Risen from the rubble
An all-new city paves the way for unique forays into the countryside
Marc Swain-Rogatski
14-Nov-2014
An outdoor cafe in Akaroa • Getty Images
Whether you have a whole weekend, or just a day free between World Cup games, take in as many of these unique destinations as you can.
Christchurch city
Exploring the city is a must, as it has changed drastically over the last few years. Since the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, the ground has finally settled and the city has built a number of funky new bars, restaurants and cool places to hang out.
Exploring the city is a must, as it has changed drastically over the last few years. Since the devastating earthquakes of 2010 and 2011, the ground has finally settled and the city has built a number of funky new bars, restaurants and cool places to hang out.
Though I'm from Christchurch myself, every time I head to the city, it seems there is a new place for me to try. There is a fresh buzz unique to the city, the people have a resolve to collectively move forward, and take pride in starting anew. It is an exciting time to be in the city.
Starting in Cashel Mall, a new set-up featuring pop-up shops crafted out of coloured shipping containers has a fresh and vibrant feel. The area is aptly named "Re-Start" mall. The containers feature great retail and cafés for coffee. There is a homage to the turbulent past few years in a museum called Shaky City.
New restaurants are already putting Christchurch back on the cuisine map. King of Snake in Victoria Street serves Euro-Thai fusion to a very funky clientele. Try the cocktail by the same name if you are feeling adventurous. In Latimer Square, a couple of blocks away, there is a beautiful memorial for the victims of the CTV building, which collapsed in the earthquake.
Across the road is world-famous Japanese designer Shigeru Ban's Cardboard Cathedral. More amazing artwork is opposite this in Latimer Square, with famous New Zealand artist Neil Dawson's "Spires" sculpture suspended over the grassy square. Walk through the streets and you'll see numerous displays of original art work on walls, and incredible pop-up sculptures, and pieces that you may only get the chance to see once.
The suburbs
While new places are opening in the city all the time, Christchurch's suburbs are keeping up the pace, offering some excellent new bars and eateries. In Woolston, The Tannery is an excellent upmarket shopping precinct. Next door is The Brewery, a relaxed bar with excellent homebrews. The Bodhi Tree in Ilam has mouth-watering Burmese food; their spin on an authentic chicken salad is to die for. The New York Deli and Addington Coffee Co-op represent the new Addington area. This area is fast becoming a place to be. Go for a walk down the beach in the relaxing Sumner suburb, and gaze upwards at the new hills that were formed by the quakes.
While new places are opening in the city all the time, Christchurch's suburbs are keeping up the pace, offering some excellent new bars and eateries. In Woolston, The Tannery is an excellent upmarket shopping precinct. Next door is The Brewery, a relaxed bar with excellent homebrews. The Bodhi Tree in Ilam has mouth-watering Burmese food; their spin on an authentic chicken salad is to die for. The New York Deli and Addington Coffee Co-op represent the new Addington area. This area is fast becoming a place to be. Go for a walk down the beach in the relaxing Sumner suburb, and gaze upwards at the new hills that were formed by the quakes.
Lyttleton
The port of Lyttelton, approximately 20 minutes from the central city, is accessible through a linked tunnel. The first European settlers of New Zealand arrived here. The area has a laidback, bohemian vibe. In the funky cafés and little shops you will find some unique treasures to fill your suitcase. Head to the Wunderbar on Friday night to hear an eclectic range of new live music. Wake up fresh on Saturday morning and head to Lyttelton's famous farmers market, where there is plenty of fresh food and treats to try. Short ferry trips run to Diamond Harbour, and from there onto Quail Island, which is a great half-day trip with the family. Rare birds and penguins native to New Zealand can be seen here.
The port of Lyttelton, approximately 20 minutes from the central city, is accessible through a linked tunnel. The first European settlers of New Zealand arrived here. The area has a laidback, bohemian vibe. In the funky cafés and little shops you will find some unique treasures to fill your suitcase. Head to the Wunderbar on Friday night to hear an eclectic range of new live music. Wake up fresh on Saturday morning and head to Lyttelton's famous farmers market, where there is plenty of fresh food and treats to try. Short ferry trips run to Diamond Harbour, and from there onto Quail Island, which is a great half-day trip with the family. Rare birds and penguins native to New Zealand can be seen here.
