Christchurch

With a population of over 400,000, Christchurch is the largest city in South Island and is known throughout New Zealand as the Garden City. The Port Hills provide a dramatic back drop to the city, which boasts many parks, rivers and a typically English layout of central square and parallel streets running north to south and east to west.

Christchurch is surrounded by mountains, the Canterbury Plains, beautiful coastline and many well maintained parks. Activities include ballooning, surfing, golf, walking and much more. During the winter months several world class ski fields are within 1-2 hours drive.

3 Days in and around Christchurch

Day 1 – In Town

After a good night's rest and a gourmet breakfast at the Charlotte Jane you will be rested and rejuvenated to spend your day in town.

Stroll down to Hagley Park, a 10 min walk from the Hotel, and enjoy the natural and unique beauty of the Botanical Gardens or let us arrange a game of golf at Hagley Park.

Walk through the gardens to the art museum, and the contemporary art centre.
Take in the beauty of the heritage buildings and Cathedral Square where, at the weekend you will find the bustling market with local produces, art works and wines.

Take the tram from Cathederal Square and enjoy the ride through the city.
Or go punting on the Avon.
Enjoy a leisurely lunch on the strip with out door café dining.
Shops are in abundance on High Street – to work, or lunch or take the bus to the Gondola to enjoy the 360 views of Christchurch at dusk.

Return to your home away from home to enjoy a glass of local wine in our lounge or gardens.

Day 2 – Heritage and Culture

Start an early morning with a hot air ballooning trip across the Canterbury plains with a glass of champagne.
Spend your day at Willowbank to see the Kiwis or Ko Tane to wander through a Maori Village to learn of its culture and history.
Visit the extinct volcano in Lyttleton Harbour, the port where the Charlotte Jane docked in 1881.

Return home to dine in our conservatory restaurant, one of the best in town, and take in the beauty of the night by candle light.

Day 3 – Further afield - 3 different options
Akaroa – Drive to, or take the shuttle to Akaroa Township, swim with the dolphins or simply to have lunch and enjoy the spectacular scenery which is New Zealand

Waipara wine route – an hour from Christchurch is the Waipara wine region where you can wine and dine and enjoy Kiwi hospitality.
Pegasus Bay is one of the many excellent vineyards open for lunch and dinner.

Kaikoura is world famous for whale watching – a day trip to watch the wonder of these magnificent mammals is an unforgettable experience.