
How to Spend 48 Hours in Christchurch This Summer
A loose two-day plan combining food, gardens, the tram, the coast and a regional drive.
By Tom Whitaker · Tue, 27 January 2026
Section
Weekend escapes, day trips and South Island travel ideas.

A loose two-day plan combining food, gardens, the tram, the coast and a regional drive.
By Tom Whitaker · Tue, 27 January 2026

Three classic local escapes, each suited to a different kind of summer mood.
Mon, 12 January 2026

From Akaroa and Hanmer to Arthur's Pass, the region is built for short escapes.
Mon, 5 January 2026

Tourism New Zealand promotes Christchurch and Canterbury as a region of rivers, mountains, wineries, walks, skiing, craft beer and outdoor adventure. The story became one of the local angles worth revisiting for The Chri
Fri, 20 December 2024

United Airlines resumed direct Christchurch-San Francisco flights in December 2024. The story became one of the local angles worth revisiting for The Christchurch Bulletin's 2024 archive because it connects directly to h
Fri, 6 December 2024

Cathay Pacific returned to Christchurch in December 2024 with increased seasonal capacity. The story became one of the local angles worth revisiting for The Christchurch Bulletin's 2024 archive because it connects direct
Tue, 3 December 2024

Christchurch Airport announced a major terminal refresh ahead of the summer 2024 travel season. The story became one of the local angles worth revisiting for The Christchurch Bulletin's 2024 archive because it connects d
Tue, 15 October 2024

The Coastal Pacific scenic train connects Christchurch travellers with the Kaikōura coastline and Marlborough wine country. The story became one of the local angles worth revisiting for The Christchurch Bulletin's 2024 a
Tue, 1 October 2024

Christchurch Airport handled 6.25 million passengers in FY2024, up 10 percent on the previous year. The story became one of the local angles worth revisiting for The Christchurch Bulletin's 2024 archive because it connec
Tue, 27 August 2024

WORD Christchurch Festival 2024 brought more than 100 writers, thinkers and performers to the city between 27 August and 1 September. The story became one of the local angles worth revisiting for The Christchurch Bulleti
Tue, 27 August 2024

Great Journeys New Zealand promotes the TranzAlpine as a scenic rail journey linking Christchurch and Greymouth across the Southern Alps. The story became one of the local angles worth revisiting for The Christchurch Bul
Wed, 10 July 2024

Tīrama Mai ran as a free winter light festival in central Christchurch from 22-30 June 2024. The story became one of the local angles worth revisiting for The Christchurch Bulletin's 2024 archive because it connects dire
Sat, 22 June 2024

SailGP's 2024 Christchurch event brought global sailing attention to Lyttelton Harbour, though racing was disrupted by Hector's dolphins. The story became one of the local angles worth revisiting for The Christchurch Bul
Sun, 24 March 2024

The harbourside village continues to charm locals and visitors alike.
Mon, 29 December 1969

From Banks Peninsula loops to inland Mackenzie, here are some favourites.
Sun, 28 December 1969

Tourism providers say bookings are tracking well across the region.
Fri, 26 December 1969

From Hanmer Springs to Akaroa, the region is full of short-trip options.
Tue, 2 September 1969