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. Furthermore, this experience is unique to 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 the historic Bridle Path, a steep 2.4 km route rising about 333 m, which takes roughly 1 to 1.5 hours each way.

At the crest, you’ll find the Canterbury Pioneer Women’s Memorial shelter and expansive views over Lyttelton Harbour, Banks Peninsula’s Mt Herbert, the Canterbury Plains, and the Southern Alps.

For a gentler option, take the Christchurch Gondola up Mount Cavendish. Enjoy 360° vistas from the summit, then stroll nearby trails or relax with a café snack at Shop at the Top before returning.

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 Kiwi Horizons Travel 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. 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. This seaside complex offers five saltwater pools with temperatures ranging from 26°C to 40°C (79-104°F), plus a plunge pool, steam room, and a beachfront sauna with ocean views.

Indulge in the adults-only late Friday evening session or elevate your experience with a romantic Sunrise Soak, watching the sun rise over the eastern horizon. Pre-booking is essential for this idyllic coastal retreat.

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 at the Arts Centre or Alice in Videoland in Tuam Street, each known for independent, thoughtfully curated film selections and intimate ambience.

For a dress-up evening, step into the historic Isaac Theatre Royal. This beautifully restored Edwardian-style theatre hosts world-class musicals, plays, comedy shows, opera and ballet in its elegant 1,290-seat auditorium.

Nearby, The Piano: Centre for Music and the Arts offers intimate chamber music and solo performances, perfect for music-loving couples.

For Kiwi humour and local storytelling, The Court Theatre now shines in its brand-new central-city venue, featuring two performance spaces that host plays, musicals, and beloved improv comedy nights.

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 luxurious four-course meal of New Zealand cuisine while gently gliding through the city aboard Tram 411, a beautifully restored 1920s Melbourne tram.

The seasonal menu showcases local produce like Canterbury lamb and Akaroa salmon, with options for various dietary requirements.

Enjoy views of illuminated landmarks and the Botanic Gardens as you complete about three laps of the central-city loop. The 2 to 2 hours 30 mins experience is offered nightly except public holidays.

Dining at The Terrace

A good go-to for romantic dining is The Terrace along the Avon River, where an array of stylish eateries creates the perfect setting for date night.

Delilah (122 Oxford Terrace) serves European-style sharing plates amid elegant décor with riverside views.

For a theatrical experience, Amaterrace Teppanyaki (Level One/134 Oxford Terrace) offers interactive grilling by the Avon.

Amazonita (126 Oxford Terrace) is ideal for couples who love bold flavours, with its charcoal-grilled modern Kiwi fusion cuisine and creative cocktails.

With poetic riverside seating just below, strolling along the Avon before or after dinner adds extra romance, whether it’s pausing for birdlife, soft breezes or sunset reflections.

More Romantic Restaurants in Christchurch

Elsewhere in the city, enjoy the atmospheric dining room and plush seating of The Monday Room (161 High Street). This Christchurch institution serves modern New Zealand shared-plate cuisine via seasonal Chef’s Banquet menus. The historic Duncan’s Buildings interior feels intimate and refined, perfect for couples seeking elegant yet relaxed fine dining.

On New Regent Street, Story (8 New Regent Street) offers an intimate, den-like setting for up to 22 guests. Its ever-changing “Trust the Chef” or set-menu experience unlocks creative, seasonal dishes built around local produce. According to locals, the lamb ribs and beef cheeks are standout dishes.

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