Our pick of the romantic activities in Christchurch for couples

For those looking to sprinkle a touch of romance on their day or night out, Christchurch has a few activities that can lend a helping hand.  Ok, so we’re not going to promise that they'll transform your time together into a magical moment of romance, but they can help. 
 
So, to those couples looking for a touch or romance in the ‘Garden City’, we offer our pick of the ‘Top 10 Romantic Things To Do In Christchurch.  The rest is up to you…
 
1.  Punting The Avon

A relaxing and tranquil punt down the Avon River is a must-do romantic activity for couples.  Sit back and enjoy a tour through the Botanic Gardens and the home to one of New Zealand’s finest collections of exotic and native plants.  Departing from the Antigua Boat Sheds departure point and Worcester Bridge, punting is the ultimate romantic way to see the inner city’s Avon River Precinct.  More info.
 
Pricing (Feb 2021) - Adult: $30  / Location:  2 Cambridge Terrace

2.  Tramway Restaurant

For a romantic evening out, hop on board the Tramway Restaurant and experience the luxury of a 36 seater, colonial style dining tram and be treated to the finest service, cuisine and beverages New Zealand has to offer.  This experience combines fabulous dining with a sightseeing tour of Christchurch’s inner city vibrancy and heritage. The menu package includes a welcome drink, starter, entree, main, dessert and tea or coffee.  More info.
 
Pricing (Feb 2021) - Adult: $30 / Location:  109 Worcester Street

3.  The Gondola Ride

The 862 meter cable car ride up the side of Mt Cavendish is a chance to enjoy beautiful views across Canterbury.  At the summit, couples can soak up 360 panoramic views of the Canterbury Plains, the city, the Southern Alps, Lake Ellesmere and the Pacific Ocean in the distance.  There’s also a time tunnel ride (included in the Gondola ticket price) with an interactive history of the area.  More info.

Pricing (Feb 2021) - Adult: $119 / Location:  10 Bridle Path Road, Heathcote Valley

4.  TranzAlpine Rail Journey

Departing from Christchurch to Greymouth, the TranzAlpine is one of the world’s great railway journeys that showcases some of the most stunning scenery in the South Island.   The train has fantastic viewing carriages to appreciate the scenery on your way to Greymouth on the west coast.  The pleasant, five-hour journey operates daily, passing through the Canterbury Plains and the Southern Alps as it winds its way towards the South Island’s West Coast region.  Grab a glass of wine from the onboard café, sit back and let the scenery unfold.  More info.
 
Pricing (Feb 2021) – Adult Single Way:  From $139 / Location: Departs from Tower Junction, Addington

5.  Sumner Beach

Eight miles southeast of Christchurch is the popular coastal town of Sumner.  Head here for a relaxing time on the beach and a scenic lunch stop.  The town enjoys a striking coastline of jagged cliffs and bluffs.  The Esplanade is a pleasant, tree-lined street, set back from the sea, with a few bars and shops at the far western end.  At Cave Rock, you'll find cafes, bars and conveniences, and the whole place has a kind of Mediterranean feel.   More info. 

6.  Riverside Market

Couples can enjoy a foodie day out at the Riverside Market.  Overlooking the Avon River, the market is a fresh take on inner city life with a daily indoor market linking into a boutique network of retail, restaurants, cooking schools, cafes and bars.  More info. 
 
Location:  Corner of Lichfield St & Oxford Terrace

7.  Waipara Wine Valley

An easy drive up the coastal SH-1, just 40 minutes from Christchurch, is the beautiful Waipara Valley.  The Wine Valley is known for its Pinot Noir and Rieslings wines.  Enjoy sampling wines accompanied by food in the beautiful surroundings of vineyards and countryside.  Waipara Hills, Terrace Edge, Black Estate, Waipara Springs and Pegasus Bay are notable wineries which are good wine tasting and food venues to visit.  Check our ‘Wine Guide’ for details on all the wineries.

8.  Victoria Park

Spend a day together cycling or walking in Victoria Park on the outskirts of Christchurch.  The popular park offer panoramic views of the city, the Canterbury Plains, the Southern Alps, and Pegasus Bay.  The park was first planted in the early 1880s, and it was officially opened in 1897 to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, after whom the park is named.  Since then, continued planting has brought native birds back to the area including fantails, silvereyes, and bellbirds, which can all be heard calling from the trees.  More info.

Location:  Victoria Road

9.  New Regent Street

Stroll along the colorful pedestrian street of New Regent Street which oozes a Spanish mission architectural style and was built in the early 1930s.  The street has a decent amount of stylish restaurants and bars to pop into.  Come here for a romantic evening of sipping cocktails, dining out and to see a show at the Isaac Theatre.  More info.  

10.  Akaroa & Banks Peninsula

A scenic 90 minute drive east of Christchurch is the charming, French-influenced harbour town of Akaroa in the heart of the Banks Peninsula.   Situated in the middle of a volcanic crater, the harbour is home to seals, rare Hector’s dolphins, penguins, birds, and much further out to sea, whales.  The town features delightful French colonial building, French street names and French themed cafes and restaurants to enjoy some fine cuisine.   A day out trip should include a dolphin spotting cruise.  More info.