YOUR PERFECT LONG WEEKEND IN ŌTAUTAHI CHRISTCHURCH WITH ELECTRIC AVENUE
With Electric Avenue introducing an epic second day of festival fun, a long weekend in Ōtautahi Christchurch is looking better than ever. With more time to experience everything the city has to offer, it’s time to start planning for an unforgettable few days in the city.
From rooftop bars to relaxing green spaces, Ōtautahi offers the perfect balance of time to play and time to chill. Make the most of your weekend and check out all there is to see do in Christchurch.
Brunch to kick off festivities
There’s no better way to kick off a jam-packed weekend than with a delicious brunch and we are spoilt in Christchurch with an epic café and coffee scene – it’s seriously good! If you are staying in the central city, you’ll find a bustling collection of cafes run by passionate and friendly locals. Many are walking distance from Cashel Mall and favourites include Miro, Quad Eatery, Akin, Dainty and C1. Other great options a little further out of the central city include Hello Sunday, Little Poms, Grizzly Baked Goods and Noki. Explore brunch options here
Cruise around the city
As a relatively flat city, Christchurch is the perfect place to explore by bike. It also makes for a great way to find your bearings in an unfamiliar place and experience the city up close and personal. Chill Bike Tours offer multiple different tour routes, including the Garden City Bike Tour and the Urban Explorer Bike Tour, which are both 2.5 hours. There are also options for longer tours, including the private Food and Wine Tour, and the City to Sea Electric Bike Tour. Your expert tour guide will teach you some of the fascinating history and rebuilding of Christchurch, and show you some of the city’s hidden gems, (the kind that even locals don’t know about!)
Tick off some Ōtautahi bucket list items
Christchurch is full of unique attractions and special experiences. A bucketload of adrenalin awaits you at Christchurch Adventure Park – home to New Zealand’s longest and highest zipline. Take the chairlift to the top and get back to home base using four epic ziplines. Or for a slower pace, Christchurch Attractions operates Punting on the Avon, the Christchurch Gondola and the Christchurch Tram. It’s not a visit to Christchurch without ticking off at least one of these iconic experiences! If you would rather explore on foot, discover the city’s incredible street art scene. A stroll through the inner city reveals colourful artworks decorating the sides of buildings in every direction.
Tasty casual eats for lunch
You’re never short of tasty lunch spots in the inner city, including Christchurch’s modern twist on a traditional food court, Little High Eatery. From Bacon Brother burgers to Base Woodfire Pizza, this is the perfect spot for larger groups where everyone fancies something different! Or check out one of Ōtautahi’s most loved foodie spots Riverside Market. With an array of local businesses calling the indoor market home, wander the stalls and the delicious delights. For an easy lunch on the go, choose a loaded salad bowl from Herba Gourmet or fresh sandwiches from Bellbird Bakery. If the sun is shining, park up at one of the outdoor tables and dig into souvlakis from Dimitris Greek Food or a flavourful curry from Dosa Kitchen.
Check out the craft beer scene
There’s nothing better than an ice-cold beer to kick off a big weekend of festival fun. Christchurch is home to a passionate community of breweries and craft-beer enthusiasts, located in the city and slightly further afield.
The incredible selection of local breweries include Cassels, Two Thumb Brewing, Three Boys, Eruption, Wigram Brewing, Volstead Brewing, the Beer Baroness at Pomeroy’s and great ale houses like Punky Brewster, Craft Embassy and Moon Under Water. Explore here
World-class dining and cocktails
Christchurch has an exquisite culinary scene, with the evening dining options ranging from sophisticated restaurants, cosy pubs and rooftop bars to casual dining alfresco style. Head to The Terrace, set along the Ōtākaro Avon River, where you’ll find many of the city’s best eateries and bars. Have a delicious Italian dinner at Original Sin, tasty bites at Delilah or some classy drinks at cocktail bar Kong. With its colourful, Spanish Mission style architecture, New Regent Street also boasts an abundance of unique restaurants, vibrant bars and indulgent dessert spots. Go for fine dining or more casual eats, sip away at whiskey lounge The Last Word or head straight for something sweet at Rollickin Gelato. If you nab a table outside you might even catch the tram running down the middle of the street.
Hit the shops
If you are keen to hit the shops for a last-minute festival outfit or dose of retail therapy, then head straight to The Crossing. Located in the centre of town with easy parking and accessibility, you’ll be in retail and dining heaven. Explore the high end, boutique and popular fashion stores, treat yourself at one of the fantastic cafes or lunch spots, or check out the luxurious day spa for ultimate relaxation. You’ll love spending some time exploring the inner-city streets and indulging just a little (or a lot).
