For couples · Christchurch · New Zealand
Romantic things to do in Christchurch
Ideas for a couples' trip, from small moments to a special day out.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand, CC0
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Quick answer
Christchurch suits slow, romantic days: punting under willows, garden walks, harbour views and wine country within an hour. Couples tend to stay in Merivale.
Key facts
- Romantic ideas
- 5
- Couple-friendly sights
- 3
- Area for couples
- Merivale
- Best months
- December–March
Romantic ideas
1.Punting at sunset
Glide along the Avon through the Botanic Gardens in the late afternoon light.
2.Gondola at dusk
Ride up Mount Cavendish to watch the sun set over the Canterbury Plains and the harbour.
3.Akaroa overnight
Spend a night in the harbour village with a dolphin cruise and a seafood dinner by the water.
4.Hot pools at New Brighton
Soak in the saltwater hot pools of He Puna Taimoana as the sun goes down over the beach.
5.Waipara vineyard lunch
A long lunch at a vineyard restaurant in North Canterbury's wine valley.
Sights couples love
Experience · Central City
Punting on the Avon
Choose a late-afternoon trip on a calm, sunny day; blankets are provided on cooler days.
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Couples
- Kids
- Outdoors
Viewpoint · Port Hills
Christchurch Gondola
Go on a clear morning for the best chance of seeing the Alps, and walk part of the Crater Rim track.
- Time needed
- 1.5 hours
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Views
- Kids
- Couples
- Outdoors
Beach · New Brighton
New Brighton Pier and He Puna Taimoana
Book a hot-pool session at sunset, then walk to the end of the pier.
- Time needed
- 2–3 hours
- Cost
- Low cost
- Outdoors
- Kids
- Couples
Where couples should stay
$$$ · Best for couples, quiet stays and food lovers
Merivale
Merivale is an upmarket residential suburb about 2 km north of the centre, centred on Papanui Road and Merivale Mall with boutiques, delis and well-regarded restaurants. Motels along Papanui Road are a good-value, quiet base within walking distance of Hagley Park and Mona Vale.
- Good
- Quiet, attractive streets; Good restaurants and cafés; Motels with parking
- Watch out
- A 25-minute walk or short bus ride to the centre; Little nightlife
- Nearby
- Mona Vale, Hagley Park, Botanic Gardens
Romantic day trips
- Akaroa (About 1 hour 30 minutes by car) — On Banks Peninsula, the harbour village of Akaroa was settled by French colonists in 1840 and keeps French street names and colonial cottages.
- Hanmer Springs (About 1 hour 45 minutes by car) — An alpine village known for its thermal pools and spa, surrounded by forest walks, mountain-bike trails, jet-boating and bungy at the nearby Waiau Ferry Bridge.
- Arthur's Pass (About 2 hours by car or 2 hours 30 minutes by TranzAlpine) — The highest pass across the Southern Alps has short walks to waterfalls such as the Devil's Punchbowl, cheeky kea parrots and alpine scenery.
- Waipara Valley (About 50 minutes by car) — North Canterbury's main wine region has cellar doors and vineyard restaurants known for Riesling and Pinot Noir, and is easy to combine with the road to Hanmer Springs or Kaikōura.
For dinner
Share local specialities such as Canterbury lamb, Whitebait fritter and Green-lipped mussels. Book weekend dinners at popular central-city restaurants a few days ahead.
Questions travellers ask
+Is Christchurch romantic?
Christchurch suits slow, romantic days: punting under willows, garden walks, harbour views and wine country within an hour.
+What is the most romantic thing to do in Christchurch?
Punting at sunset: Glide along the Avon through the Botanic Gardens in the late afternoon light.
+Where should couples stay in Christchurch?
Merivale: Leafy villas, boutiques and wine bars north of Hagley Park.