
There are also lots of options for shorter and return rides from various spots along the trail.

The whole trail is 50km long and pancake flat, so can be completed as a day-trip by fit riders or e-bikers.
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Along the way it takes in urban, rural and lakeside scenery as it follows a series of paths, streets and country roads. Much of this ride traces an historic railway line from the centre of Christchurch through to Little River village. The 358-hectare, partially forested park sports more than 40 trails ranging from easy and flowing to technical rough stuff. Even if you don’t ride, it’s worth heading up for the grandstand views. It’s New Zealand’s longest at 1.8km and was specifically designed to carry riders and bikes. The chairlift takes the sting out of a big Port Hills’ climb.
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Along with biking and walking trails, there are chairlift rides and a zipline, mountain biking lessons, kids’ holiday programmes and other events, plus a spacious café set in woodlands surrounds. Half an hour’s ride from the city centre, Christchurch Adventure Park is terrific one-stop-shop for outdoor action. CHRISTCHURCH ADVENTURE PARK Christchurch Adventure Park Nearby Physics Roomis a gallery focused on beautiful contemporary art with a dedication to celebrating new and innovative works in New Zealand and well-worth a visit too. You’ll be transported through time and space as you move from room to room experiencing a selection of historical and contemporary works spread throughout two expansive floors. Nothing stays the same for long in the gallery, which is the city’s largest and most comprehensive that hosts a revolving door of art exhibitions. You can experience an enjoyable art fix at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū. Strolling through an art gallery is a rite of passage for most people venturing around a new city. Iconic Australasian species include kiwi and rambunctious Tasmanian devils. Hand-feeding the giraffes is a special experience, and the daily lion encounter allows visitors to travel in a protected vehicle while Orana’s big cats are being fed. Orana has five of the giant primates, and other highlights straight from Dr Dolittle’s appointment book are also mainly from Africa. SUPPLIED NZ's only open range zooĬhristchurch’s sprawling Orana Wildlife Park is New Zealand’s only open range zoo, and it’s also the only place in the country where visitors can see gorillas. Orana Wildlife Park is home to New Zealand's only gorillas. A whole family can fit abreast on the giant slide, two people can race on the flying fox, operating the water channels can be a group effort, and there's enough sand for a castle as big as you want. If you're in the mood for a physical challenge, a race, climbing, digging, squirting, bouncing, sliding, spinning or skimming, this is the place to lose time.

In Margaret Mahy Playground more than two hectares are devoted to supplying the means for play and adventure of all sorts, appealing to a wide range of ages. Read more The southern hemisphere's biggest playgroundĪlongside the Avon River, just a couple of blocks from Cathedral Square, lies the most fun to have come out of the post-quake Rebuild. A hot soak after a long day on the mountain is set to be popular this season with new Ōpuke Thermal Pools and Spa now open. Many Kiwis have already skied Queenstown and Ruapehu, and now it's time to find out why Cantabrians love Mt Hutt, which is just half an hour's drive away from Methven. Mt Hutt has consistently been voted the country's best ski resort at the World Ski Awards, with 365 hectares of terrain open every year from June until October.

That, plus four dramatic viaducts and 15 tunnels - including an epic 8.5km stretch right under the Southern Alps - make it hard to stay in your seat for longer than a few seconds. Across 223 kilometres from coast to coast, the journey features a hit list of striking natural landscapes, including wide-open plains, aqua-blue rivers, lush valleys and native beech forest. The TranzAlpine train between Greymouth and Christchurch is widely regarded as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world. SUPPLIED The scenic train journey of a lifetime Ride through the action on beautiful New Regent Street.
