locals on a night out with friends. Visitors can peruse one mega-menu outlining the nine dining options, then head to their stand of choice for fried chicken, Chinese noodles and dumplings, sushi, tacos and more.
Where to Sleep: Crowne Plaza Christchurch
For a centrally located, reasonably priced accommodation option, Crowne Plaza Christchurch (an IHG hotel) ticked all the boxes for me. My modern room felt sleek and fresh, and featured a window seat, an upscale bathroom and a plush bed that set me up for some much-needed deep sleep post-travel. And the hotel’s ideal location was within walking distance of all the stops on my Christchurch hit list — in fact, I visited every point of interest in this story on foot.
Crowne Plaza Christchurch offers modern, comfortable guestrooms.
Credit: 2025 IHG Hotels & ResortsWhere to Play: Sprawling Gardens and Charming Streets
There’s perhaps no better way to while away a few hours in Christchurch than with a stroll through its sprawling Botanic Gardens — don’t miss the Central Rose Garden or the dahlia collection, with their technicolor blooms in a rainbow of shades. Should the mood strike, travelers can top off the experience with a tranquil punt-boat ride on the Avon River, followed by a leisurely beverage and bite at the Curator’s House, which serves delightful Spanish tapas in a historic, 1920s environment.
The city’s verdant Botanic Gardens are a must-visit.
Credit: 2025 Kelly RosenfeldNew Regent Street is another must-wander area. While not expansive, the quaint street is lined with colorful buildings housing quirky shops and charming eateries with abundant outdoor seating (Rollickin Gelato is worth a stop). Clients can also catch a ride on the heritage tram, which makes a 50-minute loop around town with hop-on, hop-off privileges.
