Explore Otautahi
Adventures
Places to get out and explore the kiwi way!
Castle Hill
Just an hour away, this sacred site is definitely worth the beautiful trip up.
An awesome rocky beach where you can find lots of cool specimens. There is also a little crystal and gem shop in the town. A great place to see geology in action.
Birdlings Flat
An awesome rocky beach where you can find lots of cool specimens. There is also a little crystal and gem shop in the town. A great place to see geology in action.
Get up close to the Hector’s dolphins, penguins, and seals, while cruising the majestic Akaroa harbour. We whole heartedly recommend this wildlife excursion.
15 locals recommend
Black Cat Cruises
Get up close to the Hector’s dolphins, penguins, and seals, while cruising the majestic Akaroa harbour. We whole heartedly recommend this wildlife excursion.
Rakaia Gorge Walkway
609 Rakaia Gorge RdNora’s Reccomendations
Where to go according to our 6yo daughter! All the best parks, playgrounds, etc.
Margaret Mahy Playground
Armagh Street
Willowbank Wildlife Reserve
60 Hussey Rd
Orana Wildlife Park
793 McLeans Island RdA very cool Zoo with a relaxed atmosphere.
Selwyn Aquatic Centre
71 Broadlands Dr
YMCA's Clip 'n' Climb
239 Waltham RdGreat indoor fun for kids or adults
A great playground for the kids! Just across from the aquatic center.
Foster Park Adventure Playground
A great playground for the kids! Just across from the aquatic center.
Food scene
Delicious food made mostly with food grown on site. Organic and many dietary options. A must for lunch!
Kawa Cafe
223 Quaifes RdDelicious food made mostly with food grown on site. Organic and many dietary options. A must for lunch!
Hartnell's
597 Springs RdYummy cafe with great coffee!
Our favourite place for lunch. Located in a garden centre with a great gift shop attached. Some of the best food in the city!
9 locals recommend
Terra Viva Cafe
242 Roydvale AveOur favourite place for lunch. Located in a garden centre with a great gift shop attached. Some of the best food in the city!
Little High Eatery
255 St Asaph St
Ilex Café
Amazonita
126 Oxford TerraceGreat atmosphere and delicious drinks and food. Date night!
Terrace Tavern
138 Oxford TerraceWe know the chef!
Local gems
Local treasures, secret spots, one of a kind places
Find incredible food and a huge array of local art at this one of a kind gallery and cafe. Halfway between here and Akaroa, it’s a great place for brunch!
17 locals recommend
Little River Gallery
Christchurch Akaroa RoadFind incredible food and a huge array of local art at this one of a kind gallery and cafe. Halfway between here and Akaroa, it’s a great place for brunch!
An amazing huge installation within a garden... interactive art and a great gallery. Not to mention the views over Akaroa harbour.
26 locals recommend
The Giants House
70 Rue BalguerieAn amazing huge installation within a garden... interactive art and a great gallery. Not to mention the views over Akaroa harbour.
This is just around the corner from us. There is a reflecting pool, many different areas of gardens with some exceptional beauty on show.
Broadfields New Zealand Landscape Garden
250 Selwyn RdThis is just around the corner from us. There is a reflecting pool, many different areas of gardens with some exceptional beauty on show.
Sightseeing
A great museum to visit with cool exhibits and a neat kids area. Free entry!
390 locals recommend
Canterbury Museum
66 Rolleston AveA great museum to visit with cool exhibits and a neat kids area. Free entry!
Punting on the Avon
2 Cambridge TerraceA scenic day out in the heart of Otutahi! There is a playground, paddle pool, river, ducks to feed, and great cafes. What’s not to love?
297 locals recommend
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Rolleston AvenueA scenic day out in the heart of Otutahi! There is a playground, paddle pool, river, ducks to feed, and great cafes. What’s not to love?