The Honeymoon Guide to Christchurch

© ChristchurchNZ

Romantic Adventure Activities

Better described as “city adventures” than what you can experience in the rest of New Zealand, nevertheless, Christchurch’s romantic activities are sure to amp up the romance. Arguably, the most romantic thing to do in Christchurch is punting on the Avon River. Join Christchurch Attractions (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) 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.

Your punting experience passes through the Botanic Gardens, which, whether you do the boating activity or not, is well worth exploring. The picturesque themed gardens is a fine example of Christchurch’s beautiful gardens 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 in the 10 Beautiful Gardens & Parks in Christchurch.

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 Tripadvisor) to the top.

For more romantic city adventures, like Mona Vale, check out the 10 Romantic Activities in Christchurch for Couples.

© Cheeky Wine Tours

Romantic All-weather Activities

Take your pick from wine, art or scenery, even if the weather isn’t playing ball. 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 (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor) and Cheeky Wine Tours (Viator and Tripadvisor) offer reasonably-priced small-group wine tours, while NZSI Tours & Travel (Viator and Tripadvisor) 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.

Whatever the weather is doing, it all adds to the experience of the TranzAlpine train journey (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor). 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 (Viator and Tripadvisor) and Leisure Tours (Viator and Tripadvisor).

When the sun starts to set over Christchurch, date night is only getting started at the city’s boutique cinemas like the Lumière Cinema or Alice in Videoland. Or dress-up and indulge in the arts at the Isaac Royal Theatre or The Piano. You may also want to take a night tour of the Christchurch Art Gallery. More information on all of these activities can be found in the 10 Romantic Activities in Christchurch for Couples, while more rainy day alternatives can be found in the 10 Things to Do in Christchurch on a Rainy Day.

© Pixabay

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. One worth experiencing for a special occasion is the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant (Cathedral Junction, 109 Worcester Street – more info on Viator and Tripadvisor). 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.

A good go-to for romantic dining is “The Terrace” along the Avon River for an array of restaurants, such as Crockett (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.

Elsewhere in the city, enjoy the atmospheric dining room and plush seating of the TMR Restaurant & Bar (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 Foodie Guide to Christchurch.