South Island gems

Garth
South Island gems

Sightseeing

Fantastic throwback in time with a lot of historical buildings, cafes, bars with a lovely French flavour. There are plenty of opportunities for adventure or to simply relax. Book yourself on one of the many tours and enjoy the stunning scenery.
18 locals recommend
Akaroa
18 locals recommend
Fantastic throwback in time with a lot of historical buildings, cafes, bars with a lovely French flavour. There are plenty of opportunities for adventure or to simply relax. Book yourself on one of the many tours and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Christchurch has had a remarkable transformation following the devastating earthquakes. Out of the ruins of the old CBD a new vibrant one has risen loaded with brand new buildings that are now home to amazing, funky restaurants, bars, cafes and eateries. I'd recommend hiring one of the many electric scooters that dot the landscape and get your adventurer on!
44 locals recommend
Christchurch Central
44 locals recommend
Christchurch has had a remarkable transformation following the devastating earthquakes. Out of the ruins of the old CBD a new vibrant one has risen loaded with brand new buildings that are now home to amazing, funky restaurants, bars, cafes and eateries. I'd recommend hiring one of the many electric scooters that dot the landscape and get your adventurer on!
Hanmer is a quaint alpine town located a very easy 1.5hr drive north of Christchurch. Hanmer is a mecca for those wanting to get their adrenaline fixes in the form of bungy jumping, jet boating, and mountain biking. it's also home to the famous hot pools and the newly added waterslides, which bost to be the longest and fastest in NZ.
64 locals recommend
Hanmer Springs
64 locals recommend
Hanmer is a quaint alpine town located a very easy 1.5hr drive north of Christchurch. Hanmer is a mecca for those wanting to get their adrenaline fixes in the form of bungy jumping, jet boating, and mountain biking. it's also home to the famous hot pools and the newly added waterslides, which bost to be the longest and fastest in NZ.
For those that are wanting a little more adrenaline in their lives, this is the place to go! Serviced by a chairlift that takes you to the top to begin your run, the CAP boasts some awesome runs for ALL experience levels and stunning views of Christchurch CBD and the Canterbury plains.
100 locals recommend
Christchurch Adventure Park
225 Worsleys Road
100 locals recommend
For those that are wanting a little more adrenaline in their lives, this is the place to go! Serviced by a chairlift that takes you to the top to begin your run, the CAP boasts some awesome runs for ALL experience levels and stunning views of Christchurch CBD and the Canterbury plains.
Close to all Cantabs hearts.... THE Earthquakes. This gives travelers a great idea of what Christchurch and the surrounds went through. Learn about what happened through some amazing displays and interactions.
40 locals recommend
Quake City
299 Durham St N
40 locals recommend
Close to all Cantabs hearts.... THE Earthquakes. This gives travelers a great idea of what Christchurch and the surrounds went through. Learn about what happened through some amazing displays and interactions.
Queenstown is a MUST for anyone traveling the South Island. Dubbed the adrenaline capital of NZ...It certainly lives up to its name. You name it you'll find it in QT - Skydive over the lake and the mountains, Bungy jumping, jet boating, canyon swing, just to name a few. For those who like their heart rates to be within normal operating ranges - there is also plenty on offer in QT. Fergburger, Fergbakery, Fat Badgers Pizza, Eichardt's bar, Botswana butchery...the list goes on folks. If Gastronomy is your thing, this is the place for you.
95 locals recommend
Queenstown
95 locals recommend
Queenstown is a MUST for anyone traveling the South Island. Dubbed the adrenaline capital of NZ...It certainly lives up to its name. You name it you'll find it in QT - Skydive over the lake and the mountains, Bungy jumping, jet boating, canyon swing, just to name a few. For those who like their heart rates to be within normal operating ranges - there is also plenty on offer in QT. Fergburger, Fergbakery, Fat Badgers Pizza, Eichardt's bar, Botswana butchery...the list goes on folks. If Gastronomy is your thing, this is the place for you.
Located north of Queenstown, Wanaka is simply stunning. Smaller than QT, but equally as interesting. Wanaka has a boatload on offer. Winter especially is an enchanting time of the year to be here.
78 locals recommend
Wanaka
78 locals recommend
Located north of Queenstown, Wanaka is simply stunning. Smaller than QT, but equally as interesting. Wanaka has a boatload on offer. Winter especially is an enchanting time of the year to be here.
HANDS DOWN! My favourite bar in New Zealand. This place simply oozes charm, history, warmth, and character. If these walls could talk! Grab a beer and head out back to the beer garden and pull up a log near the outdoor open fireplace. You won't be disappointed.
91 locals recommend
Cardrona Hotel
Cardrona Valley Road
91 locals recommend
HANDS DOWN! My favourite bar in New Zealand. This place simply oozes charm, history, warmth, and character. If these walls could talk! Grab a beer and head out back to the beer garden and pull up a log near the outdoor open fireplace. You won't be disappointed.
Located on the coastal road north of Christchurch, Kaikoura is a great place to visit and check out the coastal vibe. Cut off for a long time as a result of the 7.8 Mag 2016 earthquake, Kaikoura has bounced back. It's a very popular spot for whale and seal watching and a fantastic spot for fishing and gathering other Kai Moana (Maori for Seafood). Definitely make sure you get up here to have a look at what Kaikoura has to offer and to pay witness to the devastating power Mother nature had on the landscape.
35 locals recommend
Kaikoura
35 locals recommend
Located on the coastal road north of Christchurch, Kaikoura is a great place to visit and check out the coastal vibe. Cut off for a long time as a result of the 7.8 Mag 2016 earthquake, Kaikoura has bounced back. It's a very popular spot for whale and seal watching and a fantastic spot for fishing and gathering other Kai Moana (Maori for Seafood). Definitely make sure you get up here to have a look at what Kaikoura has to offer and to pay witness to the devastating power Mother nature had on the landscape.
Lake Tekapo (Te-ka-po) is a must see place. The views are spectacular. Snow capped mountains, brown tussock covered plains and hills and an aqua/teal coloured lake which is breathtaking!
52 locals recommend
Lake Tekapo
52 locals recommend
Lake Tekapo (Te-ka-po) is a must see place. The views are spectacular. Snow capped mountains, brown tussock covered plains and hills and an aqua/teal coloured lake which is breathtaking!
31 locals recommend
Aoraki / Mount Cook
31 locals recommend
14 locals recommend
Cave Stream Scenic Reserve
14 locals recommend
43 locals recommend
Godley Head Carpark
43 locals recommend
If you’re into your snow sports then Mt Hutt has what you need.
32 locals recommend
Mt Hutt Ski Area
32 locals recommend
If you’re into your snow sports then Mt Hutt has what you need.
297 locals recommend
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Rolleston Avenue
297 locals recommend
247 locals recommend
Christchurch Gondola
247 locals recommend
123 locals recommend
International Antarctic Centre
38 Orchard Rd
123 locals recommend

