cappuccino

I've visited Chch several times over the past few years but in a couple of weeks time I am flying down there on my own (from Welly) to catch up with a friend who is 'passing through' NZ.

Where do you suggest I stay - city centre/outskirts/close to airport?

I wont be spending all 24 hours with my friend so what else shall I do whilst there?

pestman

We stayed right opposite the casino and ate at their all you can eat buffet which I have to say was bloody good value for money and atleast a year ago was really good food.

From there you could hoon watch,walk thru the rather seedy red light zone (if you can tell it apart from the town centre that is) or dodge the street gangs!

happy trip

grantanddebs

Hi there, a motel along Bealey Ave would be handy.

If you have a few spare hours, take a walk along to the Botanic gardens and the Avon River. All the leaves are turning colour and falling off.

the museum is along the same way as well. Gold coin entry.

The arts Centre is in the same place so thats worth a visit too.

Have fun!

pricklykina

24 hours - I would hole up in your hotel and avoid the local...they're certifiable

Yotty

Piffle!!! The're great people, what you see is what you get! If I had 24 hours in Chch, I'd visit arts centre, museum, Hagley Park, stroll along the banks of the rivers, get a car and drive down to the estuary and take a look at my old sailing club MPYC then up onto the Summit Road and hopefully have fish and chips at Akaroa! Stay in a motel on Ricarton Rd (sp). If there was anytime left I'd probably attempt Greymouth and back via Arthurs Pass! I wish ...

NZ4Now

Hiya

Avoid any motel on Bealey Ave as the boy racers hoon up and down there all night! A really good, funky & cheap place is HotelSO right in the City Centre so nice and handy for restaurants etc.

Things to do as already suggested:
Hagley Park, Sumner, Lyttleton, Arts Centre, Art Gallery and a good genereal look around the town.

scrubbedexpat094

How about the Antarctic Centre not far from the airport. I loved it there

cappuccino

I saw this hotel advertised and it does look funky and suitable for one night (rooms look tiny with miniscule bathroom).

My thinking is to either spend the night at this hotel and wander round town/museums/galleries
or
hotel near airport with gym/pool/sauna where I can chillax till I meet up with my friend in the afternoon/evening.

Yotty

it's cold enough in Chch in the winter without going to the Antartic Centre!!

Pointer

we stayed in the IBIS in March and it was fit for purpose - it is just round the corner from cathedral square. 10 minute walk to botanic gardens and a two minutes to some nice restaurants which face out onto the avon

irnbru14

Hey Libby, hotelSO is tiny if you go for the double room, possibly wont get a window either, it is fine for one person for one night, but you should be able to go on Expedia or Wotif and get one of the other central hotels for about teh same price (have stayed at Rydges/Holiday Inn/Grand Chancellor which are all fine).

Lot of things have already been mentioned to do, perhaps the Dux de Lux for food as it seems a big Christchurch tradition (it is all vegetarian) while you are down by the Art Centre. The Art Gallery has some interesting exhibitions on, depends what is on when you are down.

Akaroa is nice for a half day trip, you can go by shuttle from the I-Site.

Jan n Neil

Stay at ours and with the money you save you could hire a car ????

Neil

scrubbedexpat094

Fair point

cappuccino

Ok so I have decided on city centre. Now what to do with my 24 hours?
I've done most of the touristy things so I think I will have a relaxing day. Does anybody have a recommendation for a day spa in the city centre (that wont break the bank)?

Yotty

I know it's a bit further out but this place is worth a look. http://www.riccartonhouse.co.nz/