jad n rich

Circumstances land me in Christchurch for under 3 days. Only one full day.

Is there a scenic drive, tour, trip you can do to really see some of the south islands beauty in one full day.

Probably not I did look at the train, but OMG expensive or what.

Also what to do in CC in the other few hours a day.

We are staying in a backpackers, the hotels looked pretty boring so we went with the jail cells, interesting.

Any other tips for CC. Eating out etc.

Thank you

barnsleymat

I've stayed in the Jailhouse Backpackers, it's great, feels like the prison on Porridge.

There's quite a few bars on the road the backpackers is on so you'll be fine for eating/drinking.

LauraNotts

Have a wander down Lincoln Rd (the road the jailhouse is on) to Hagley Park, if you walk down towards the hospital you'll come to the Antigua Boathouses and you won't be far from the Daffodill woodland. It's one of the first things I did in Christchurch once I came to live in NZ and it's really lovely.

Persephone

How about a drive up to Arthur's Pass? It is easily done in a day and is one of my favourite drives Watch out for keas, saw one fly over and steal a pie off someone's plate once And they like eating cars!

Akaroa and Banks Peninsula are a good day trip as well and are pretty but if you want more typical South Island scenery then go with Arthur's Pass.

jad n rich

I had to look up what a keas was, shows my level of Kiwi knowledge

thanks for the replies so far, off to google the suggestions

moving2NZ2013

Take a trip up mt hutt stunning! Or lake colderidge

Buzzy--Bee

I would agree Akaroa, or even drive round the Banks Peninsula through Governors Bay and Diamond Harbour.

You can get as far as the West Coast in a very long days drive which is stunning scenery, but it depends if you want to be driving 6 hours there and back, the journey is pretty incredible though over the Southern Alps.

BB

BEVS

The wonderful Kea need all the protection that can be offered. Drive carefully on the alpine roads.


For a taste of the South Island, I would go with the Arthur's Pass drive, there and back. A Long driving day, but beautiful in the right weather.

Matelot

Arthurs Pass plus a few Kias https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=ar...MQ7Ak#imgdii=_

Stormer999

If going Arthurs pass route then come back via Lewis pass to make the loop, there's even a thermal spring stop on Lewis.
Maruia Springs | "Onsen" Japanese style hot springs, Massage, Restaurant & Accommodations
Quick plunge to get ready for a glass or two.

Buzzy--Bee

Geez you'd be lucky to do the Arthurs and Lewis in the same day unless you left Christchurch at 4am or something!

BB

Matelot

Two wheels are faster than four perhaps?

Stormer999

Yes spot on Matelot Who would want four on roads like them....

Stormer999

Chch to G'Mouth 250k via Arthurs approx 3 hrs, Lewis return leave 4 hrs. You leave at 4 am you could be back for an early lunch..

jad n rich

Well Arthurs pass looks popular then Really looking forward to it now, not a planned destination but the jail and scenery look pretty good, hopefully still some cooler weather