Plan a Romantic Getaway, Anniversary or Honeymoon to Christchurch
In a city dubbed “The Garden City”, adding a touch of romance to your visit to Christchurch is pretty effortless. From wandering around vibrant gardens to visiting the nearby wineries, there are plenty of romantic experiences for couples on their honeymoon, anniversary or simply a romantic getaway. The grand New Zealand landscapes are never too far away either, with the iconic TranzAlpine train taking you into the heart of the Southern Alps or even stunning hikes available in the nearby Port Hills. Wrap up a day in this South Island city with a romantic meal on “The Terrace” or enjoy a night-in at your boutique lodge or lavish inner-city hotel.
Plan a getaway with that special someone using this complete anniversary/couples’ getaway/honeymoon guide to Christchurch.
Honeymoon Activities in Christchurch
- Experience punting on the Avon River
- Walk hand-in-hand through the Botanic Gardens…
- … Or hike to the top of the Port Hills
- Indulge in a wine tour of the Waipara Valley
- Wander around the picturesque Mona Vale
- Snuggle up at the back of a boutique cinema
- Dress up for a night at the theatre
- Take a night tour of the Christchurch Art Gallery
- Book a table for two on the Christchurch Tramway Restaurant…
- … Or treat your loved one to date night at one of Christchurch’s romantic restaurants.
For elaboration on each activity, check out the 10 Romantic Activities in Christchurch for Couples.
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.
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.
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.
Honeymoon Accommodation in Christchurch
- BreakFree on Cashel
- Commodore Hotel
- Aalton Motel
- Rendezvous Hotel
- Southern Comfort Motel
- The Towers on the Park
- Orari Bed and Breakfast
- Pavilions Hotel
- Centrepoint on Colombo
- ibis Christchurch
- Chateau on the Park
- Sudima Hotel Christchurch Airport
- Southwark Hotel & Apartments
- Heritage Christchurch
- Commodore Hotel
- Parkview on Hagley
- Sudima Christchurch City
- The George
- Hackthorne Gardens Luxury Accommodation
- The Establishment
- The Salisbury Hotel
- The Classic Villa
- Airport Stableford Bed & Beakfast
- Eliza’s Manor Boutique Hotel
- Tai Tapu Lodge
- Hotel 115
- The Tack Rooms
- OGB Suites
- Lilac Rose Boutique Bed and Breakfast
- The Muse Christchurch Art Hotel
- Merivale Manor
- The Grange Boutique B&B and Motel
- Novotel Christchurch Cathedral Square
For more details on our top recommendations, see the 10 Best Romantic Accommodation in Christchurch.
More About Christchurch
- 10 Luxury Activities in Christchurch
- 10 Beautiful Gardens & Parks in Christchurch
- 10 Amazing Things to Do in Christchurch
That’s it for our honeymoon guide to Christchurch. You can find even more honeymoon tips in The Honeymoon Guide to New Zealand.
Author
Laura S.
This article was reviewed and published by Laura, editor in chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Since arriving solo in New Zealand over 10 years ago and with a background in journalism, her mission has been to show the world how easy (and awesome) it is to travel New Zealand. She knows Aotearoa inside-out and loves sharing tips on how best to experience New Zealand’s must-dos and hidden gems. Laura is also editor of several other South Pacific travel guides and is the co-host of NZ Pocket Guide’s live New Zealand travel Q&As on YouTube.