Neighbourhoods

Sumner is a very trendy beachside suburb of Christchurch. It's a fantastic place to come and chill out on the beach, wax up the surfboard and catch a wave or simply check out the awesome array of cafes, bars, and restaurants. A short drive over the hill and you're at Taylors Mistake. Follow the ocean track and you're on your way along a stunning track towards historic Godley head. Once you've worked up a thirst, we recommend you head to The Village inn, where the awesome staff can take care of you.
64 locals recommend
Sumner
64 locals recommend
Sumner is a very trendy beachside suburb of Christchurch. It's a fantastic place to come and chill out on the beach, wax up the surfboard and catch a wave or simply check out the awesome array of cafes, bars, and restaurants. A short drive over the hill and you're at Taylors Mistake. Follow the ocean track and you're on your way along a stunning track towards historic Godley head. Once you've worked up a thirst, we recommend you head to The Village inn, where the awesome staff can take care of you.
99 locals recommend
Lyttelton
99 locals recommend
Get out and explore all the new buildings, shops, restaurants & bars. The CBD is an amazing place to explore!
44 locals recommend
Christchurch Central
44 locals recommend
Get out and explore all the new buildings, shops, restaurants & bars. The CBD is an amazing place to explore!

Food scene

SERIOUSLY! You have to stop here and grab yourself a Fairlie bakery pie...and if you still have room...one of their Cronut/Doughnuts. You won't be disappointed. Just be prepared for a little wait to be served as the word is out and they're very very popular!
41 locals recommend
Fairlie Bakehouse
7925, 74 Main St
41 locals recommend
SERIOUSLY! You have to stop here and grab yourself a Fairlie bakery pie...and if you still have room...one of their Cronut/Doughnuts. You won't be disappointed. Just be prepared for a little wait to be served as the word is out and they're very very popular!
Mind Blown! If Gastronomy is your bag, this is one of the many places you should check out!
180 locals recommend
Little High Eatery
255 St Asaph St
180 locals recommend
Mind Blown! If Gastronomy is your bag, this is one of the many places you should check out!
Christchurch's newest offering to the food/bar/cafes scene. A MUST for all visitors.
99 locals recommend
Riverside Market
96 Oxford Terrace
99 locals recommend
Christchurch's newest offering to the food/bar/cafes scene. A MUST for all visitors.
If you're like me and you love your BBQ and smoked foods then look no further. The Smokey T’s crew will have you covered....in their signature BBQ sauce. Only Open Thursday through Sunday. Bookings strongly recommended in the evenings as it's a VERY popular place.
Smokey T's
314 Cashel St
If you're like me and you love your BBQ and smoked foods then look no further. The Smokey T’s crew will have you covered....in their signature BBQ sauce. Only Open Thursday through Sunday. Bookings strongly recommended in the evenings as it's a VERY popular place.
I'm biased when it comes to The Village Inn. It's our local, it's awesome, it's chilled and it's uber friendly. Aaron and Cate (The owners) will welcome you in and seriously take care of you. A favourite amongst locals and for good reason! If you're staying with us....there's a fair chance you may end up here!
7 locals recommend
The Village Inn Sumner
41B Nayland St
7 locals recommend
I'm biased when it comes to The Village Inn. It's our local, it's awesome, it's chilled and it's uber friendly. Aaron and Cate (The owners) will welcome you in and seriously take care of you. A favourite amongst locals and for good reason! If you're staying with us....there's a fair chance you may end up here!
Another Fantastic option if you find yourself in the CBD and in need of immediate watering and feeding!
8 locals recommend
Cleaver and Co
58 Lichfield St
8 locals recommend
Another Fantastic option if you find yourself in the CBD and in need of immediate watering and feeding!
Authentic NYC style pizza.
Sal's Pizza
146 Lichfield St
Authentic NYC style pizza.
If you like your craft beer, then look no further! This place is awesome!
6 locals recommend
The Craft Embassy
126 Oxford Terrace
6 locals recommend
If you like your craft beer, then look no further! This place is awesome!
Asian fusion at its finest. Great food to had here that’s for sure!
9 locals recommend
Miss Peppercorn 花椒小姐
32 Nayland St
9 locals recommend
Asian fusion at its finest. Great food to had here that’s for sure!
Amazing selection of craft beers here and an equally amazing selection of food!
CBK Craft Bar & Kitchen Ferrymead
23 Humphreys Dr
Amazing selection of craft beers here and an equally amazing selection of food!
25 locals recommend
Le Xom
6 Wakefield Ave
25 locals recommend