Hagley Park was set up as a public park and is now the heart of Christchurch. The park is renowned for its extensive area of 165 hectares (407 acres), its wide-open spaces and mature woodlands that attract major sporting and cultural events. If you’re lucky you might be able to catch a cricket game in session or a Maori dance recital in the middle of the park.

(image source: Greg O'Beirne)

Bordering Hagley Park is the Christchurch Botanical Gardens, the pride and joy of the city. The Gardens was founded in 1863 when an English oak was said to have been planted to commemorate the solemnization of marriage between Prince Albert and Princess Alexandra of Denmark.

Today, the Gardens feature an array of exotic as well as native plants amidst towering majestic trees. The magnificent Avon River crosses the Gardens and there are many bridges providing passage between the banks of the river.  There are many horticultural displays, memorials, conservatories, walking tracks and romantic fountains as well as some creative garden-art pieces to explore. One of the must-sees is the Rose Garden, which showcases more than 250 varieties of sweet smelling roses.

Mona Vale is another public garden that straddles the river Avon. This Garden also comprises of garden sanctuaries, landscaped lawns and courtyards filled with water features and blossoming plants. Of particular note are Mona Vale’s Iris Garden, Rose Garden, The Fernery and Lily Pond.

At Mona Vale, there is nothing more relaxing, or more romantic, than taking a punt ride down the Avon River. Punts are small flat-bottomed wooden boats which are propelled by the punter using a pole to push against the river bottom. You can also opt to punt at the Botanical Gardens, however the Avon River at Mona Vale allows you access to private English flower gardens that surround the private residences and houses by the banks, and punting here gives you a more spectacular view of nature as you peacefully glide down the river. Don’t forget to take a picnic basket with you and have the quintessential lunch on the river in a punt, which is as old English as one can get.

Mona Vale used to also have a restaurant, but unfortunately the February 2011 earthquake has damaged the venue, and it’s awaiting demolition. However, the gardens, bridges and rivers are still open to viewing, and well worth the visit.

Try their Salt and Pepper Squid, Green Lip Mussels, Seared Atlantic Bay Scallops, Pan Fried Akaroa Salmon, Fresh Fish, or the Grilled Prawn Linguini to taste succulent Kiwi seafood. If you’re yearning for meat, don’t miss the Lamb and Mushroom Pie, which is contains generous amounts of flavorful  meat.

From the Oyster Soup to their Crab Raviolli, Tiffany’s has a variety of seafood dishes to delight the palate. Do try their Rack of Lamb or Venison if you want a meatier meal. Tiffany’s also serves oysters with either rock sugar dressing or lemon, and as there is quite an extensive dessert wine menu to compliment your meal, you will find dining at Tiffany’s to be a fulfilling experience.

If you’re going to Meshino for lunch, their seafood and lamb selections include their rich and creamy Seafood Chowder, Crab and Scallop Pie, Smoked Kippers, and their juicy Lamb Shepherd’s Pie. For dinner, the lamb is served in shank parcels or in rump form on a mushroom pate, and if you like to indulge in some game meat, Meshino offers Confit Rabbit and Ragout Venison for dinner as well.

(image source: International Antarctic Centre )

Being so close to Antarctica, it’s no surprise that Christchurch has a centre that is a mock up of what one can expect if they were to travel to Antarctica. Considered one of New Zealand's leading attractions, the International Antarctic Centre gives you a feel for life there through sound and light shows, audio-visual presentations and interactive exhibits. There is also an aquarium that houses specimen found in Antarctica and a penguin encounter, which enables you to observe Little Blue penguins in their natural environment.

Not to be missed is the Snow and Ice Experience, which is an indoor polar room chilled to -5 degrees with a wind chill of -18 degrees, to emulate the conditions of Antarctica. There is also an ice slope and an ice cave there to explore, as well as a man made “Antarctic Storm” which blows every 30 minutes, giving you an exhilarating effect of actually being in the South Pole!