The Honeymoon & Romantic Getaway Guide to Christchurch

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Romantic Outdoor Adventures

Better described as “city adventures” than what you can experience in the rest of New Zealand, nevertheless, these outdoor adventures are sure to amp up the romance on a romantic getaway to Christchurch.

Punting on the Avon River

Arguably, the most romantic thing to do in Christchurch is punting on the Avon River. Join Christchurch Attractions for a gentle 30-minute ride on a flat-bottom boat as you pass willows lining the riverbank and ducks on the water. If you’re new to punting, it’s where your punter dressed in traditional costume uses a long pole to propel a flat-bottomed boat along the river. What’s more, this experience exists nowhere else in New Zealand.

Christchurch Botanic Gardens

Your punting experience passes through the Botanic Gardens, which, whether you do the boating activity or not, is well worth exploring. The picturesque and themed gardens are a fine example of Christchurch’s beautiful green spaces that have given the city the nickname of the “Garden City”. Smell the roses in the rose garden, observe beautiful water features, or even take a picnic using the services of Christchurch Luxury Picnics who curate irresistible hampers and picnic displays in your chosen Christchurch location. Learn more about the city’s gardens and their locations in the 10 Beautiful Gardens & Parks in Christchurch.

Port Hills

If you’re more of an active couple, head to the Port Hills for tremendous scenery. Hike to the top of the Port Hills on the Bridle Path, which is a steep two-hour return walk but offers breathtaking vistas of Christchurch, the Lyttelton Harbour, the Banks Peninsula and all the way to the Southern Alps. If you don’t fancy walking, you can always take the Christchurch Gondola (more info on Viator and Klook) to the top.

Christchurch Adventure Park Zipline

Boasting the highest and longest zipline in New Zealand, Christchurch Adventure Park combines adrenaline with glorious views of the city. What’s more, with a double zipline you can enjoy the experience simultaneously. That’s not all Christchurch Adventure Park has to offer, however, with walking trails, a scenic chairlift ride and a cafe. See how the zipline compares to the 10 Best Places to Zipline in New Zealand.

For more romantic city adventures, like Mona Vale, Christchurch’s most romantic beaches and more, check out the 20 Romantic Things to Do in Christchurch.

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Romantic All-Weather Experiences

Take your pick from wine, art or scenery, even if the weather isn’t playing ball, with these all-weather experiences for a romantic getaway to Christchurch.

Waipara Wine Tours

Because all good things start with wine, let’s begin with Christchurch’s wine tours. Go from boutique winery to boutique winery sampling the unique terroir of the Waipara wine region on a guided wine tour. Companies like Leisure Tours and Cheeky Wine Tours offer affordable small-group wine tours, while NZSI Tours & Travel offers private wine tours should you want to keep things more intimate. Learn more about the wineries in the 10 Wonderful Wineries in the Waipara Valley.

TranzAlpine

Whatever the weather is doing, it all adds to the experience of the TranzAlpine train journey (find out more on Viator and Klook). Often ranked as one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, the TranzAlpine train journey makes a picturesque transition from the lush Canterbury Plains to the mountainous Southern Alps. Either get off for a few hours in Arthur’s Pass in the heart of the Alps or journey all the way to Greymouth for the full experience. Activities like guided hikes in the Arthur’s Pass National Park or sheep farm visits can be organised through Canterbury Trails and Leisure Tours.

He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools

Venture to New Brighton together for a rejuvenating soak in the He Puna Taimoana Hot Pools. The complex features five saltwater hot pools ranging from 26°C to 40°C (79-104°F). Special sunrise sessions are also available on selected days to enhance the experience! If you’re a fan of hot pools, also check out the 10 Best Hot Pools in New Zealand.

Christchurch’s Boutique Cinemas and Theatres

When the sun starts to set over Christchurch, date night is only getting started at the city’s boutique cinemas like the Lumière Cinema (26 Rolleston Avenue) or Alice in Videoland (209 Tuam Street). Or dress up and indulge in the arts at the Isaac Royal Theatre (145 Gloucester Street), The Piano (156 Armagh Street) or The Court Theatre (36 Clarence Street South, Addington).

More information on all of these activities can be found in the 20 Romantic Things to Do in Christchurch, while more rainy-day alternatives can be found in the 20 Things to Do in Christchurch on a Rainy Day.

© Nancy Zhou - ChristchurchNZ

Romantic Restaurants in Christchurch

For a more traditional date night or honeymoon treat in Christchurch, book a table for two at one of the city’s romantic restaurants.

Christchurch Tramway Restaurant

One worth experiencing for a special occasion is the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant (Cathedral Junction, 109 Worcester Street). Indulge in a four-course meal of New Zealand cuisine while seeing the sights of the inner city, including the lush Botanic Gardens and the gentle waters of the Avon River.

Dining at The Terrace

A good go-to for romantic dining is “The Terrace” along the Avon River for an array of restaurants, such as Delilah (122 Oxford Street) for its European-style sharing plates, Amaterrace (134 Oxford Terrace) for a Japanese teppanyaki experience, or Amazonita (126 Oxford Terrace) for charcoal-grilled cuisine combined with creative cocktails.

More Romantic Restaurants in Christchurch

Elsewhere in the city, enjoy the atmospheric dining room and plush seating of The Monday Room (161 High Street) serving New Zealand cuisine. On the funky New Regent Street, find Story (8 New Regent Street) offering an intimate dining experience with a three- or two-course set menus reflecting seasonal ingredients.

For more restaurant recommendations, check out The Food Guide to Christchurch.