Things to do in Christchurch

Country Glen Lodge – your Christchurch motel accommodation – is a fully Kiwi-owned business and our staff have an expansive knowledge of the Christchurch and Canterbury region; we’ll help you make the most of your stay here. We endeavour to provide you with a ‘home away from home’ – so sit back and let us do the work to ensure you have a fun filled experience!

Christchurch is New Zealand’s second largest urban area, and is a superb location from which to explore Canterbury on your South Island holiday.

With fantastic history, art, boutique shopping in our new container mall which is a must visit, cafes and restaurants to explore there is something here for everyone.

The Canterbury region is famous for its vineyards, unspoilt lakes and mountains, wilderness walks and many South Island tour options.

Country Glen Lodge - your central Christchurch motel - would be happy to assist you in planning tours, rental cars and other services during your holiday - please contact us for more information.

Punting on the River Avon
Experience a 30 minute guided tour through historic inner city Christchurch with your Edwardian punter as you glide gently down the Avon River.

Botanic Gardens
An English Oak tree was the first to be planted in 1863 in what is now Christchurch Botanic Gardens – a 21 hectare display of horticulture, memorials, garden art, conservatories and walking tracks.

Christchurch & Canterbury Activities

Willowbank Wildlife Reserve & Restaurant:  

• Enjoy the Kiwi Wildlife experience at Willowbank, a great place for the whole family, see Kiwis up close on our night tours
• Discover Tane Mahuta, the Maori God of the Forest and learn about a people who live in harmony with nature and how our culture has grown
• Treat yourself to a special dining experience in Willowbank's restaurant; with a huge open fire in winter, inquisitive deer at the window and a trout filled river flowing alongside, you're bound to have an unforgettable experience
• NZ's wildlife is largely nocturnal, a visit here is a must for those wanting a real NZ experience, feed eels, play with the Kea, and eyeball a weka.

Country Glen Lodge - your Christchurch motel accommodation - is happy to provide any information you need, or help with planning, your activities during your stay. Please contact us for more information.

Canterbury District

Ballooning over the Canterbury Plains
There is no other place in the world where you can fly from the city centre, toward snow-capped mountain ranges with the sun rising out of the ocean.

Banks Peninsula
Lyttleton, a historic township 20 minutes from Christchurch, overlooks the South Island’s largest port. Turn-of-the-century cottages and stone buildings adorn the streets of boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.

Akaroa
A picturesque 90 minute drive from Christchurch, this charming French-inspired village has sweeping harbour views. Spend a leisurely day exploring boutique shops, museums, galleries and gourmet eateries, or swim with the Hector dolphins.

Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs is just a short, yet spectacular, 90-minute drive north from Christchurch
Fishing - Fly Fishing and Accommodation, Riverview Lodge, Hanmer Springs

For a village of around 1,000 permanent residents, Hanmer Springs has so much to offer you, from the award-winning thermal pools to the many outdoor adventures and activities.

Treat yourself to quality cuisine at one of the village’s 20 restaurants and cafes or let some of New Zealand’s finest art, jewellery or fashion options catch your eye.

North Canturbury Food and Wine Trail
The North Canterbury Food & Wine Trail brings together a delicious potpourri of food and wine experiences that captures the authentic local flavours of our rural region. Cafes, restaurants, Waipara Valley wineries and food producers from the Hurunui are featured on the trail.

Hassle Free Tours
Sit down and relax, as our double decker bus take you are all the city sights. Explore the breathtaking Canterbury high country in the stunning Southern Alps of New Zealand with Hassle-free Tours New Zealand. We offer you three unique and exciting day tours from Christchurch.

Christchurch is the largest city in the South Island and the international airport is the ideal arrival point for your New Zealand holiday.

Whether you want to visit a Lord of the Rings location, get off the beaten track in a 4-wheel-drive vehicle, experience the world renowned Tranzscenic TranzAlpine train or take a jet boat tour, all while learning about New Zealand by a local Kiwi guide then Hassle-free Tours is the company for you - we do it all!!

Click here for more information on your Christchurch motel accommodation options at Country Glen Lodge.

Click here for a list of guest facilities at Country Glen Lodge, Christchurch.