Originally Posted by Apple12

Hi Herm,
Nobody has mentioned the Port Hills yet. These are the playground for people living in the south of the city, heaps of walking trails, mountainbike tracks etc. If you are in the city drive south down Colombo st (main road through the middle of town) until you hit a roundabout at the bottom of the hills. Head straight through and up Dyer's Pass Rd. Halfway up the hill is a cafe called the "Cup", excellent coffee and lovely views across to the southern alps. Keep going up the hill to the Sign of the Kiwi. Park and walk to your left. There are walking tracks up here with excellent views, eg a 1 hour circumnavigation of the Sugarloaf gives you good views across Lyttleton Harbour then back around to over the city to the Alps. The Sign of the Kiwi does excellent cheese and pineapple toasties, or take your picnic to one of many vantage points to your right along the summit road.
Or walk up and over the Bridle Path, the main route for early settlers arriving by boat in Lyttleton and needing to get over the hills to Christchurch. I still don't know how they managed to get their pianos over the pass!
Driving out to Sumner for fish and chips on the beach, then driving back along the summit road in the evening is lovely.
The standard day trips are to Hanmer (1 hr 30 each way), fantastic hot pools and lots of walking/mountainbiking) or to Akaroa as mentioned above. Exploring Banks Peninsula can take up a day, lots of little winding roads down to tiny bays, a different way of life. I guess that you may be doing plenty of driving anyway though.
Lots of lovely gardens to see too, my favourite is Ohinitahi in Governer's Bay. PM me if you want directions.
If you want to shop like a tourist go to the Arts Centre in town, if you want to shop like a local go to the Riccarton Market at the Riccarton Racecourse on Sun 9-2pm. It is huge and it is best to be there early.
The best Thai restaurant in town is Kanniga's at 18a Papanui Rd.

Hope this helps, PM me if you want any more ideas.

Originally Posted by Billie

WHich areas of the Banks Peninsula are the hottest/best climate for living permanently- thinking here about Lyttleton versus Diamond Harbour, CHurch Bay, Governor's Bay. What are the pros and cons of each for living and working in Christchurch?

Originally Posted by shepslady

Parts of Lyttelton are ok to live but a lot of the houses are really old villa types. Would be ok to get one that has been looked after & modernised a little but have to becareful what part of Lyttelton you choose as some parts get very little sunshine especially during the winter months. Governors Bay is ok & has a direct route over the hill into the city but can be a little hairy during the winter months. Diamond Harbour is a lovely place & is serviced by ferry service to Lyttelton but all these places need to be checked out because it really comes down to personal preference. Travelling times to the City vary so would be best to check it out yourself & also if you have children a big consideration is schools as none of these places have high schools & children in these areas have to travel through to the city by bus to attend High Schools making Cashmere High school the closet school. Again something you need to research.

Hope this is of some help

Shepslady
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Originally Posted by Herm

Have decided to leave the sunny north in mid Feb and drive the kids down to Uni in Dunedin. As we have never been to Christchurch thought we would stop over on the way back for a couple of days of R&R.

To all of you living in and around Christchurch how should we spend the 2 days and what sights, sounds, events etc should we definately NOT miss.

Cheers

Originally Posted by Billie

Yes- you've raised excellent points. I am thinking that for working in Christchurch/ airport/ having two teenagers who want a lot of nightlife the above places won't suit. WOuld you mind giving me your opinions of Sumner?North and South Brighton/ Southshore? What are their reputations? Cost of housing? Any problems with any re noise/ boy racing? How about flooding? These areas seem nice and convenient for city centre.

Cheers