CHRISTCHURCH ACCOMMODATION ATTRACTIONS & ACTIVITIES

Sit back and relax as your authentic Edwardian punter gently takes you down the Avon River highlighting points of interest along the way. All punt rides take 30 minutes return. With city and park landing sites available, you choose what part of the river to explore. Summer or winter, glide along the peaceful Avon River in Christchurch, wrapped in luxury, as a skilled boatperson propels you through a romantic wonderland. In spring and summer the sunbeams sparkle and ducklings dive; in autumn and winter the river-level view provides magical photographs.

Discover one of the world's premiere military aviation collections at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand; from aircraft, engines and assorted displays to medals, pin-ups and parachute-silk wedding dresses. Marvel at the collection of classic aircraft, be inspired by the bravery of present and past servicemen, servicewomen and their families, fly a simulator, take a guided tour and step back in time in a replica 1940s home. Your journey through the Air Force Museum of New Zealand will be something very special.

Take out a canoe, kayak, paddleboat or traditional rowboat or Canadian canoe on the Avon River to see the beauty of Christchurch Botanic Gardens. Double and single kayaks available. They also offer cycle hire with flexible hire times from an hour to a week or more. Perhaps just sit back with breakfast, brunch, lunch or a cappuccino and unwind by the Avon River at the licensed café with a great menu selection. Beside Christchurch Botanic Gardens and across from Christchurch Public Hospital. Open 7 days.

The South Island's only dedicated factory outlet shopping centre, situated at Hornby, Christchurch. Over 60 outlet stores selling best-known brands in fashion, childrenswear, sportswear, adventure wear, footwear, and accessories up to 70% below normal retail prices.

Enjoy a journey in style through the changing face of Christchurch's city centre on board a beautifully restored heritage tram, one of Christchurch's leading attractions. The friendly and knowledgeable drivers will inform you about the city, its landmarks and local sights. Your day-long ticket allows you to get on and off the tram as often as you please!

Nowhere else in New Zealand will you find such a wide range of New Zealand wildlife. Willowbank provides you with a "Kiwi Guarantee" and is home to New Zealand's largest and most accessible kiwi viewing area. You will see one of the most complete selections of New Zealand native and introduced wildlife in natural bush surroundings. Much wildlife wanders free and is able to be petted and fed.

Hassle-free Tours invites you to join them on one of their fun and exciting attractions in and around the Christchurch and Canterbury region. Whether you're looking for a scenic experience into the breathtaking Southern Alps of New Zealand, a visit to a Lord of the Rings filming location or you'd like to discover Christchurch from the top deck of our Classic London Double Decker bus, they have something to suit everyone. They also provide a range of specialised tours and can custom-design an itinerary for your group.

Set in 80 hectares of park-like grounds, Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand's only open-range zoo. Scheduled animal feeds occur throughout the day and these unique encounters get visitors up close to endangered animals at set times: hand-feed giraffes, see tigers search for food, meet massive rhinoceros in a 'face-to-face' encounter, stroll through native bird aviaries to see a range of NZ forest birds and the kea, the world's only mountain parrot.

The International Antarctic Centre is fantastic fun for all ages! Located in a unique working Antarctic campus, the International Antarctic Centre has twice been judged New Zealand's best attraction. Conveniently situated across from Christchurch International Airport, it is the ideal location to "chill out" and experience Antarctica, without even stepping foot on the icy continent.

Best known as the home of Canterbury rugby, AMI Stadium has a seating capacity of over 18,000 people for sporting events – a capacity that extends to 30,000 for concerts. The ground and buildings were redeveloped following the earthquakes and now serve as the venue for provincial and international rugby union and league matches, and outdoor arena concerts and shows.

Canterbury Museum is world-renowned for its natural and human history collections. Housed in an exquisite historic building are outstanding Maori exhibits, a Victorian Christchurch Street, an extensive Antarctic collection and interactive fun for the children in Discovery. Entry to the museum is free; donations are appreciated.

Head to Addington Raceway for a day of fun and entertainment. Enjoy the races, fashion and cup events. Addington Raceway is the home of the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club, Spectators Bar and Bistro and one of Christchurch's leading event and conference centres.

Stroll the heritage village with its church, school house, bakery, jail, homes, printers, grocery store, post office and railway station – a snapshot of Christchurch life in the early 1900s. Explore the fascinating collections in the specialty museums, including aeronautics, fire engines, rural history, Hall of Wheels and model railroad. Trams run 7 days per week. Browse timeless treasures and treats in the gift shop, bring a picnic or enjoy a snack in the rose garden, or try sweet and savoury food baked in a wood-fired oven.

Climb aboard one of the world's most famous train journeys, between Christchurch and Greymouth. Cross the fertile farmlands of the Canterbury Plains and enjoy thrilling vistas over deep gorges as you travel alongside the ice-fed Waimakariri River. Traverse the mighty Southern Alps, where spectacular views of the chiselled alpine landscape will take your breath away at every turn. Descend through thick stands of native beech forest to your destination, Greymouth – a great base for exploring this unspoiled region with its mighty glaciers, wild rivers and famous Punakaiki pancake rocks.

In 2008 Addington Coffee Co-op café was established in an old mechanic's workshop. The plan: create a place of belonging for the local community, while still preserving the architectural features now so rare in post-earthquake Christchurch. They serve their house roasted Jailbreaker Coffee, a selection of sweet and savoury cabinet treats, and their famous brunch menu. The café has free WiFi and you can even bring your dirty washing as they even have their own coin-operated laundromat.

If you like the best shops, you'll absolutely love Westfield Riccarton. You'll find over 180 premium stores and cafés in one perfectly central place, just moments from the CBD and within 10 minutes of the airport.

Ko Tane Living Maori Village at Willowbank Wildlife Reserve is where Maori culture and conservation meet to give a unique glimpse into the way of life of the South Island Ngai Tahu Maori people before the arrival of the Europeans.

Situated in front of the Christchurch Railway Station, Tower Junction is a large outdoor shopping centre with large department and homeware stores, NZ Post Shop, hardware store, electronic stores, clothing stores and lots more.