Kaikoura
A 140-minute drive will lead you to beautiful Kaikoura. Best known for its amazing wildlife, a must-do is taking a whale-watching trip. Truly an experience, you can see sperm whales all year round; during March you may catch a glimpse of an orca whale. Dusky dolphins can be seen swimming in the pristine water; fur seals make themselves at home on the shores. The Coastal Pacific train, which departs from Christchurch, is an excellent way to take in the views. The area is friendly, with tours and accommodation easily accessible.
A 140-minute drive will lead you to beautiful Kaikoura. Best known for its amazing wildlife, a must-do is taking a whale-watching trip. Truly an experience, you can see sperm whales all year round; during March you may catch a glimpse of an orca whale. Dusky dolphins can be seen swimming in the pristine water; fur seals make themselves at home on the shores. The Coastal Pacific train, which departs from Christchurch, is an excellent way to take in the views. The area is friendly, with tours and accommodation easily accessible.
Akaroa
Feel the French connection as you wander through this beautiful Banks Peninsula town. Approximately 75km from the city, Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement in a sheltered bay with an ancient volcano overlooking the town. Akaroa has its own unique feel, and on a sunny day is a beautiful place to be. Having amazingly fresh fish and chips while sitting at the water's edge, gazing out at the bay, is a beautiful way to spend the afternoon. Grab a gelato and have a look around some of the cool knick-knack shops. Eat at one of the many great restaurants, and remember to take some of the mouth-watering fudge from Pot Pourri back to the city with you. Take a ride on the Black Cat for a nature and wildlife cruise, and for a unique experience, you can even swim with dolphins.
Feel the French connection as you wander through this beautiful Banks Peninsula town. Approximately 75km from the city, Akaroa is a historic French and British settlement in a sheltered bay with an ancient volcano overlooking the town. Akaroa has its own unique feel, and on a sunny day is a beautiful place to be. Having amazingly fresh fish and chips while sitting at the water's edge, gazing out at the bay, is a beautiful way to spend the afternoon. Grab a gelato and have a look around some of the cool knick-knack shops. Eat at one of the many great restaurants, and remember to take some of the mouth-watering fudge from Pot Pourri back to the city with you. Take a ride on the Black Cat for a nature and wildlife cruise, and for a unique experience, you can even swim with dolphins.
Hanmer Springs
One of your first ports of call out of town has to be stunning Hanmer Springs. An hour and 45 minutes away from the city by car, it is a relaxed, scenic escape. Taking a nature walk through the forest while listening to birdsong is a most relaxing past time. Feel your body wind down from the city stress as you make your way back to your accommodation, grab your swimming gear and go for a soak in the famous thermal hot pools. Treat yourself to more quiet time with a private hot-pool room. The quaint town area offers excellent gourmet pizzas, and places to get a cold beer.
One of your first ports of call out of town has to be stunning Hanmer Springs. An hour and 45 minutes away from the city by car, it is a relaxed, scenic escape. Taking a nature walk through the forest while listening to birdsong is a most relaxing past time. Feel your body wind down from the city stress as you make your way back to your accommodation, grab your swimming gear and go for a soak in the famous thermal hot pools. Treat yourself to more quiet time with a private hot-pool room. The quaint town area offers excellent gourmet pizzas, and places to get a cold beer.
Lake Tekapo
A three-and-half-hour drive from the city through picture-postcard country lies Lake Tekapo. Rent one of the well-equipped cottages dotted around the lake, and wake up to the beauty of the still lake. Its glimmery shine is gorgeous at all times of the day. At night, Tekapo offers one of the clearest night skies in the world. Hot pools, outdoor ice-skating and excellent walks are part of the fun. For more extensive activity, ski fields are close by.
A three-and-half-hour drive from the city through picture-postcard country lies Lake Tekapo. Rent one of the well-equipped cottages dotted around the lake, and wake up to the beauty of the still lake. Its glimmery shine is gorgeous at all times of the day. At night, Tekapo offers one of the clearest night skies in the world. Hot pools, outdoor ice-skating and excellent walks are part of the fun. For more extensive activity, ski fields are close by.
Marc Swain-Rogatski is a Christchurch-based writer. He is a lover of all things sport, with his number one passion being cricket