The rebuilding of Christchurch continues apace.
Exciting new bars and restaurants appear almost daily including the Riverside Market.
Click here for our full list of recommended local dining.
Shopping precincts fill the city centre too.
Modern architectural design now sits alongside fully restored historical buildings and street art is everywhere. The city is a vibrant mixture of old and new.
Explore the city centre by Tram - it's a circular route providing a convenient hop on / hop off opportunity to soak up the atmosphere!
Barry and Angela have plenty of maps and can show you exactly where the premier Christchurch activities are.
In the heart of the city, you will find the Cultural Precinct - home to the Canterbury Museum and Botanical Gardens. Many coach and bus tours operate from here. The river Avon runs throughout the city including the Botanical Gardens and punting is a leisurely pastime.
Opposite the Gardens and Museum is the Arts Centre - what was the old University. Across the road is the Christchurch Art Gallery.
Wildlife enthusiasts can visit Orana Wildlife Park, Willowbank Wildlife Reserve, or the little blue penguins at the International Antarctic Centre. Those who love aircraft rave about the aviation collections at the Air Force Museum of New Zealand.
You can spend a day exploring the Port Hills and East Coast beaches, head inland across Canterbury Plains, take a world-class rail journey over the Southern Alps on the Tranz Alpine, join the Lord of the Rings Edorus Tour or swim with the dolphins in Akaroa.
The French settlement of Akaroa is just a 75 minute drive across Banks Peninsular, a scenic drive all the way with spectacular views overlooking the bays.
Wine lovers will know that a few years ago the South Island of New Zealand became part of the prestigious Great Wine Capitals Global Network. There are numerous wine tours available so you can explore Waipara - New Zealand's fastest growing wine area producing a fine selection of sophisticated white and red wines. Greystone was voted New Zealand's best winery 2018.
